A surgical instrument for applying an anastomotic ring device comprises ahandle connectedto an anastomotic ring deployment mechanism by a shaft. The shaft has at leastonearticulation joint that is capable of articulating in at least one directionto allow the surgeon toalter the angle of approach in order to compensate for disadvantageousplacement of a trocarport through which the instrument is inserted. An articulation joint maycomprise a ribbedmember. One or more cables may be used to effect articulation of thearticulation joint.
