Abstract: Apparatus and related methods for sequentially positioning and retaining opposing sides of a tissue wound. The apparatus includes a device body having a head portion for positioning between first and second sides of the wound, with the head portion defining first and second retention zones on opposed side of the head portion. The device body further includes first and second approximation arms. The device body further includes a trigger assembly defining three stages of operation. A first stage of operation positions the first approximation arm proximate the first retention zone. A second stage of operation positions the second approximation arm proximate the second retention zone with the first approximation arm remaining in approximation to the first retention zone. A third stage of operation advances a fastener into the first and second retention zones. In this manner, the apparatus sequentially positions the first and second sides with respect to the head portion.

Abstract: Apparatus and related methods for sequentially positioning and retaining opposing sides of a tissue wound. The apparatus includes a device body having a head portion for positioning between first and second sides of the wound, with the head portion defining first and second retention zones on opposed side of the head portion. The device body further includes first and second approximation arms. The device body further includes a trigger assembly defining three stages of operation. A first stage of operation positions the first approximation arm proximate the first retention zone. A second stage of operation positions the second approximation arm proximate the second retention zone with the first approximation arm remaining in approximation to the first retention zone. A third stage of operation advances a fastener into the first and second retention zones. In this manner, the apparatus sequentially positions the first and second sides with respect to the head portion.

Abstract: A surgical fastening apparatus and related methods for fastening skin tissue so as to avoid piercing the epidermis with resultant percutaneous penetration when intending placement of surgical fasteners within a dermal layer on opposed sides of a skin wound. The apparatus includes a device body having a head portion for positioning between first and second sides of the wound, wherein the head portion includes a deflector shelf that physically prevents epidermal tissue from entering a capture zone defined on the head portion through which a penetrator assembly and fastener are advanced into the dermal layer. By ensuring that the epidermal tissue is not placed within the piercing zone, the potential for inadvertent piercing and percutaneous placement of the surgical fastener though the external skin surface is avoided.

Abstract: Apparatus and related methods for sequentially positioning and retaining opposing sides of a tissue wound. The apparatus includes a device body having a head portion for positioning between first and second sides of the wound, with the head portion defining first and second retention zones on opposed side of the head portion. The device body further includes first and second approximation arms. The device body further includes a trigger assembly defining three stages of operation. A first stage of operation positions the first approximation arm proximate the first retention zone. A second stage of operation positions the second approximation arm proximate the second retention zone with the first approximation arm remaining in approximation to the first retention zone. A third stage of operation advances a fastener into the first and second retention zones. In this manner, the apparatus sequentially positions the first and second sides with respect to the head portion.

Abstract: Apparatus and related methods for sequentially positioning and retaining opposing sides of a tissue wound. The apparatus includes a device body having a head portion for positioning between first and second sides of the wound, with the head portion defining first and second retention zones on opposed side of the head portion. The device body further includes first and second approximation arms. The device body further includes a trigger assembly defining three stages of operation. A first stage of operation positions the first approximation arm proximate the first retention zone. A second stage of operation positions the second approximation arm proximate the second retention zone with the first approximation arm remaining in approximation to the first retention zone. A third stage of operation advances a fastener into the first and second retention zones. In this manner, the apparatus sequentially positions the first and second sides with respect to the head portion.

Abstract: Apparatus and related methods for sequentially positioning and retaining opposing sides of a tissue wound. The apparatus includes a device body having a head portion for positioning between first and second sides of the wound, with the head portion defining first and second retention zones on opposed side of the head portion. The device body further includes first and second approximation arms. The device body further includes a trigger assembly defining three stages of operation. A first stage of operation positions the first approximation arm proximate the first retention zone. A second stage of operation positions the second approximation arm proximate the second retention zone with the first approximation arm remaining in approximation to the first retention zone. A third stage of operation advances a fastener into the first and second retention zones. In this manner, the apparatus sequentially positions the first and second sides with respect to the head portion.