Patent ID: 7815652
Filing Date: 2010-10-19
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A surgical fastener system comprising: an end effector including first and second opposable jaws movable between an open position and a closed position to clamp tissue therebetween when in said closed position, said first jaw including a first partial thread portion and said second jaw including a second partial thread portion, wherein said first partial thread portion cooperates with said second partial thread portion to define a full screw thread when said first and second jaws are in said closed position; a fastener positionable within said end effector, said fastener including a filament formed into a plurality of generally helical coils extending about a fastener axis, wherein a proximal end of said filament includes an engagement member and a distal end of said filament includes a penetrating tip; and a drive element adapted to engage said engagement member and rotate said fastener about said fastener axis to advance said fastener through said full screw thread.