abstract |
A bolster assembly (1, 5; 110) for mounting upon a surgical stapler instrument (7, 120) to prevent displacement of activated staples from the stapled tissue (9, 129), includes a tissue reinforcing or bolster material (1, 112) secured to a carriage and support structure (5, 116) which facilitates the mounting of the bolster material (1, 112) on the stapler, in which the bolster material (1, 112) is removably fastened to the support structure (5, 116) by a single length (2, 122) of continuous filament, in order to facilitate removal of the filament and unfastening of the bolster material (1, 112) from the support structure (5, 116). |