#$%^&*AU2016203703A120170119.pdf#####ANVIL ASSEMBLIES AND DELIVERY SYSTEMS ABSTRACT An anvil assembly (110) suitable for trans-oral delivery includes an anvil head (112) configured to receive a suture ("S") that secures the anvil head (112) in a delivery position and is separable from the anvil head (112) following delivery of the anvil assembly (110). An anvil delivery assembly includes the anvil assembly (110), a delivery assembly (50) secured to the anvil assembly (110), and a suture ("S") selectively secured to the anvil assembly (110) for securing the anvil assembly (110) in a delivery position and retrieving the anvil assembly (110).