Patent ID: 7901417

Claim:
A compression plate anastomosis system, comprising: an anvil apparatus comprising an anvil comprising a landing between an engaging end and a terminal end, and an anvil pull extending from the engaging end of the anvil; a compression plate apparatus comprising a first compression plate comprising a first ring and a first plurality of holding tabs extending from the first ring, wherein said first plurality of holding tabs defines a first compression plate opening; and a second compression plate having a second compression plate opening; and at least one guide fixedly extending from one of the compression plates, wherein the guide is retained in a friction fit engagement in a respective hole in the other plate such that the first and second compression plates are spaced apart in an initial position opposite from each other and such that the guide and the respective hole cannot inadvertently slide with respect to each other, and wherein the guide and the corresponding hole permit the first compression plate and the second compression plate to be driven together from the initial position, in a fixed parallel orientation relative to each other until the first compression plate and the second compression plate are in a compressed position with a friction fit engagement between the guide and the respective hole that prevents the plates from separating while remaining in the body, and wherein the engaging end and the landing of the anvil are sized for movement within the first compression plate opening in a manner that permits a part of a wall of a first vessel at an anastomosis site to be held between the landing of the anvil and the first compression plate without penetration of the held part and with sufficient force to prevent movement of the held part as the first compression plate and the second compression plate are driven together by overcoming the frictional resistance between the at least one guide and the respective hole.