Anvil cartridge for surgical fastening device

A method of releasing and activating adhesive with a surgical instrument, the surgical instrument including an end effector, a handle portion, and a shaft, the end effector including a lower jaw and an anvil, the lower jaw being configured to receive a removable cartridge, the instrument including a stapling and severing assembly responsive to a longitudinal closing motion produced by the handle portion and the shaft, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) receiving an anvil cartridge within an opening in the anvil;
• (b) producing the longitudinal closing motion to advance a severing feature of the stapling and severing assembly;
• and
• (c) driving the severing feature through the anvil cartridge.

A surgical instrument comprising:

• (a) a handle portion and a shaft, the shaft housing a firing bar;
• (b) a stapling and severing assembly responsive to a longitudinal closing motion produced by the handle portion and the shaft,
• (c) an end effector connected to the handle portion, the end effector comprising an anvil and a lower jaw, the anvil defining an opening, the lower jaw being configured to receive a cartridge;
• (d) a plurality of staples disposed in a housing of the cartridge, the anvil being configured to form the staples in response to the longitudinal closing motion when the lower jaw with the cartridge is in a closed position;
• (e) a deck disposed over the plurality of staples, the deck defining apertures, each aperture being substantially disposed over each staple;
• and
• (f) a biocompatible material configured for receipt within the opening in the anvil;
• wherein the firing bar is operable to move between the anvil and the cartridge to sever the material;
• and
• wherein the staples are operable to be driven towards the anvil in response to the longitudinal closing motion and through the material.