Patent ID: 6840943
Filing Date: 2005-01-11
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An instrument for applying a surgical fastener, the instrument comprising: an elongated body having proximal and distal ends; a piston axially moveable within a bore within the body, the piston having a distal end adjacent the body distal end; and a slit through the body to the bore, the slit extending a distance axially from the body distal end, the slit has a distal end at the body distal end, and an opposite proximal end, the proximal end of the slit opening into an aperture wider than the slit whereby to reduce stress on the body at the slit proximal end; wherein the bore at the body distal end is sized to snugly receive a portion of the fastener therein, the slit allowing the body to compressively hold said portion of the fastener.