Abstract: Tissue connector assemblies having at least two piercing members, each releaseably coupled to a surgical fastener such as a surgical clip. A flexible member such as a suture may be used to couple one or both piercing members to respective ends of the fastener.

Abstract: Tissue connector assemblies having at least two piercing members, each releaseably coupled to a surgical fastener such as a surgical clip. A flexible member such as a suture may be used to couple one or both piercing members to respective ends of the fastener.

Abstract: Tissue connector assemblies having at least two piercing members, each releaseably coupled to a surgical fastener such as a surgical clip. A flexible member such as a suture may be used to couple one or both piercing members to respective ends of the fastener.

Abstract: A tissue connector assembly comprising a clip movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration and a mechanical restraining device attached to the clip for restraining the clip in its open configuration. A needle may be releasably attached to the clip. A method for connecting tissues is also disclosed. The method includes inserting a clip through tissue with the clip being biased in an open position by a restraining device secured to the clip, and removing the restraining device from the clip.

Abstract: Tissue connector assemblies having at least two piercing members, each releaseably coupled to a surgical fastener such as a surgical clip. A flexible member such as a suture may be used to couple one or both piercing members to respective ends of the fastener.

Abstract: A tissue connector assembly having a flexible member and a surgical clip releasably coupled to the flexible member. A needle may be secured to one end portion of the flexible member with the surgical clip coupled to the other end portion of the flexible member. A locking device may be used to couple the flexible member to the surgical clip. A method for connecting tissues is also disclosed. The method includes drawing tissue portions together with a clip assembly and securing the tissue portions together with the clip assembly.

Abstract: A tissue connector assembly comprising a clip movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration and a mechanical restraining device including a plurality of strands releasably attachable to the clip for restraining the clip in its open configuration. A needle may be releasably attached to the clip. A flexible member may also interconnect the clip and the needle.

Abstract: A tissue connector assembly comprising a clip movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration and a mechanical restraining device attached to the clip for restraining the clip in its open configuration. A needle may be releasably attached to the clip. A method for connecting tissues is also disclosed. The method includes inserting a clip through tissue with the clip being biased in an open position by a restraining device secured to the clip, and removing the restraining device from the clip.

Abstract: A tissue connector assembly having a flexible member and a surgical clip releasably coupled to the flexible member. A needle may be secured to one end portion of the flexible member with the surgical clip coupled to the other end portion of the flexible member. A locking device may be used to couple the flexible member to the surgical clip. A method for connecting tissues is also disclosed. The method includes drawing tissue portions together with a clip assembly and securing the tissue portions together with the clip assembly.

Abstract: Tissue connector assemblies having at least two piercing members, each releaseably coupled to a surgical fastener such as a surgical clip. A flexible member such as a suture may be used to couple one or both piercing members to respective ends of the fastener.

Abstract: A tissue connector assembly having a flexible member and a surgical clip releasably coupled to the flexible member. A needle may be secured to one end portion of the flexible member with the surgical clip coupled to the other end portion of the flexible member. A locking device may be used to couple the flexible member to the surgical clip. A method for connecting tissues is also disclosed. The method includes drawing tissue portions together with a clip assembly and securing the tissue portions together with the clip assembly.

Abstract: A tissue connector assembly comprising a clip movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration and a mechanical restraining device attached to the clip for restraining the clip in its open configuration. A needle may be releasably attached to the clip. A method for connecting tissues is also disclosed. The method includes inserting a clip through tissue with the clip being biased in an open position by a restraining device secured to the clip, and removing the restraining device from the clip.

Abstract: A tissue connector assembly comprising a clip movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration and a mechanical restraining device including a plurality of strands releasably attachable to the clip for restraining the clip in its open configuration. A needle may be releasably attached to the clip. A flexible member may also interconnect the clip and the needle.

Abstract: Tissue connector assemblies having at least two piercing members, each releaseably coupled to a surgical fastener such as a surgical clip. A flexible member such as a suture may be used to couple one or both piercing members to respective ends of the fastener.

Abstract: A tissue connector assembly comprising a clip movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration and a mechanical restraining device including a plurality of strands releasably attachable to the clip for restraining the clip in its open configuration. A needle may be releasably attached to the clip. A flexible member may also interconnect the clip and the needle.

Abstract: Tissue connector assemblies having at least two piercing members, each releaseably coupled to a surgical fastener such as a surgical clip. A flexible member such as a suture may be used to couple one or both piercing members to respective ends of the fastener.

Abstract: A tissue connector assembly comprising a clip movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration and a mechanical restraining device including a plurality of strands releasably attachable to the clip for restraining the clip in its open configuration. A needle may be releasably attached to the clip. A flexible member may also interconnect the clip and the needle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing a surgical procedure on a patient is described. An incision is made into tissue of the patient to create a tissue pocket. The tissue has an anterior surface. Preferably, the tissue is corneal tissue of an eye. A reflective element is inserted into the pocket. An energy source generates a radiant energy signal, which is directed toward the reflective element. Reflected energy is received from the reflective element. A detector determines the depth of the reflective element below the anterior surface based upon the energy reflected by the reflective element. The speed of transmission of the radiant energy in the reflective element is different (preferably slower) than the speed of transmission of the radiant energy in the tissue. The reflective element may be in the form of a tool on which is disposed a biocompatible polymer layer, the layer comprising trapped air spaces, or a tool having an open space for containing trapped air.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing a surgical procedure on a patient is described. An incision is made into tissue of the patient to create a tissue pocket. The tissue has an anterior surface. Preferably, the tissue is corneal tissue of an eye. A reflective element is inserted into the pocket. An energy source generates a radiant energy signal, which is directed toward the reflective element. Reflected energy is received from the reflective element. A detector determines the depth of the reflective element below the anterior surface based upon the energy reflected by the reflective element. The speed of transmission of the radiant energy in the reflective element is different (preferably slower) than the speed of transmission of the radiant energy in the tissue. The reflective element may be in the form of a tool on which is disposed a biocompatible polymer layer, the layer comprising trapped air spaces, or a tool having an open space for containing trapped air.