Abstract: A sutured staple, instrument and method are provided for constructing a graft-to-artery anastomosis and other soft tissue anastomoses, particularly by minimally invasive (or endoscopic) surgery. The sutured staple is comprised of a needle, pin, base and flange. The needle allows this surgical staple to be sewn through, for example, a graft and artery to be joined, and the pin, base and flange are formed to seal the graft and artery together between cooperating surfaces of the base and flange. The instrument holds the staple at its distal or working end, and controls in the handle allow application of the staple. The method employs the sutured staples and instrument to join soft tissues and to construct graft-to-artery anastomoses.

Abstract: A surgical fastener in the form of a pinned retainer, instrument and method are provided for constructing a graft to artery anastomosis and other soft tissue anastomoses, particularly by minimally invasive (or endoscopic) surgery. The pinned retainer fastener is comprised of a needle and a retainer. The needle has a base, shaft and tip that allow this member to be sewn through, for example, a graft and artery to be joined. The retainer has an aperture to receive and securely engage the needle shaft to seal the graft and artery together between cooperating surfaces of the needle base and retainer. The instrument holds the needle and retainer at its distal or working end, and controls in the handle allow application of the retainer. The method employs the pinned retainer fasteners and instrument to join soft tissues and to construct graft to artery anastomoses.

Abstract: A surgical fastener in the form of a ferruled loop, instrument and method are provided for constructing a graft to artery anastomosis and other soft tissue anastomoses, particularly by minimally invasive (or endoscopic) surgery. The ferruled loop fastener is comprised of a needle, a suture and a ferrule. The needle and suture member allow this fastener to be sewn through, for example, a graft and artery to be joined. The ferrule member allows a ferruled loop to be formed without knotting the suture member, and that serves as a suture stitch to fasten the graft and artery together. The instrument holds the needle and ferrule at its distal end, and controls in the handle allow manipulation of the needle and controllable application of the fastener. The method employs the ferruled loop and instruments to join soft tissues and to construct graft to artery anastomoses.

Abstract: A mechanism and applier therefor which is capable of inverted anastomosis of two lumens by an absorbable fastener. The fastener is made from two washer-like plate assemblies and a pair of introducers. Each such plate assembly has slots to receive latching prongs protruding from the other plate, and pins to impale tissue. Fastening is done through an applier that causes the pins to pierce the tissue, and causes a knife blade to cut through excess tissue. Fastening is done by attaching fastener halves. Insertion and removal of the fastener and applier optimally is done in an endoscopic procedure through a trocar or through the surgical incision in an open procedure. The system can be used such that the plates can be placed to properly set gaps between and anastomose tissue. The introducer portion will soften intraluminally and be expelled, in about 24 hours. The coupler portion will remain in place for 2-3 weeks, typically, and then fragment and be expelled with the feces.