Patent ID: 7744627

Claim:
A support structure, for use in conjunction with a circular endoscopic stapling instrument having a staple cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly, the staple cartridge assembly having at least one annular arrangement of staple slots and staples positioned in the slots, the support structure comprising: an annular ring configured to substantially overlie the at least one annular arrangement of staples of the staple cartridge assembly the annular ring including: an outer annular wall having a diameter; an inner annular wall spaced a radial distance inward of the outer annular wall and defining a space; an upper wall interconnecting the outer annular wall and the inner annular wall; and a lower wall spaced a distance from the upper wall and interconnecting the outer annular wall and the inner annular wall, the outer annular wall, the inner annular wall and the upper and lower walls defining an interior sealed reservoir; and a wound closure material retained in the sealed reservoir, wherein the sealed reservoir is configured to dispense the wound closure material upon penetration by the staples during use.