Patent ID: 7083628
Filing Date: 2006-08-01
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for fastening a tissue segment within the heart of a patient in vivo, comprising: an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end; a fastener deployment housing at the distal end of the elongated body, the fastener deployment housing having at least one vacuum port and at least one fastener deployment port formed thereon; an extendable engagement tip capable of moving in telescopic relation to the fastener deployment housing, the extendable engagement tip having at least one fastener receiving port formed thereon, the extendable tip capable of telescoping distally of the distal end of the fastener deployment housing and the elongated body; at least one deployable fastener disposed within the fastener deployment housing, the deployable fastener capable of engaging the tissue segment when positioned proximal to the engagement tip; and at least one fastener deployment actuator in communication with the deployable fastener and capable of causing the fastener to engage the tissue segment.