US Patent 10070863 Fastener cartridge assembly comprising a fixed anvil

A surgical system is disclosed. The surgical system comprises an elongated shaft and an end effector comprising an open configuration, a closed configuration, an anvil, and a staple cartridge. The staple cartridge comprises a plurality of first staple drivers movable from an unactuated position to an actuated position. Each first staple driver defining a first staple support cradle for supporting a staple. Each first staple support cradle is located a first staple forming distance from a portion of the anvil when the end effector is in the closed configuration. The staple cartridge further comprises a plurality of second staple drivers laterally positioned with respect to the first staple drivers. Each second staple driver defining a second staple support cradle for supporting a staple. Each second staple support cradle is located a second staple forming distance from another portion of the anvil when the end effector is in the closed configuration.