US Patent 7182239 Segmented introducer device for a circular surgical stapler

A segmented introducer device is capable of fitting onto the center rods of circular stapling devices having different stapler head diameters. Multiple body segments are provided depending upon the needs for a given surgical stapler, and the body segments are selectively fit together to provide rod through apertures and a rod bore to receive the center rod of the surgical stapler. The introducer preferably includes blades to help spread tissue as the introducer device is advanced to the tissue site on the head of the stapler. A retraction wire is provided at the tip of the introducer device to aid in its retrieval from a tissue site.