Abstract: A tissue fastening device comprising (a) a fastener member having a pair of legs extending from the same side of a connecting cross piece, said fastener member adapted to be placed on one side of the tissue to be joined with the legs penetrating the tissue, said fastener member being an oriented crystalline polymeric material, whereby the fastener member has sufficient inherent strength and stiffness so said legs can penetrate the tissue to be fastened, and (b) a receiver member to secure said fastener member in place. The fastener member is formed by forming an oriented polymeric filament into the configuration of the fastener member, and annealing the filament while in such configuration while it is being restrained so as to prevent shrinkage.

Abstract: A device is provided for applying flexible fasteners to tissue to close a wound or incision. The device has a front housing mounted for rotation relative to a rear housing. A needle projects laterally from the front housing. The needle is curved, hollow, and slotted for receiving a portion of a fastener. The device has a flexible pusher member and means for moving the flexible pusher member into the hollow needle to eject a fastener from the needle and into the tissue.

Abstract: A tissue fastening device comprising (a) a fastener member having a pair of legs extending from the same side of a connecting cross piece, said fastener member adapted to be placed on one side of the tissue to be joined with the legs penetrating the tissue, said fastener member being an oriented cystalline polymeric material, whereby the fastener member has sufficient inherent strength and stiffness so said legs can penetrate the tissue to be fastened, and (b) a receiver member to secure said fastener member in place.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for applying two-piece fasteners to join tissue. The instrument includes a stationary jaw and a movable jaw mounted on a support body. The movable jaw holds the staple portion of the fastener and the stationary jaws include friction means for holding the receiver portion of the fasteners.

Abstract: Hemostatic clips made from non-resilient polymeric materials. The clips comprise a pair of leg members rotatable about a hinge portion to be closed over a vessel.

Abstract: A structure is provided for accommodating the rotation of a front housing of an instrument to a selected position relative to the rear housing of the instrument to permit an operating member in the front housing to be located in a desired orientation. The front housing has an annular portion in which a cylindrical portion of the rear housing is received to permit the two housings to be rotated relative to each other about a common longitudinal axis. The front housing annular portion defines a plurality of bores arranged at selected azimuthal locations about the axis of rotation and the rear housing carries a reciprocative engaging member adapted to be moved partially into one of the bores to lock the two housings in a selected relative orientation.