Dissection tip and introducer for surgical instrument

A surgical fastener applying apparatus, comprising:

• a handle assembly;
• an elongate body portion extending distally from the handle assembly, the elongate body portion having proximal and distal ends;
• an end effector positioned at the distal end of the elongate body portion and extending along a longitudinal axis, the end effector including an anvil component and a surgical fastener cartridge coupled together such that target tissue is positionable therebetween, the anvil component terminating in a dissector tip;
• and
• an introducer member having proximal and distal ends, and being secured to the anvil component such that the introducer member is movable relative to the anvil component along the longitudinal axis between a retracted position and an advanced position.

A method of applying a surgical fastener to tissue using a surgical fastener applying apparatus including an end effector having first and second jaws, and an introducer member secured to the end effector, the method comprising:

• advancing the introducer member relative to the end effector along a longitudinal axis of the end effector such that a distal end of the introducer member is positioned distally of a distal-most tip of the end effector;
• isolating target tissue via manipulation of the surgical fastener applying apparatus, whereby the introducer member separates the target tissue from collateral tissues adjacent the target tissue;
• positioning the first and second jaws about the target tissue;
• approximating the first and second jaws to secure the target tissue therebetween;
• and
• firing the surgical fastener applying apparatus to eject the surgical fastener.