A compression anastomosis ring (CAR) assembly for use in joining severed organ wall portions of a hollow organ. The assembly comprises a first portion which includes an anvil ring and a second portion which comprises a bottom ring, at least one ring element, and at least one spring element formed of a shape-memory alloy. The at least one spring element provides a restorative force and is in compressive force contact with the bottom ring and the tissue to be joined is positioned between the anvil ring and the bottom ring. A plurality of needles on one of the ring elements is operative, upon application of a closure force, to pierce the tissue and the anvil ring, holding the disk to the second portion of the CAR assembly. An applicator for applying the CAR assembly and a method for using the assembly and applicator are taught.