Abstract: A method of deforming a plurality of surgical fasteners is provided. The method includes the step of providing a surgical instrument having a loading unit supporting the plurality of surgical fasteners in an array, the surgical instrument having a handle, a distal link, an intermediate link, and a proximal link. The method further includes the steps of moving the handle in a direction to pivot the intermediate link to a position in which the distal link, intermediate link, and proximal link have a fully-extended position, compressing a spring disposed adjacent the proximal link, deforming the surgical fasteners, moving the handle further in the direction, pivoting the intermediate link to another position in which the distal link, intermediate link, and proximal link have a deflected position and releasing the surgical fasteners from the loading unit.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for anastomosis of first and second blood vessels is provided. The surgical instrument includes a housing having distal and proximal ends and a handle and a disposable loading unit removably mounted to the distal end of the housing. The housing includes upper and lower fastener support members having a passage defined therethrough configured to receive an end of the second blood vessel and configured to releasably support a plurality of substantially L-shaped surgical fasteners and a retractable anvil located at a distal end of the loading unit, the anvil being movable relative to the fastener support members in response to actuation of the handle to simultaneously deform the surgical fasteners.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for anastomosis of first and second blood vessels includes a housing having distal and proximal ends, a handle and a disposable loading unit removably mounted to the distal end of the housing. The loading unit includes upper and lower fastener support members having a passage defined therethrough for receiving an end of the second blood vessel and configured to releasably support a plurality of surgical fasteners. The loading unit also includes a retractable anvil located at a distal end of the loading unit, the anvil being movable relative to the fastener support member in response to actuation of the handle to simultaneously deform the of surgical fasteners.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for anastomosis of first and second blood vessels includes a housing having distal and proximal ends and an actuator disposed therebetween. The actuator includes a handle and a link assembly, the link assembly being movable through a firing stroke in response to movement of the handle. The instrument also includes a disposable loading unit releasably attached to the distal end of the housing in mechanical cooperation with the actuator. The disposable loading unit supports a plurality of surgical fasteners, which deform upon movement of the actuator and the link assembly through the firing stroke.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for anastomosis of first and second blood vessels includes a housing having distal and proximal ends and an actuator disposed therebetween. The actuator includes a handle and a link assembly, the link assembly being movable through a firing stroke in response to movement of the handle. The instrument also includes a disposable loading unit releasably attached to the distal end of the housing in mechanical cooperation with the actuator. The disposable loading unit supports a plurality of surgical fasteners, which deform upon movement of the actuator and the link assembly through the firing stroke.

Abstract: An aortic punch for creating an aortotomy in a wall of a luminal structure. The aortic punch includes a housing having distal and proximal ends, first and second plungers, a first return spring and a cutting assembly. The first plunger is movable relative to the housing to expose a barb from the distal end of the housing for piercing and catching the wall of the luminal structure. The first return spring biases the barb proximally toward the distal end of the housing such that the barb pulls the wall of the luminal structure into contact with the cutting assembly. The present disclosure also relates to a method of forming an aortotomy in a luminal structure.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for anastomosis of first and second blood vessels includes a housing having distal and proximal ends, a handle and a disposable loading unit removably mounted to the distal end of the housing. The loading unit includes upper and lower fastener support members having a passage defined therethrough for receiving an end of the second blood vessel and configured to releasably support a plurality of surgical fasteners. The loading unit also includes a retractable anvil located at a distal end of the loading unit, the anvil being movable relative to the fastener support member in response to actuation of the handle to simultaneously deform the of surgical fasteners.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for anastomosis of first and second blood vessels includes a housing having distal and proximal ends, a handle and a disposable loading unit removably mounted to the distal end of the housing. The loading unit includes upper and lower fastener support members having a passage defined therethrough for receiving an end of the second blood vessel and configured to releasably support a plurality of surgical fasteners. The loading unit also includes a retractable anvil located at a distal end of the loading unit, the anvil being movable relative to the fastener support member in response to actuation of the handle to simultaneously deform the of surgical fasteners.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for anastomosis of first and second blood vessels includes a housing having distal and proximal ends and an actuator disposed therebetween. The actuator includes a handle and a link assembly, the link assembly being movable through a firing stroke in response to movement of he handle. The instrument also includes a disposable loading unit releasably attached to the distal end of the housing in mechanical cooperation with the actuator. The disposable loading unit supports a plurality of surgical fasteners, which deform upon movement of the actuator and the link assembly through the firing stroke.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for anastomosis of first and second blood vessels includes a housing having distal and proximal ends and an actuator disposed therebetween. The actuator includes a handle and a link assembly, the link assembly being movable through a firing stroke in response to movement of he handle. The instrument also includes a disposable loading unit releasably attached to the distal end of the housing in mechanical cooperation with the actuator. The disposable loading unit supports a plurality of surgical fasteners, which deform upon movement of the actuator and the link assembly through the firing stroke.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for anastomosis of first and second blood vessels includes a housing having distal and proximal ends, a handle and a disposable loading unit removably mounted to the distal end of the housing. The loading unit includes upper and lower fastener support members having a passage defined therethrough for receiving an end of the second blood vessel and configured to releasably support a plurality of surgical fasteners. The loading unit also includes a retractable anvil located at a distal end of the loading unit, the anvil being movable relative to the fastener support member in response to actuation of the handle to simultaneously deform the of surgical fasteners.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for anastomosis of first and second blood vessels includes a housing having distal and proximal ends, a handle and a disposable loading unit removably mounted to the distal end of the housing. The loading unit includes upper and lower fastener support members having a passage defined therethrough for receiving an end of the second blood vessel and configured to releasably support a plurality of surgical fasteners. The loading unit also includes a retractable anvil located at a distal end of the loading unit, the anvil being movable relative to the fastener support member in response to actuation of the handle to simultaneously deform the of surgical fasteners.