Patent Publication Number: US-10321908-B2

Title: Surgical stapling apparatus including buttress attachment via tabs

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a Continuation Application claiming the benefit of and priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/635,556, filed on Mar. 2, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,237,893, which is a Divisional Application which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/325,501, filed on Dec. 14, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,967,448, the entire disclosures of each of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Technical Field 
     The present disclosure relates to a surgical instrument for applying surgical fasteners or staples to body tissue, and more particularly, to a surgical buttress for use with an end-to-end anastomosis stapling apparatus. 
     Background of Related Art 
     Anastomosis is a surgical joining of separate hollow organ sections. Typically, an anastomosis procedure follows surgery in which a diseased or defective section of hollow tissue is removed and the remaining end sections are joined. Depending on the desired anastomosis procedure, the end sections may be joined by either circular, end-to-end or side-to-side organ reconstruction methods. 
     In a circular anastomosis procedure, the two ends of the organ sections are joined by means of a stapling instrument, which drives a circular array of staples through the end section of each organ section and simultaneously cores any tissue interior of the driven circular array of staples to free the tubular passage. Typically, these instruments include an elongated shaft having a handle portion at a proximal end to actuate the instrument and a staple holding component disposed at a distal end. An anvil assembly including an anvil shaft with attached anvil head is mounted to the distal end adjacent the staple holding component. Opposed end sections of the organ to be stapled are clamped between the anvil head and the staple holding component. The clamped tissue is stapled by driving a plurality of staples from the staple holding component so that the ends of the staples pass through the tissue and are deformed by the anvil head. 
     In use, one end section of the organ is secured about the anvil assembly and the other end section of the organ is held in place adjacent the staple holding component. The shaft of the anvil assembly is removably connected to the instrument. Once the anvil shaft is secured to the instrument, the anvil is drawn into close approximation to the staple holding component. The instrument is then fired to cause the staples to pass through tissue of both sections of the organ and deform against the anvil. During the firing step, a circular knife is advanced to cut tissue inside the staple line, thereby establishing a passage between the two sections of the organ. After firing, the instrument is typically removed by withdrawing the anvil through the staple line, after which the surgeon will carefully inspect the surgical site to ensure a proper anastomosis has been achieved. 
     While circular staplers are helpful in a number of surgical procedures, problems such as anastomotic leak, tear of tissue during stapler extraction, bleeding, and other complications may arise. In order to remedy such problems, buttress or reinforcing materials have been utilized. However, due to the inherent difficulty in positioning and securing such materials with the instrument, there is a continuing need for buttress material and buttress material and instrument combinations that can be safely and effectively positioned within staple cartridge and/or anvil. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus for joining two hollow organ sections with an annular array of surgical staples. The apparatus includes a staple cartridge component, an anvil component, a buttress component, and a fastening member. The staple cartridge component includes a plurality of surgical staples arranged in an annular array. The anvil component is movable relative to the staple cartridge component between spaced apart and approximated positions to adjustably clamp the organ sections between the staple cartridge and anvil components. The buttress component is configured and dimensioned to be positioned on a distal surface of the staple cartridge component. The buttress component includes a buttress member and a plurality of circumferentially arranged tabs extending proximally from the buttress member. The fastening member is configured and dimensioned to engage the plurality of circumferentially arranged tabs to securely position the buttress component on the staple cartridge component. 
     In an embodiment, the buttress member may have an annular configuration. In particular, the buttress member may be concentrically disposed in a juxtaposed relation with the plurality of surgical staples. The fastening member may be an annular ring configured and dimensioned to apply inward force to the plurality of circumferentially arranged tabs against an outer wall of the staple cartridge component. In addition, the fastening member may be a suture tied around the plurality of circumferentially arranged tabs against an outer wall of the staple cartridge component. 
     In another embodiment, the outer wall of the staple cartridge component may define a circumferential groove configured and adapted to receive a portion of the plurality of circumferentially arranged tabs. The fastening member may be in registration with the circumferential groove. 
     The apparatus may further include a knife member concentrically arranged in the staple cartridge component and with the buttress member. The knife member may be movable relative to the staple cartridge component. In particular, the buttress member may be configured to be disposed radially outward of knife member. 
     The plurality of circumferentially arranged tabs may each define a line of weakening adjacent the buttress member to enable detachment of the buttress member from the plurality of tabs. The buttress component may be configured such that the plurality of circumferentially arranged tabs engage an inner wall of the staple cartridge component. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus for joining two hollow organ sections with an annular array of surgical staples. The apparatus includes a staple cartridge component, an anvil component, a buttress component, and a fastening member. The staple cartridge component includes a plurality of surgical staples in an annular array. The anvil component is movable relative to the staple cartridge component between spaced apart and approximated positions to adjustably clamp the organ sections between the staple cartridge and anvil components. The buttress component is configured and dimensioned to be positioned on a distal surface of the staple cartridge component. In particular, the buttress component includes a buttress member and an outer rim extending proximally from the buttress member. The outer rim is configured and adapted to engage an outer wall of the staple cartridge component. The fastening member is tied around the outer rim of the buttress component to secure the outer rim against the outer wall of the staple cartridge component. 
     In an embodiment, the outer rim may include a plurality of circumferentially arranged loops configured and adapted to receive the fastening member therethrough. Alternatively, the outer rim may define a plurality of circumferentially arranged apertures dimensioned to receive the fastening member therethrough. Furthermore, each aperture may include an adhesive to secure the fastening member therein. The outer rim may define a circumferential line of weakening adjacent the buttress member to enable detachment of the buttress member from the outer rim. 
     In accordance with still another embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus for joining two hollow organ sections with an annular array of surgical staples. The apparatus includes a staple cartridge component, an anvil component, a knife member and a buttress component. The staple cartridge component includes a plurality of surgical staples in an annular array. The anvil component defines a plurality of staple pockets for forming the surgical staples. The anvil component is movable relative to the staple cartridge component between spaced apart and approximated positions to adjustably clamp the organ sections between the staple cartridge and anvil components. The knife member is concentrically arranged in the staple cartridge component. The knife member is movable relative to the staple cartridge component. The buttress component includes a buttress member concentrically aligned with the plurality of surgical staples and a plurality of circumferentially arranged tabs extending proximally from the buttress member. The plurality of tabs and the staple cartridge component have corresponding attaching members for securing the plurality of tabs to the staple cartridge component. 
     In an embodiment, the attaching members may be hook and loop fasteners. In particular, the staple cartridge component may have the hook and loop fasteners on the outer wall thereof and the plurality of tabs may have the corresponding hook and loop fasteners on an inner surface of thereof. Alternatively, the staple cartridge component may have the hook and loop fasteners on an inner wall thereof and the plurality of tabs may have the corresponding hook and loop fasteners on an outer surface of thereof. 
     In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus for joining two hollow organ sections with an annular array of surgical staples. The apparatus includes a staple cartridge component, an anvil component, a knife member and a first buttress component. The staple cartridge component includes a plurality of surgical staples in an annular array. The anvil component includes an anvil member defining a plurality of staple pockets for forming the surgical staples and a shaft extending distally from the anvil member. The anvil component is movable relative to the staple cartridge component between spaced apart and approximated positions to adjustably clamp the organ sections between the staple cartridge and anvil components. The knife member is concentrically arranged in the staple cartridge component. The knife member is movable relative to the staple cartridge component. The first buttress component includes a buttress member concentrically aligned with the anvil component and a rim extending distally from the buttress member. The first buttress component encloses the plurality of staple pockets defined in the anvil member. 
     The apparatus may further include a fastening member securing the first buttress component to the shaft of the anvil component. In particular, the fastening member may include a plurality of barbs. The rim of the first buttress component may be an outer rim that engages an outer surface of the anvil member. In addition, the first buttress component may further include an inner rim extending distally from the buttress member. The inner rim may be configured and dimensioned to engage the shaft of the anvil component. 
     In an embodiment, the apparatus may further include a second buttress component concentrically aligned with the staple cartridge component. The second buttress component may include a buttress member and a plurality of circumferentially arranged tabs extending proximally from the buttress member. The plurality of tabs may engage an outer wall of the staple cartridge component. In particular, the plurality of tabs and the outer wall of the staple cartridge component may include corresponding hook and loop fasteners to secure the second buttress component to the staple cartridge component. 
     Each tab may include a line of weakening adjacent the buttress member for detachment of the buttress member from the plurality of tabs. The buttress component may be configured such that the plurality of tabs engage an inner wall of the staple cartridge component. The plurality of tabs and the inner wall of the staple cartridge component may include corresponding hook and loop fasteners to secure the second buttress component to the staple cartridge component. 
     The apparatus may further include a fastening member configured and dimensioned to engage the plurality of circumferentially arranged tabs to securely position the second buttress component on the staple cartridge component. The fastening member may be an annular ring configured and dimensioned to apply inward force to the plurality of circumferentially arranged tabs against an outer wall of the staple cartridge component. Alternatively, the fastening member may be a suture tied around the plurality of circumferentially arranged tabs against an outer wall of the staple cartridge component. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described hereinbelow with reference to the drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an annular surgical stapling apparatus configured for use with a surgical buttress assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a head portion of the surgical stapling apparatus of  FIG. 1  illustrating a surgical buttress assembly mounted on a distal portion of a staple cartridge assembly; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded, perspective view, with parts separated, of the head portion of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the area of detail indicated in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a head portion of a surgical stapling apparatus including a surgical buttress assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded, perspective view, with parts separated, of the head portion of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the area of detail indicated in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the annular surgical apparatus of  FIG. 1  illustrating insertion of the apparatus through two hollow organ sections; 
         FIG. 9  is an enlarged, partial longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the head portion of the apparatus of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is an enlarged, partial longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the head portion of the apparatus of  FIG. 8 , illustrating stapling and cutting of the two hollow organ sections; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a head portion of a surgical stapling apparatus including a surgical buttress assembly in accordance with still another embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 12  is an exploded, perspective view, with parts separated, of the head portion of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the area of detail indicated in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a head portion of a surgical stapling apparatus including a surgical buttress assembly in accordance with still another embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 15  is an exploded, perspective view, with parts separated, of the head portion of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 16  is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the area of detail indicated in  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a head portion of a surgical stapling apparatus including a surgical buttress assembly in accordance with still yet another embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 18  is an exploded, perspective view, with parts separated, of the head portion of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 19  is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the area of detail indicated in  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a head portion of a surgical stapling apparatus including a surgical buttress assembly in accordance with still yet another embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 21  is an exploded, perspective view, with parts separated, of the head portion of  FIG. 20 ; 
         FIG. 22  is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the area of detail indicated in  FIG. 20 ; 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of a head portion of a surgical stapling apparatus including a surgical buttress assembly in accordance with still another embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating an anvil assembly and the surgical buttress assembly detached from the surgical stapling apparatus; 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective view of the anvil assembly and the surgical buttress assembly of  FIG. 23  securely positioned on the anvil assembly; 
         FIG. 25  is an exploded, perspective view, with parts separated, of a head assembly of a surgical stapling apparatus including a surgical buttress assembly in accordance with still yet another embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 26  is a perspective view of an anvil assembly and the surgical buttress assembly of  FIG. 25  securely positioned on the anvil assembly. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views. As used herein, the term “distal,” as is conventional, will refer to that portion of the instrument, apparatus, device or component thereof which is farther from the user while, the term “proximal,” will refer to that portion of the instrument, apparatus, device or component thereof which is closer to the user. In the following description, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail. 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 , a surgical stapling apparatus  10  for performing circular anastomosis of hollow organs is shown. Surgical stapling apparatus  10  drives a circular array of staples  7  ( FIG. 9 ) through the end sections of each organ and simultaneously fires a cylindrical knife  76  ( FIG. 9 ) to cores any tissue radially inward of the driven circular array of staples  7  to free the tubular passage, and thereby joining two ends of the organ. Surgical stapling apparatus  10  includes a handle assembly  20  having a pair of pivotable actuating handle members  22  and an advancing means  24  including a rotatable grip member  26 , an elongate body portion  30  extending distally from handle assembly  20 , and a head portion  50  including an anvil assembly  60 , a staple cartridge assembly  70 , and a surgical buttress assembly  100  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     The components of surgical apparatus  10  are generally formed from thermoplastics including polycarbonates, and metals including stainless steel and aluminum. The particular material selected to form a particular component will depend upon the strength requirements of the particular component. Staples  7  are of a conventional type and include a backspan having a pair of legs extending from the backspan. The legs terminate in tissue penetrating tips. 
     Handle assembly  20  can be actuated to approximate anvil assembly  60  relative to staple cartridge assembly  70  and to apply a pair of annular arrays of staples  7  through tissue. In order to properly position tissue in head portion  50 , rotatable grip member  26  may be rotated to move anvil assembly  60  axially relative to staple cartridge assembly  70  between a spaced apart position and an approximated position in which anvil assembly  60  is positioned adjacent staple cartridge assembly  70  to clamp tissue therebetween. Handle members  22  may be squeezed to fire staples  7  through tissue to join two segments “T 1 ,” “T 2 ” ( FIG. 9 ) of tubular tissues together, as will be discussed in detail below. 
     Elongate body portion  30  is constructed to have a slightly curved/bent shape along its length. However, elongate body portion  30  may also be straight, as well as flexible to bend to any configuration. The length, shape and/or the diameter of elongate body portion  30  may be varied to suit a particular surgical procedure. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 2-4 , head portion  50  includes anvil assembly  60 , staple cartridge assembly  70  and surgical buttress assembly  100  detachably secured with staple cartridge assembly  70 . Staple cartridge assembly  70  may be fixedly connected to a distal end portion of elongate body portion  30  or may be configured to concentrically fit within the distal end portion of elongate body portion  30 . In particular, staple cartridge assembly  70  defines a pair of annular arrays of staple receiving slots  72  having a staple  7  disposed in each one of staple receiving slots  72  and a circumferentially arranged groove  71  ( FIG. 4 ) such as, e.g., a countersink, in an outer wall  79  thereof. 
     In addition, staple cartridge assembly  70  includes cylindrical knife  76  concentrically arranged with the pair of annular arrays of staples  7  and a plurality of staple pushers  9  ( FIG. 9 ) each disposed in respective staple receiving slot  72  to eject the respective staple  7  through slot  72 . In use, staples  7  travel through slots  72  and tissue toward anvil assembly  60  for formation thereof. 
     With brief reference to  FIG. 9 , cylindrical knife  76  includes a distal rim  79  defining a knife blade adapted to cut tissue. Upon actuation of handle members  22 , cylindrical knife  76  is moved distally to cut tissue, and the plurality of pushers  9  are moved distally to eject staples  7  disposed in staple receiving slots  72  therethrough, toward anvil assembly  60 . 
     With particular reference back to  FIG. 3 , positioned distally of staple cartridge assembly  70  is anvil assembly  60  including an anvil member  62  and a shaft  64  extending proximally from anvil member  62 . Anvil member  62  includes a plurality of pockets (not shown) for receiving and forming staples  7 . Shaft  64  is configured to be detachably received in approximation shaft  75  disposed in elongate body portion  30 . Approximation shaft  75  is operatively coupled with rotatable grip member  26  of handle assembly  20 , whereby rotation of rotatable grip member  26  moves approximation shaft  75  axially. Such axial movement of approximation shaft  75  is imparted to anvil assembly  60  detachably coupled with approximation shaft  75 . In this manner, anvil assembly  60  is movable axially relative to staple cartridge assembly  70  between a spaced apart position and an approximated position in which anvil assembly  60  is positioned adjacent staple cartridge assembly  70  to adjustably clamp tissue between anvil assembly  60  and staple cartridge assembly  70 . 
     Examples of instruments for performing circular anastomosis of hollow organs are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,053,390, 5,588,579, 5,119,983, 5,005,749, 4,646,745, 4,576,167, and 4,473,077, each of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , surgical buttress assembly  100  includes a buttress component  110  and a fastening member in the form of an annular ring  130  configured and dimensioned to secure buttress component  110  on staple cartridge assembly  70 . Buttress component  110  is provided to reinforce and seal staple lines applied to tissue by surgical stapling apparatus  10 . 
     Buttress component  110  includes a buttress member  112  having an annular profile configured to be concentrically aligned with staple cartridge assembly  70  and a plurality of circumferentially arranged tabs  120  extending proximally from buttress member  112 . In use, buttress member  112  is mounted on a distal surface  74  of staple cartridge assembly  70 . The annular profile of buttress member  112  is configured and dimensioned to be flush with an outer peripheral edge of staple cartridge assembly  70  when mounted on staple cartridge assembly  70 . Moreover, buttress member  112  is superposed with the pair of annular arrays of staple receiving slots  72 . In this manner, when staples  7  are ejected through the pair of annular arrays of staple receiving slots  72 , the legs of each staple  7  penetrate through buttress member  112  and the backspan of staple  7  is secured or abuts against a proximal surface of buttress member  112 . 
     In addition, cylindrical knife  76  is disposed radially inward of annular array of staple receiving slots  72  and of buttress member  112  that is in a superposed relation with the annular array of staple receiving slots  72  so as to not extend across a knife path of cylindrical knife  76 . In this manner, upon actuation of handle members  22 , the entire buttress member  112  is stapled to tissue to reinforce said tissue, and severing of buttress member  112  by cylindrical knife  76  is eliminated. 
     A fastening member is configured and dimensioned to engage the plurality of circumferentially arranged tabs to securely position the buttress component on the staple cartridge component of the stapling apparatus. For example, the plurality of circumferentially arranged tabs  120  that extend proximally from buttress member  112  are positionable on distal surface  74  of cartridge assembly  70 . See  FIG. 3 . More particularly, a proximal end of each tab  120  extends proximal of a groove  71  circumferentially defined in outer wall  79  of cartridge assembly  70 . See  FIG. 4 . 
     The fastening member may be provided in the form of an annular ring  130 , which is secured around circumferentially arranged tabs  120 , such that annular ring  130  applies a radially inward force against tabs  120  disposed across groove  71 . In this manner, annular ring  130  overlies groove  71  and is substantially flush with portions of buttress member  112  and/or tabs  120  that are disposed on or against outer wall  79  of staple cartridge assembly  70 . Such configuration enables buttress member  112  to be securely positioned in place with respect to staple cartridge assembly  70 . 
     Annular ring  130  may include and is not limited to a resilient band. For example, a piece of spring metal, which may be circular in shape, or a length of suture material, or similar straps, bands, cables, or other members may be used. 
     Buttress component  110  is monolithically formed as a single construct. However, each tab  120  may include a break, perforations, or a line of weakening adjacent buttress member  112 , whereby buttress member  112  that is stapled to tissue may be severed or detached from the plurality of tabs  120 . In this manner, tabs  120  may at least partially be retained in groove  71  by annular ring  130  and later removed from the surgical site along with surgical stapling apparatus  10 . 
     Buttress member  112  is fabricated from a biocompatible material which is bio-absorbable or non-absorbable, as well as natural or synthetic materials. It should be understood that any combination of natural, synthetic, bio-absorbable, and non-bioabsorbable materials may be used to form buttress member  112 . 
     In addition, buttress member  112  may be porous, non-porous, or combinations thereof. It is also envisioned that buttress member  112  described herein may contain a plurality of layers in which any combination of non-porous and porous layers may be configured. For example, buttress member  112  may be formed to include multiple non-porous layers and porous layers that are stacked in an alternating manner. In another example, buttress member  112  may be formed in a “sandwich-like” manner wherein the outer layers of buttress member  112  include porous layers and the inner layers are non-porous layers. Examples of multi-layered buttress members are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0001122, filed on Jun. 27, 2007, entitled “Buttress and Surgical Stapling Apparatus,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference therein. 
     In particular, the use of non-porous layers in buttress member  112  may enhance the ability of buttress member  112  to resist tears and perforations during the manufacturing, shipping, handling, and stapling processes. In addition, the use of a non-porous layer in the surgical buttress may also retard or inhibit tissue ingrowth from surrounding tissues, and thereby acting as an adhesion barrier and inhibiting the formation of unwanted scar tissue. 
     In addition, at least one bioactive agent may be combined with buttress member  112 . The agent may be disposed on a surface of the surgical buttress and/or impregnated therein. In these embodiments, buttress member  112  can also serve as a vehicle for delivery of the bioactive agent. The term “bioactive agent,” as used herein, is used in its broadest sense and includes any substance or mixture of substances that have clinical use. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 5-7 , it is further contemplated that a surgical buttress assembly  200  may include buttress component  110  and a fastening member in the form of a suture  230 . In contrast to surgical buttress assembly  100 , suture  230  may be utilized to securely position buttress component  110  on a distal surface  274  of a staple cartridge assembly  270 . As described hereinabove, a proximal end of each tab  120  extends across a groove  271  ( FIG. 7 ) defined in an outer wall  279  of cartridge assembly  270  when buttress member  112  is positioned on distal surface  274  of staple cartridge assembly  270 . 
     In use, suture  230  is wrapped around circumferentially arranged tabs  120 , such that suture  230  applies radially inward force against portions of tabs  120  disposed at least partially across groove  271 . In particular, staple cartridge assembly  270  defines groove  271  having an arcuate, transverse, cross-sectional profile to better accommodate suture  230  that overlies groove  271 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . Such configuration enables buttress component  110  to be securely positioned in place with respect to staple cartridge assembly  270 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 8-10 , surgical stapling apparatus  10  is shown in use in an anastomosis procedure to effect joining of, for example, two opposing intestinal sections. The anastomosis procedure is typically performed using minimally invasive surgical techniques including laparoscopic means and instrumentation. Initially, a diseased intestinal section is removed. Thereafter, anvil assembly  60  is inserted to the operative site either through a surgical incision or transanally and is positioned within the intestinal section “T 1 .” Elongate body portion  30  of surgical stapling apparatus  10 , including staple cartridge assembly  70 , is inserted transanally into the other intestinal section “T 2 .” The intestinal sections “T 1 ,” “T 2 ” are then temporarily secured about their respective components (e.g., shaft  64  of anvil assembly  60  and the distal end of elongate body portion  30 ) by conventional means such as a purse string suture “P” (see  FIG. 9 ). 
     Thereafter, the clinician maneuvers anvil assembly  60  until the proximal end of shaft  64  is inserted into and attached/connected to the distal end of approximation shaft  75  disposed in elongate body portion  30  of surgical stapling apparatus  10 . Shaft  64  engages approximation shaft  75  to be operable as a unitary construct. Anvil assembly  60  and elongate body portion  30  are then approximated to approximate the intestinal sections “T 1 ,” T 2 .” Surgical stapling apparatus  10  is then fired causing the plurality of staple pushers  9  each disposed in respective staple receiving slot  72  to eject the respective staple  7  through slot  72 . Staples  7  travel through intestinal sections “T 1 ,” T 2 ,” as well as buttress member  112 , toward anvil assembly  60 , thereby effecting stapling of intestinal sections “T 1 ,” T 2 ” to one another, while cylindrical knife  76  cuts a portion of tissue disposed radially inward of cylindrical knife  76  to complete the anastomosis. At this time, tabs  120  remain attached to buttress member  112  stapled to the intestinal sections “T 1 ,” T 2 ” and are secured with staple cartridge assembly  70  by annular ring  130 . Upon removal of surgical stapling apparatus  10  from the surgical site, the break or the line of weakening adjacent buttress member  112  facilitates detachment of tabs  120  from buttress member  112  stapled to intestinal sections “T 1 ,” T 2 .” 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 11-13 , a buttress assembly  300  in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. A fastening member is in the form of a suture  330 . In particular, buttress component  310  includes a buttress member  312  configured and dimensioned to be positioned on a distal surface  374  of staple cartridge assembly  370  and a rim  320  extending proximally from an outer radial edge of buttress member  312 . Rim  320  engages an outer wall  379  of staple cartridge assembly  370 , whereby buttress component  310  encloses distal surface  374  of staple cartridge assembly  370 . A cylindrical knife  376  is disposed radially inward of buttress member  312 , whereby under such a configuration severing of buttress member  312  by cylindrical knife  376  is eliminated. 
     Rim  320  includes a plurality of circumferentially arranged loops  315 . Each loop  315  is configured and dimensioned to accommodate a suture  330  therethrough. Suture  330  is wrapped and tied around rim  320  through the plurality of loops  315  against outer wall  379  of staple cartridge assembly  370  to secure buttress component  310  on staple cartridge assembly  370 . In addition, rim  320  includes a circumferentially defined break, plurality of perforations or line of weakening  316  adjacent buttress member  312 , whereby buttress member  312  that is stapled to tissue may be detached from rim  320 . In this manner, rim  320  that is detached from buttress member  312  remains secured to outer wall  379  of staple cartridge assembly  370  by suture  330  and is removed from the surgical site along with staple cartridge assembly  370 . Alternatively, each loop  315  may be created by defining a pair of substantially adjacent slits in rim  320 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 14-16 , a buttress assembly  400  in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Buttress assembly  400  includes a buttress component  410  and a fastening member in the form of a suture  430 . In particular, buttress component  410  includes a buttress member  412  configured and dimensioned to be positioned on a distal surface  474  of staple cartridge assembly  470  and a rim  420  extending proximally from an outer radial edge of buttress member  412 . Rim  420  engages an outer wall  479  of staple cartridge assembly  470 , whereby buttress component  410  encloses distal surface  474  of staple cartridge assembly  470 . 
     In contrast to rim  320 , rim  420  includes a plurality of circumferentially arranged apertures, holes or bores  415 . Each bore  315  is configured and dimensioned to receive suture  430  therethrough. Suture  430  is looped and tied around rim  420  through the plurality of bores  415  to secure buttress component  410  on staple cartridge assembly  470 . In addition, rim  420  includes a break  416  circumferentially defined adjacent buttress member  412 , whereby buttress member  412  that is stapled to tissue may be detached from rim  420 . In this manner, rim  420  that is detached from buttress member  412  is secured to outer wall  479  of staple cartridge assembly  470  and is removed from the surgical site along with staple cartridge assembly  470 . 
     It is further contemplated that each bore  415  may include an adhesive or a gel such as, e.g., hydrogel, to improve securement of suture  430  in bore  415 . In addition, it is also envisioned that suture  430  may include a plurality of, e.g., unidirectional, barbs, to improve securement of suture  430  in bores  415 . Examples of barbed sutures are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/361,962, filed Jan. 29, 2009, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. A compound barbed suture is available commercially as V-LOC™ from Tyco Healthcare Group, LLP (dba Covidien AG, Mansfield, Mass.). 
     With reference to  FIGS. 17-19 , a buttress assembly  600  in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Buttress assembly  600  includes a buttress member  610  and a plurality of circumferentially arranged tabs  620  extending proximally from an outer radial edge of buttress member  610 . Each tab  620  includes an attaching member  630   a  on an inner wall or surface  625  thereof. 
     Furthermore, outer wall  679  of staple cartridge assembly  670  includes a plurality of circumferentially arranged attaching members  630   b  corresponding to attaching members  630   a  on tabs  620 . Attaching members  630   a ,  630   b  may include, for example, a refastenable tape or a hook and loop fastener. Alternatively, tabs  620  may include a double-sided adhesive tape to detachably position buttress assembly  600  to staple cartridge assembly  670 . 
     In addition, it is also envisioned that each tabs  620  may include a break, perforations or a line of weakening  616 , whereby buttress member  610  that is stapled to tissue may be severed or detached from tabs  620 . In this manner, tabs  620  may be secured with staple cartridge assembly  670  by attaching members  630   a ,  630   b  and removed from the surgical site along with staple cartridge assembly  670 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 20-22 , it is also contemplated that a buttress assembly  700  may include a buttress member  710  and a plurality of circumferentially arranged tabs  720  extending proximally from an inner radial edge of buttress member  710  that engage an inner wall  777  of staple cartridge assembly  770 . In particular, each tab  720  includes an attaching member  730   a  on an outer wall thereof. Furthermore, inner wall  777  of staple cartridge assembly  770  includes a plurality of circumferentially arranged attaching members  730   b  corresponding to attaching members  730   a  on tabs  720 . Attaching members  730   a ,  730   b  may include, for example, a refastenable tape or a hook and loop fastener. 
     Under such a configuration, cylindrical knife  776  is positioned radially inward of attaching members  730   b  circumferentially arranged on inner wall  777  of staple cartridge assembly  770  and positioned radially outward of attaching members  730   a  on respective outer wall of each tab  720 . Under such a configuration, cylindrical knife  776  travels between attaching members  730   a ,  730   b  and severs tabs  720  from buttress member  710 . In addition, tabs  720  may include a break, perforations, or a line of weakening  716  to facilitate severing of tabs  720  from buttress member  710 . In this manner, buttress member  710  that is stapled to tissue may be detached from tabs  720 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 23 and 24 , a buttress assembly  800  in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In contrast to buttress assemblies  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  600 ,  700 , described hereinabove, buttress assembly  800  is configured and adapted to be securely positioned with anvil assembly  60 . Buttress assembly  800  includes a buttress component  810 . A suture  830  is used to attach the buttress component to the stapling apparatus. Buttress component  810  includes a buttress member  812  having an annular profile configured and dimensioned to be flush with an outer peripheral edge of anvil member  62  when mounted on anvil member  62  and a rim  820  extending distally from buttress member  812 . In addition, rim  820  engages an outer wall  61  of anvil member  62 , whereby buttress component  810  encloses a proximal surface of anvil member  62  defining the plurality of pockets for receiving and forming staples  7 . Additionally, buttress member  812  defines an aperture, hole or bore  816  configured and dimensioned to receive shaft  64  of anvil assembly  60  therethrough. Bore  816  is dimensioned to provide a friction and tight fit around shaft  64 . Additionally or alternatively, a suture  830  may be further utilized to securely fasten buttress member  812  to shaft  64 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 25 and 26 , in an alternate embodiment a buttress assembly  900  includes a buttress member  912  radially extending between an outer rim  920  and an inner rim  940 . In particular, outer rim  920  is configured and dimensioned to engage outer wall  61  of anvil member  62  and inner rim  940  is configured and dimensioned to provide a tight or friction fit against shaft  64  of anvil assembly  60 . In this manner, radial and longitudinal movement of buttress assembly  900  with respect to anvil assembly  60  is minimized. In addition, a fastening member in the form of a suture  930  is wrapped or tied around inner rim  940  of buttress member  912  against shaft  64  of anvil assembly  60  to further secure buttress assembly  900  on anvil assembly  60 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 25 , buttress assembly  900  may be used in conjunction with buttress assembly  100  that is positionable on distal surface  74  of staple cartridge assembly  70 , as well as any one of buttress assemblies  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  600 ,  700 , described hereinabove. Buttress assembly  100  is positioned radially outward of cylindrical knife  76 . As such, upon actuation of handle members  22 , the entire buttress member  112  is stapled to tissue to reinforce the tissue, and severing of buttress member  112  by cylindrical knife  76  is eliminated. However, cylindrical knife  76  cores a portion of buttress member  912  along with inner rim  940  and suture  930  wrapped and tied around inner rim  940 , to free such portions from a portion of buttress member  912  that is also stapled to tissue. The use and operation of assemblies  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  600 ,  700 ,  800 ,  900  are substantially similar to the use and operation of buttress assembly  100  described hereinabove, and thus will not be described further herein. 
     Although the illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, the above description, disclosure, and figures should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular embodiments. For example, buttress assembly  900  including buttress member  912  radially extending between inner rim  940  and outer rim  920  may be tailored for use on distal surface  74  of staple cartridge assembly  70 . In addition, buttress assembly  900  may further utilize an annular ring  130  or suture  330  to secure outer rim  920  of buttress assembly  900  against outer wall  61  of anvil assembly  60 . It is to be understood, therefore, that the disclosure is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various other changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure.