A generally U-shaped surgical staple comprises a base and a pair of generally "L"-shaped legs extending substantially perpendicularly from opposite ends of the base respectively. The legs in use of the staple are bent through approximately 9° relative to the base. To effect a greater compression of the stapled tissue the legs include a penetrative portion adjacent the tip and a compressive structure which, due to its increased height relative to that of the penetrative portion, spreads the compressive forces of the staple further along the length of the incision being closed. The compressive portion also provides a depth stop to avoid the tip penetrating too deeply into the tissue in which it is deployed.
