Anvil for surgical stapler

摘要

A detachable anvil assembly for use with an apparatus for performing circular anastomosis of tubular organs includes an elongated anvil rod having proximal and distal end portions and an anvil head mounted to the distal end portion of the anvil rod. The distal end portion is pivotally mounted and is adapted to pivot approximately plus or minus ninety degrees relative to a longitudinal axis defined by the rod. An elongated delivery member detachably receives the anvil assembly and facilitates delivery of the anvil assembly to the operative site. The pivoting feature of the distal end reduces the transverse profile of the assembly which consequently facilitates introduction and advancement of the anvil assembly within the tubular organ.