Tissue thickness compensator comprising a plurality of capsules

A tissue thickness compensator for use with a fastening instrument, said tissue thickness compensator comprising:

• a compressible layer configured to be at least partially captured by fasteners;
• and
• a plurality of capsules embedded in said compressible layer, wherein each said capsule comprises a shell defining an enclosed void, and wherein said shell contains a medicament positioned within said enclosed void;
• wherein said compressible layer comprises a non-woven material.

A tissue thickness compensator for use with a fastening instrument, said tissue thickness compensator comprising:

• a compressible layer configured to be at least partially captured by fasteners;
• and
• a plurality of capsules embedded in said compressible layer, wherein each said capsule comprises a shell defining an enclosed void, and wherein said shell contains a medicament positioned within said enclosed void;
• wherein said compressible layer comprises a woven material.

A tissue thickness compensator for use with a fastening instrument, said tissue thickness compensator comprising:

• a compressible layer configured to be at least partially captured by fasteners;
• and
• a plurality of capsules embedded in said compressible layer, wherein each said capsule comprises a shell defining an enclosed void, and wherein said shell contains a medicament positioned within said enclosed void;
• wherein said compressible layer comprises a felt material.

A staple cartridge assembly, comprising:

• a cartridge body comprising a deck;
• a plurality of staples moveable between an unfired position and a fired position;
• a compressible layer, wherein said staples are engaged with said compressible layer when said staples are in said unfired position;
• and
• a substrate positioned intermediate said tissue thickness compensator and said deck, wherein said substrate comprises an enclosed void.

A staple cartridge assembly, comprising:

• a cartridge body comprising a deck and a plurality of staple cavities defined in said deck;
• a plurality of staples, wherein said plurality of staples are at least partially positioned in said staple cavities wherein said plurality of staples are movable between unfired positions and fired positions, and wherein said plurality of staples are arranged in:
• a row of first staples, wherein each said first staple is defined by a first unformed height;
• a row of second staples, wherein each said second staple is defined by a second unformed height which is different than said first unformed height;
• and
• a row of third staples;
• a compressible layer configured to be at least partially captured by said plurality of staples;
• and
• a plurality of capsules embedded in said compressible layer.

A staple cartridge assembly, comprising:

• a cartridge body comprising a deck and a plurality of staple cavities defined in said deck;
• a plurality of staples, wherein said plurality of staples are positioned in said staple cavities wherein said plurality of staples are movable between unfired positions and fired positions, and wherein said plurality of staples are arranged in:
• a row of first staples, wherein each said first staple is defined by a first unformed height;
• a row of second staples, wherein each said second staple is defined by a second unformed height which is different than said first unformed height;
• and
• a row of third staples;
• a compressible compensator configured to be at least partially captured by said plurality of staples;
• and
• a plurality of capsules embedded in said compressible compensator.