Patent ID: 8343185
Filing Date: 2013-01-01
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method of performing a surgical procedure comprising: securing a flexible member to a first section of target tissue; inserting an anvil assembly of a surgical stapling device into an opening in a patient; identifying an amount of the first section of the target tissue for resection through reference to a marker positioned adjacent one of a plurality of receiving structures formed in a center rod of the anvil assembly that is visually distinct from both an outer surface of the center rod, and from the receiving structures; selecting one of the receiving structures for securement to the flexible member based upon the amount of the first section of the target tissue identified for resection, and relative positioning between the receiving structures and the marker; securing the flexible member to the selected receiving structure; connecting the anvil assembly to a shell assembly of the surgical stapling device; drawing the first section of the target tissue into the shell assembly; and firing the surgical stapling device to resect and fasten the first section of the target tissue.