Abstract: A surgical fastener member of an absorbable resinous material is disclosed. The prong or prongs of the fastener member have an increased surface area to volume ratio, giving the fastener an increased rate of absorption in the body. Each prong is formed with a shank having a total surface area which is at least about 25% greater than the total surface area of an equivalent shank of constant circular radial cross section having a volume equal to the volume of the disclosed shank. Also, the ratio of the smaller to the larger of the slenderness ratios about any two perpendicular axes in the radial shank cross section is in the range of from about 0.67:1.0 to 1.0:1.0, along substantially the entire length of the shank. Preferably, the shank has a central core whose radial cross-sectional area is from about 15% to about 50% of the total radial cross-sectional area and a plurality of fins projecting outward from the core and extending substantially longitudinally along substantially the entire length of the shank.

Abstract: A surgical fastener holding assembly for use in surgical fastener applying apparatus is removably mounted relative to the remainder of the apparatus by mounting means which allows the fastener holding assembly to both translate and pivot toward the associated anvil member.