Devices and methods for applying bolster materials to surgical fastening apparatuses

A medical device useful for applying a bolster material to a surgical fastening apparatus, the apparatus comprising (a) a first arm having a first arm working surface;

• and (b) a cutting element operable along a cutting path, the medical device comprising:
• at least one piece of bolster material configured for application to the first arm working surface;
• a retaining element associated with the at least one piece of bolster material to provide a receiving area, the retaining element adapted to hold the at least one piece of bolster material in association with the first arm working surface and including a severable retaining element portion to be received in the cutting path;
• and
• a removable support element extending at least partially along the at least one piece of bolster material and received through the receiving area, wherein the removable support element is longitudinally slidable within the receiving area for removal from the receiving area.

A medical system useful for applying bolster material to patient tissue, comprising:

• a surgical fastening apparatus comprising (i) a first arm having a first arm working surface;
• and (ii) a cutting element operable along a cutting path;
• at least one piece of bolster material having a portion received in the cutting path;
• and
• a retaining element retaining the at least one piece of bolster material in association with the first arm working surface, the retaining element having one or more segments received in the cutting path and including portions residing between the first arm working surface and the at least one piece of bolster material.

A medical device useful for applying a bolster material to a surgical fastening apparatus, the apparatus comprising (a) a first arm having a first arm working surface;

• and (b) a cutting element operable along a cutting path, the medical device comprising:
• at least one piece of bolster material configured for application to the first arm working surface, the at least one piece of bolster material having a first bolster segment positioned to occur on a first side of the cutting path and a second bolster segment positioned to occur on a second side of the cutting path;
• and
• a retaining element adapted to hold the at least one piece of bolster material in association with the first arm working surface, the retaining element passing through the at least one piece of bolster material in at least one location in the first bolster segment and in at least one location in the second bolster segment and presenting one or more severable retaining element segments positioned to occur in the cutting path upon application of the at least one piece of bolster material to the first arm working surface.