An end effector (16) for use with a surgical apparatus. The end effector comprising a staple cartridge (200) having a tissue contacting surface (220)defining a central longitudinal slot and an anvil plate (302) having a tissue contacting surface defining a central longitudinal slot. A surgical buttress (500)releasbly disposed on the tissue contacting surfaces of each of the staple cartridge and anvil plate. An adhesive tape (240, 340) is disposed over the central longitudinal slot (238, 338) of each of the staple cartridge and anvil plate and configured retain the respective surgical buttress atop the respective tissue contacting surface.
