Circular anastomosis device

Claim 1

A surgical instrument for performing a circular anastomosis comprising: a shaft assembly having an inner compression member and an outer tube with proximal and distal end portions, the compression member having a plurality of quills at a distal end thereof; 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 for 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 a plurality of seals positioned within said shaft assembly for inhibiting the flow of gases therethrough, said plurality of seals including a first seal configured and dimensioned to at least partially contact an outer portion of said compression member and an inner portion of said outer tube, said first seal being at least partially disposed about the quills of said compression member, a second seal disposed about said compression member and located proximal of said first seal and a third seal disposed about said elongate member and located proximal of said second seal, said third seal fabricated from polyethylene foam.