An end effector includes a cartridge assembly having a first tissue contactsurface, ananvil assembly having a second tissue contact surface, and one or more tissuepockets definedin one of the first or second tissue contact surfaces. The anvil and thecartridge assembliesare moveable between an open position and a closed position to selectivelyclamp tissuebetween the first and second tissue contact surfaces. Each tissue pocket isconfigured tocapture tissue therein while the anvil and the cartridge assemblies aredisposed in the closedposition. Each tissue pocket is configured to prevent the tissue frommigrating away from thefirst and second tissue contact surfaces while the tissue is clamped betweenthe first andsecond tissue contact surfaces.
