EEA anvil snap ring activator

An anvil assembly for use with a surgical fastener apparatus having a handle configured to move through at least one firing stroke to deliver fasteners, the anvil assembly comprising:

• an anvil center rod configured for coupling with the surgical fastener apparatus and defining a longitudinal axis;
• an anvil head mounted to the anvil center rod, the anvil head including a post and configured for pivotal movement relative to the anvil center rod between an initial condition and a pivoted condition;
• an activation portion defining a central opening and being configured to engage the anvil center rod to secure the anvil head in the initial condition, the activation portion configured for longitudinal movement from an initial position to an advanced position upon movement of the handle through the at least one firing stroke to release the anvil head to permit pivotal movement to the pivoted condition;
• a deformable portion supported with the anvil head adjacent the activation portion, the deformable portion configured to deform during the at least at least one firing stroke to permit longitudinal movement of the activation portion to the advanced position;
• and
• a securing portion supported within the central opening of the activation portion and extending around the post, the securing portion movable in relation to the activation portion and positioned to directly engage the post to secure the activation portion in the advanced position when the anvil head is in the initial condition.