Patent ID: 8403195

Claim:
A surgical fastener applying apparatus comprising: an elongate body portion having proximal and distal ends; an end effector positioned at the distal end of the elongate body portion, the end effector including a first jaw movably coupled to a second jaw such that target tissue is positionable therebetween, the first jaw terminating in a tapered, rigid tip having engagement structure; an introducer member having proximal and distal portions and being configured and dimensioned for releasable connection with the end effector, the proximal portion of the introducer member being formed from a first material, and the distal portion of the introducer member being formed from a second, different material, the first material having a higher durometer than the second material, the introducer member being at least partially formed from a flexible material and configured and dimensioned to separate target tissue from collateral tissue prior to positioning of the target tissue between the first and second jaws of the end effector, the introducer member including attachment structure at the proximal portion corresponding in configuration and dimensions to the engagement structure of the first jaw to facilitate releasable connection of the introducer member with the first jaw.