Patent ID: 7931183

Claim:
A loading unit for use with a surgical instrument for performing an end-to-end anastomosis of first and second luminal structures, the loading unit comprising: a first retracting sleeve including a base and a sleeve cap, the first retracting sleeve being configured to support a plurality of fasteners on a distal end thereof; a second retracting sleeve disposed about the first retracting sleeve, the second retracting sleeve including upper and lower cuffs; and a fastener support configured to house the first and second retracting sleeves, the fastener support including upper and lower supports; and wherein the sleeve cap of the first retracting sleeve, the lower cuff of the second retracting sleeve and the lower support of the fastener support are pivotally connected with respect to the base of the first retracting sleeve, the upper cuff of the second retracting sleeve and the upper support of the fastener support to permit removal of a first luminal structure therefrom after the first luminal structure is secured to a second luminal structure.