Patent ID: 7381211

Claim:
A device for primary intention closing a separation of first and second portions of body tissue presenting first and second tissue generally matching edges respectively, which device comprises: a closure member with a perimeter and generally planar first and second faces, said perimeter having a first closure member edge; said closure member being adapted for positioning at least partly within said separation; first and second groups of multiple barbs associated with said first and second faces respectively and retaining same contact with said first and second body tissue portions respectively, said barbs including a directional tissue-sliding construction adapted for releasing one of said tissue edges and sliding one of said tissue edges relative to the other in a predetermined direction, said construction comprising an acute angular orientation of said barbs and adapted for closing said tissue portions in response to an outwardly directed force on said closure member such that all of said barbs extending from each said face are generally parallel with the other barbs extending from said face; and all of said barbs associated with both of said faces are generally oriented towards said first closure member edge; a pressure differential source associated with said closure member and adapted for exerting a pressure differential at said separation for approximating said tissue edges with said tissue edges maintained in repositionable alignment with respect to each other by said closure member; and a tube connected to said closure member and said pressure differential source, said tube including an orifice adapted for placement at said separation in direct fluidic connection with the tissue edges for applying the pressure differential directly thereto, said tube having an external port for fluid input/output.