Collapsible purse string aid for use with intraluminal stapling device

Claim 1

In an intraluminal stapling instrument for joining hollow tubular organs, said instrument including a central longitudinally extending member, means disposed on said member for placement within the lumen of a hollow tubular organ to be joined, said means comprising means for carrying a circular array of fasteners disposed about said central member and means for securing said fasteners after said fasteners have been applied to a hollow tubular organ for joining together and holding the joined organ, said carrying means and said securing means being movable with respect to each other, the improvement comprising: collapsible means comprising a pair of circular discs connected by a plurality of breakable strings, said means disposed on said central member and positioned between aid carrying means and said securing means whereby a hollow tubular organ may be constricted about said collapsible means adjacent the central member and beneath the circular array of fasteners and the hollow tubular organ transected adjacent said collapsible means using said collapsible means as a guide for transection.