Circular stapler buttress combination

摘要

A combination medical device comprising a circular stapler instrument ( 4 ) and one or more portions of preformed buttress material ( 16 ) adapted to be stably positioned upon the staple cartridge ( 12 ) and/or anvil ( 14 ) components of the stapler ( 4 ) prior or at the time of use. Positioned buttress material(s) ( 16 ) are delivered to a tissue site where the circular stapler ( 4 ) is actuated to connect previously severed tissue portions. An embodiment of the invention allows tissue portions to be joined without the use of sutures. The buttress material ( 16 ) is made up of two regions, one of which serves primarily to secure the buttress material ( 16 ) to the stapler ( 4 ) prior to acuation, and one of which serves primarily to form the improved seal. The former region is severed and discarded upon activation of the circular stapler ( 4 ) to form anastomoses, while the remaining material secures and seals the newly connected tissue. Methods of use and preparation of the buttress material ( 16 ) are also described.