(i) a ring deployment mechanism configured to receive and deploy an anastomotic ring under a mechanical actuation force, the anastomotic ring comprising a first plurality of petals and a second plurality of petals, wherein the ring deployment mechanism comprises a plurality of distal fingers, a plurality of proximal fingers, and a central member positioned longitudinally between the plurality of distal fingers and the plurality of proximal fingers, wherein each distal finger comprises a proximal segment and a distal segment, wherein the proximal segment of each distal finger is hingedly connected at a first end to a corresponding distal segment of each distal finger and hingedly connected at a second end to the central member, wherein the distal segment of each distal finger is hingedly connected at a first end to a corresponding proximal segment of each distal finger and hingedly connected at a second end to a distal portion of the ring deployment mechanism, wherein the distal segment of each distal finger comprises an integral gripping slot, wherein each gripping slot of each distal finger is configured to receive a respective petal of the first plurality of petals of the anastomotic ring, wherein each proximal finger comprises a proximal segment and a distal segment, wherein the distal segment of each proximal finger is hingedly connected at a first end to a corresponding proximal segment of each proximal finger and hingedly connected at a second end to the central member, wherein the proximal segment of each proximal finger is hingedly connected at a first end to a corresponding distal segment of each proximal finger and hingedly connected at a second end to a proximal portion of the ring deployment mechanism, wherein the proximal segment of each proximal finger comprises an integral gripping slot, wherein each gripping slot of each proximal finger is configured to receive a respective petal of the second plurality of petals of the anastomotic ring, wherein the central member longitudinally separates the proximal segments of the distal fingers from the distal segments of the proximal fingers;

(ii) a power source for generating voltage; and

(iii) an electroactive polymer in communication with the ring deployment mechanism and operatively configured to produce the mechanical actuation force in response to the generated voltage.