abstract |
A buttress (12) for use with surgical staplers (10) that does not require adhesive to securely fasten the buttress (12) to the stapler (10). The buttress (12) has an adaptive opening through its central region with a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the stapler anvil (16). Because of relief features built into the buttress (12), the stapler anvil (16) may be pulled through the buttress material without causing permanent alteration ot the buttress (12). These relief features may be provided regardless of whether the buttress (12) is made of inelastic or elastic materials. The buttress (12) is generally circular in shape with an outer diameter sized to coincide with the outer diameter of the stapler body staple compression surface (20) and the outer diameter of the anvil compression surface (18) of a circular stapler (10) with which it is used. Prior to surgical use, the buttress (12) is attached to the stapler (10) with disruptable portions extending from outer perimetal areas of the buttress (12). |