Dissection tip and introducer for surgical instrument

Abstract

The present disclosure describes a surgical fastener applying apparatus that includes an elongate body portion having proximal and distal ends, an end effector including a first movably coupled to a second jaw that is positioned at the distal end of the elongate body portion, and an introducer member. The introducer member has proximal and distal portions, and is configured and dimensioned for releasable connection with the end effector. The introducer member is at least partially formed from a flexible material, and is 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.

1 - 7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . A method of dissecting tissue, comprising: providing a surgical fastener applying apparatus having an end effector; attaching to the end effector a flexible introducer member having an elongate profile, a proximal end of the introducer member including branches configured to receive a portion of the end effector; and atraumatically advancing the introducer member through tissue. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the introducer member has first and second branches and including advancing the first and second branches toward the end effector. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the end effector has a surgical stapling anvil and including attaching the introducer member to the anvil. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 8 , including using attachment structure to facilitate releasable connection of the introducer member to the end effector. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein a first branch of the introducer member includes a first attachment structure, and a second branch of the introducer member includes a second attachment structure. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the first attachment structure has a first protrusion and the second attachment structure has a second protrusion. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , including connecting at least one of the first protrusion and the second protrusion in a first recess of the end effector. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the end effector includes a first jaw movably coupled with respect to a second jaw such that target tissue is positionable therebetween. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein one of the first jaw and the second jaws terminate in a dissector tip 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , including connecting the proximal end of the introducer member to the dissector tip. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising separating a target tissue. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising stapling the target tissue.