A surgical instrument for applying an anastomotic ring device comprises a handle that is connected to an anastomotic ring deployment mechanism by an elongate shaft. The instrument also comprises an actuation mechanism that is configured to apply an actuating force to the ring deployment mechanism to deploy an anastomotic ring. In one embodiment, the actuation mechanism applies a compressive force to deploy the anastomotic ring by drawing opposing ends of a ring deployment mechanism together. The actuation mechanism may comprise a spring or other resilient member moveable from a first position to a second position in order to actuate the ring deployment mechanism. A mechanism is operable to maintain the spring in the first position, while permitting the spring to move to the second position in response to user input. A mechanism is operable to dislodge the spring.