Patent ID: 8940016
Filing Date: 2015-01-27
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method for sequentially capturing adjacent tissue with a fastener comprising: providing a medical apparatus that includes a falcate penetrator adapted to pierce tissue along a generally arc-shaped path of travel, the falcate penetrator having a maximum cross-section dimension transverse to the path of travel; providing a discrete fastener adapted to be carried by the falcate penetrator and having a first capture portion and a second capture portion proximate generally opposing ends of the fastener, each capture portion of the fastener having a maximum cross-section dimension transverse to the path of travel of the falcate penetrator that is greater than the maximum cross-section dimension of the falcate penetrator; piercing a first tissue portion with the falcate penetrator, the falcate penetrator operably carrying a first capture portion of the fastener though the first tissue portion wherein the first tissue portion is caused to stretch over the first capture portion of the fastener due to the first capture portion cross-section dimension exceeding the falcate penetrator cross-section dimension; piercing a second tissue portion with the falcate penetrator such that the first capture portion of the fastener is advanced through the second tissue portion, wherein the second tissue portion is caused to stretch over the first capture portion of the fastener due to the first capture portion cross-section dimension exceeding the falcate penetrator cross-section dimension, while a second capture portion of the fastener operably engages the first tissue portion; and removing the falcate penetrator from the first tissue portion and the second tissue portion without causing the fastener to be withdrawn such that the fastener retainably captures the first tissue portion and the second tissue portion with the first portion of the fastener operably engaging the second tissue portion and the second portion of the fastener operably engaging the first tissue portion.