Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus having tissue bolstering material releasably attached thereto for application of the material and staples to body tisuse is disclosed. The tissue bolstering material is preferably releasably held to surfaces of the stapling apparatus through pins, clips or similar securing structures. The tissue bolstering material can be either planar or tubular in configuration. Preferably, both the anvil portion and the fastener ejecting portion of the stapler are at least partially covered with the tissue bolstering material. In use, tissue is disposed between the anvil portion and the stapling portion of the instrument and the instrument is fired. The tissue bolstering material is thereby secured to the tissue and releasably detaches from the stapler upon withdrawal of the stapler from the surgical site.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus having tissue bolstering material disposed thereon for application of the material and staples to body tissue. Two tissue bolstering members are preferably provided, each member being generally planar in configuration, wherein a first member corresponds to the dimensions of the tissue contacting surface of a staple cartridge and a second member corresponds to the dimensions of the tissue contacting surface of an anvil. In use, tissue is disposed between the anvil and the staple cartridge and the instrument is fired, thereby securing the tissue bolstering material to the tissue.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus having tissue bolstering material releasably attached thereto for application of the material and staples to body tissue is disclosed. The tissue bolstering material is preferably releasably held to surfaces of the stapling apparatus through pins, clips or similar securing structures. The tissue bolstering material can be either planar or tubular in configuration. Preferably, both the anvil portion and the fastener ejecting portion of the stapler are at least partially covered with the tissue bolstering material. In use, tissue is disposed between the anvil portion and the stapling portion of the instrument and the instrument is fired. The tissue bolstering material is thereby secured to the tissue and releasably detaches from the stapler upon withdrawal of the stapler from the surgical site.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus having biocompatible surgical fabric releasably attached thereto for application of the fabric and staples to body tisuse is disclosed. The fabric is releasably held to surfaces of the stapling apparatus through pins, clips or similar securing structures. The biocompatible surgical fabric can be either planar or tubular in configuration. Preferably, both the anvil portion and the fastener ejecting portion of the stapler are at least partially covered with the biocompatible surgical fabric. In use, tissue is disposed between the anvil portion and the stapling portion of the instrument and the instrument is fired. The biocompatible surgical fabric is thereby secured to the tissue and releasably detaches from the stapler upon withdrawal of the stapler from the surgical site.