Patent ID: 8911473

Claim:
A fastener assembly for use in a mammalian body, comprising: a fastener including a first tubular member and a second tubular member each tubular member having an outer surface, wherein the first and second tubular members each have first and second ends, and a connecting member fixed to each of the first and second tubular members intermediate the first and second ends and extending between the first and second tubular members, wherein the first and second tubular members are separated by the connecting member, and wherein the first tubular member has a longitudinal axis, an outer surface, and a through channel along the axis, the through channel extends through the first tubular member from the first end to the second end of the first tubular member, the connecting member being formed of a plastic, permanently deformable material; an elongated slot extending through the outer surface of the first tubular member and in communication with the through channel; a deployment wire arranged to be slidingly received by the through channel of the first tubular member and to pierce into tissue to enable deployment of the first tubular member and reduced tissue compression; and a pusher that pushes the first tubular member into the tissue while on the deployment wire.