Circular anastomosis device with seal

Claim 1

A surgical instrument for performing a circular anastomosis comprising: a shaft assembly having generally tubular inner compression member and an outer tube with proximal and distal end portions; a fastener assembly disposed at said outer tube distal end portion; a housing portion disposed at said outer tube proximal end portion; an anvil assembly disposed distal of said fastener assembly and means for manipulating said anvil assembly disposed proximal of housing portion, wherein at least one elongate member is disposed within said shaft assembly, said elongate member transferring movement from said anvil manipulating means to said anvil; an actuator assembly associated with said housing portion for manipulating said inner compression member; and sealing means positioned within said shaft assembly for inhibiting the flow of gases therethrough, said sealing means comprising a first seal fabricated from a generally solid disc of polyethylene foam, said first seal having a longitudinal aperture through which said at least one elongate member passes and having a generally cyclindrical outer surface in contact with an inner surface of said tubular compression member, and a second, O-ring seal disposed intermediate of said compression member and proximal of said first seal, said second seal configured and dimensioned to at least partially contact an outer portion of said tubular compression member and an inner portion of said outer tube.