Implantable layers and methods for altering implantable layers for use with surgical fastening instruments

A method for altering a biocompatible foam, said method comprising the steps of:

• obtaining a biocompatible foam comprising a melting temperature;
• heating a space creator to a temperature at least equal to said melting temperature of said biocompatible foam;
• inserting said space creator into said biocompatible foam in order to define a space in said biocompatible foam;
• allowing said biocompatible foam to cool below said melting temperature;
• and
• removing said space creator, wherein said biocompatible foam retains said space after removing said space creator.

A method for producing a biocompatible foam for use with a surgical stapler, said method comprising the steps of:

• obtaining a biocompatible polymer comprising a glass transition temperature and a melting temperature;
• dissolving said biocompatible polymer in a solvent to produce a solution;
• lyophilizing said solution to produce a biocompatible foam;
• heating said biocompatible foam to a temperature higher than said glass transition temperature and lower than said melting temperature;
• inserting a beam into said biocompatible foam in order to create a slot in said biocompatible foam;
• allowing said biocompatible foam to cool below said glass transition temperature;
• and
• removing said beam from said biocompatible foam, wherein said biocompatible foam retains said slot after removing said beam.

A method for altering a biocompatible foam, said method comprising the steps of:

• obtaining a biocompatible foam comprising a melting temperature;
• heating a space creator to a temperature at least equal to said melting temperature of said biocompatible foam;
• inserting a plurality of protrusions into said biocompatible foam in order to create a plurality of cavities;
• allowing said biocompatible foam to cool below said melting temperature;
• and
• removing said plurality of protrusions, wherein said biocompatible foam retains said plurality of cavities after removing said plurality of protrusions.