Singleshot anastomosis instrument with detachable loading unit and method

A surgical instrument comprising:

• a) a handle assembly;
• b) an anvil support extending distally from the handle assembly;
• c) an actuator movable with respect to the anvil support;
• and
• d) a loading unit having:
• i) an anvil removably supported on a distal end of the anvil support;
• ii) a plurality of surgical clips circumferentially disposed about the anvil member;
• and
• iii) a pusher movable relative to the anvil member and engagable with the actuator, wherein movement of the actuator relative to the anvil support simultaneously deforms the plurality of surgical clips between the anvil member and a distal end of the pusher.

A method for anastomosis of first and second tubular tissues comprising:

• a) providing a loading unit having an anvil member defining a passage therethrough for receipt of a first tubular tissue, a plurality of surgical clips having at least one leg with an atraumatic tip positioned on the anvil and a pusher axially movable relative to the anvil to simultaneously deform the plurality of surgical clips;
• b) positioning a first tubular tissue through the passage and everting a first end of the first tubular tissue over a distal end of the anvil and the at least one leg;
• c) inserting the distal end of the anvil and everted first end of first tubular tissue through an opening formed in a second tubular tissue;
• d) engaging the distal end of a surgical instrument with a proximal end of the anvil;
• and
• e) actuating the surgical instrument to move the pusher distally such that the plurality of surgical clips are crimped about the first and second tubular tissues without piercing the first and second tubular tissues.