Apparatus and method for performing compressional anastomoses

A surgical instrument for carrying and attaching separate components of a compression anastomosis device to the end of tissue of a tubular hollow organ, comprising:

• (a) an elongated housing having a proximal end and a distal end;
• (b) first and second compression anastomosis device components adapted to interlock with each other to form one side of a compression anastomosis assembly on the end of one section of a tubular hollow organ at least one of the first and second compression anastomosis device components including a mating surface configured and dimensioned to contact a further anastomosis device component;
• (c) supporting means operatively associated with said distal end of said elongated housing, for supporting said first and second compression anastomosis device components;
• and
• (d) assembling means associated with said supporting means and operable from said proximal end of said elongated housing, for assembling said first and second compression anastomosis device components within tubular body tissue.