Patent ID: 7713278

Claim:
An instrument for use in effecting anastomosis of a bladder and a urethra, comprising: a tube assembly having first and second longitudinal members, wherein said longitudinal members are movable with respect to each other, the tube assembly having a proximal portion and a distal portion; an end effector assembly having a longitudinal axis, wherein the end effector assembly has a proximal portion and a distal portion positioned distal to the proximal portion of the end effector assembly, wherein part of the proximal portion of the end effector assembly is at a common longitudinal position with part of the distal portion of the tube assembly, said end effector assembly further comprising: a positioner comprising a positioner arm having a first segment having a first end operably connected to said second longitudinal member, said first segment also having a second end connected to a flexible joint, said positioner arm also having a second segment, said second segment having a first end connected to said first segment by said flexible joint and a second end operably connected to said first longitudinal member, wherein the first segment and the second segment define an angle about said flexible joint, whereby movement of said second longitudinal member with respect to said first longitudinal member will cause said positioner arm to flex at said flexible joint, changing the angle defined between the first segment and the second segment, thereby causing said positioner arm to extend or retract transversely with respect to said longitudinal axis; an anchor driver operably supported by said tube assembly; and an anchor releasably held by said anchor driver, said anchor comprising a lodging structure and a distal end, wherein the anchor driver is operable to drive at least the distal end of the anchor distally past the first segment, the second segment, and the flexible joint of the positioner through a tissue surface while the positioner is in contact with the tissue surface.