Patent ID: 8480694

Claim:
A method of performing a surgical anastomosis, comprising the steps of: providing a device for performing the surgical anastomosis, the device including: a member having a distal end portion and comprising an inner tubular sleeve having a region of porosity formed near the distal end portion; a radially expandable anchor operatively disposed at the distal end portion of the member, the expandable anchor being fabricated from at least one of a foam-like and a sponge-like material, and expanded by application of liquid thereto, wherein liquid is introduced through the inner tubular sleeve, through the region of porosity thereof, and to the expandable anchor; and a cover disposed over the radially expandable anchor; passing the device through an opening in a urethra and into a bladder such that a distal end portion of the expandable anchor is positioned at least partially within the bladder; withdrawing the cover to expose at least the distal end portion of expandable anchor; expanding at least the distal end portion of the expandable anchor within the bladder such that the expandable anchor engages the bladder; moving the device until the bladder contacts a distal end of the urethra and a proximal end portion of the expandable anchor is positioned at least partially within the distal end of the urethra; withdrawing the cover to expose the proximal end portion of the expandable anchor; and expanding the proximal end portion of the expandable anchor within the distal end of the urethra such that the expandable anchor engages the distal end of the urethra.