Patent ID: 6503257
Filing Date: 2003-01-07
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A method for releasing buttress material from a stapling instrument when the buttress is attached to the instrument by an adhesive, said method comprising:a. providing stapling instrument comprising first and a second opposed tissue clamping members movable between an open position, for receiving tissue therebetween, and a closed position, for stapling tissue therebetween, at least one of said first and second clamping members housing a plurality of staples, wherein a strip of buttress material is releasably attached to said first tissue clamping member by an adhesive; b. moving said instrument to its open position and inserting tissue between said clamping members; and c. releasing said buttress material from adhesive attachment to said first clamping member by closing said instrument and stapling said buttress material to said tissue, whereby the movement of said staples breaks said adhesive bond and releases said buttress material from said first clamping member, and thereafter opening said instrument.