Abstract: A suture fastener is provided that is shaped so as to define a spiral portion and a radially-inward portion that is disposed radially inward from the spiral portion. The suture fastener, when in a resting state, has an unlocked conical helical configuration, in which the spiral portion is conically helical. The suture fastener is configured, upon being axially plastically deformed, when one or more portions of one or more sutures pass through respective portions of the suture fastener, to transition from the unlocked conical helical configuration to a locked planar spiral configuration, in which the spiral portion is planar spiral and the one or more sutures are fixedly coupled to the suture fastener. The radially-inward portion is neither helical nor spiral, both when the suture fastener is in the unlocked conical helical configuration and when the suture fastener is in the locked planar spiral configuration. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A surgical fastener instrument (30) includes an outer delivery tube (36); an inner delivery shaft (42), disposed at least partially in the outer delivery tube (36); and a handle (44) coupled to a proximal portion (46) of the outer delivery tube (36), and including a user control element (48) arranged to rotate the inner delivery shaft (42) with respect to the outer delivery tube (36). A suture fastener (32) is removably disposed in the outer delivery tube (36) in an unlocked conical helical configuration. Distal advancement of the inner delivery shaft (42), when one or more portions of one or more sutures (22) pass through respective portions of the suture fastener (32), transitions the suture fastener (32) from the unlocked configuration to a locked planar spiral configuration, in which the one or more sutures (22) are fixedly coupled to the suture fastener (32). Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A surgical fastener instrument (30) includes an outer delivery tube (36); an inner delivery shaft (42), disposed at least partially in the outer delivery tube (36); and a handle (44) coupled to a proximal portion (46) of the outer delivery tube (36), and including a user control element (48) arranged to rotate the inner delivery shaft (42) with respect to the outer delivery tube (36). A suture fastener (32) is removably disposed in the outer delivery tube (36) in an unlocked conical helical configuration. Distal advancement of the inner delivery shaft (42), when one or more portions of one or more sutures (22) pass through respective portions of the suture fastener (32), transitions the suture fastener (32) from the unlocked configuration to a locked planar spiral configuration, in which the one or more sutures (22) are fixedly coupled to the suture fastener (32). Other embodiments are also described.