摘要 |
A pericardial strip (11) and surgical stapler (1) assembly, and method of use thereof, in which at least one pericardial strip (11) is releasably attached to the jaws (5, 6) of the stapler (1) by passing the outer ends of the stapler through holes (13, 27) in the strip(s) (11). Preferably, the trailing end(s) (14) of the strip(s) (11) are secured to the proximal ends of the jaws by O-ring(s) (23, 24), suture(s) attached to the trailing end of the strip(s) (11), or opening(s) (13, 27) in the strip(s) (11). When the tissue is cut, the O-ring(s) (23, 24), suture(s) (15), or opening(s) (13) are also cut, thus permitting removal of the stapler (1) and allowing at least a portion of the pericardial strips (11) to remain.
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