US Patent 8424735 Variable compression surgical fastener cartridge

A surgical fastener applying apparatus having a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw includes a cartridge body having plurality of surgical fasteners disposed therein. The plurality of surgical fasteners include a plurality of first surgical fasteners having a first backspan with a first configuration, and a plurality of second surgical fasteners having a second backspan with a second, different configuration such that the plurality of first surgical fasteners apply a first compressive force to tissue upon formation and the plurality of second surgical fasteners apply a second, different compressive force to tissue upon formation.