Abstract: A helical fastener having a high retentive surface area is provided and has a first end for enhancing penetration into tissue and a second end comprising a coil sectioning a diameter of the fastener for receiving longitudinal and rotational forces. The helical fasteners are attached to body tissue by a fastener applicator having a proximal portion comprising a handle and an actuator and an elongate distal portion for housing a plurality of fasteners. A transferring action of the actuator provides longitudinal and rotational movement of the fasteners out of the distal portion and into body tissue.

Abstract: Systems and methods introduce and deploy prosthesis into a blood vessel or hollow body organ. The prosthesis is secured in place by fasteners, and includes a region or regions specially sized and configured to receive and retain the fasteners.

Abstract: Systems and methods introduce and deploy a multi-lumen prosthesis into a blood vessel or hollow body organ. The prosthesis has a trunk divided by an internal septum, which defines, within at least a portion of the trunk interior, a multi-lumen flow channel configuration. A lumen extension component can be sized and configured to be fitted within at least one of the interior lumens to define an extended lumen.

Abstract: A helical fastener having a high retentive surface area is provided and has a first end for enhancing penetration into tissue and a second end comprising a coil sectioning a diameter of the fastener for receiving longitudinal and rotational forces. The helical fasteners are attached to body tissue by a fastener applicator having a proximal portion comprising a handle and an actuator and an elongate distal portion for housing a plurality of fasteners. A transferring action of the actuator provides longitudinal and rotational movement of the fasteners out of the distal portion and into body tissue.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods implant a fastener in a targeted body region, e.g., a hollow body cavity or an intraluminal space. The apparatus and methods deploy in the targeted body region a fastener attachment assembly that carries an actuated member. The actuated member is selectively operable to generate an implantation force to implant a fastener into tissue within the targeted body region. The fastener can be implanted, e.g., to secure a prosthesis, e.g., an endovascular graft. The systems and apparatus apply a resolution force at or near the actuated member, thereby making possible a stable and dependable catheter-based fastening platform.

Abstract: Systems and method implant prostheses in the body. The systems and methods provide permanent attachment of the prosthesis in the body. The prosthesis can comprise, e.g., an endovascular graft, which can be deployed without damaging the native blood vessel in either an arterial or a venous system. The endovascular graft can comprise, e.g., a radially expanding vascular stent and/or a stent-graft. The graft can be placed in the vasculature, e.g., to exclude or bridge an aneurysm, for example, an abdominal aortic aneurysms. The graft desirably adapts to changes in aneurysm morphology and repairs the endovascular aneurysm. The fastening systems and methods can be deployed through the vasculature and manipulated from outside the body, to deliver a fastener to attach the graft to the vessel wall.

Abstract: A helical fastener having a high retentive surface area is provided and has a first end for enhancing penetration into tissue and a second end comprising a coil sectioning a diameter of the fastener for receiving longitudinal and rotational forces. The helical fasteners are attached to body tissue by a fastener applicator having a proximal portion comprising a handle and an actuator and an elongate distal portion for housing a plurality of fasteners. A transferring action of the actuator provides longitudinal and rotational movement of the fasteners out of the distal portion and into body tissue.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for implanting radially expandable prostheses in the body lumens rely on tacking or anchoring of the prostheses with separately introduced fasteners. The prostheses may be self-expanding or balloon expandable. After initial placement, a fastener applier system is introduced within the expanded prostheses to deploy a plurality of fasteners at at least one prosthesis end, usually as each end of the prosthesis. The fasteners are usually helical fasteners which are delivered from a helical track in the fastener applier by rotation with a rotator wire. The fasteners will be applied singly, typically in circumferentially spaced-apart patterns about the interior of each end of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A helical fastener having a high retentive surface area is provided and has a first end for enhancing penetration into tissue and a second end comprising a coil sectioning a diameter of the fastener for receiving longitudinal and rotational forces. The helical fasteners are attached to body tissue by a fastener applicator having a proximal portion comprising a handle and an actuator and an elongate distal portion for housing a plurality of fasteners. A transferring action of the actuator provides longitudinal and rotational movement of the fasteners out of the distal portion and into body tissue.

Abstract: A helical fastener having a high retentive surface area is provided and has a first end for enhancing penetration into tissue and a second end comprising a coil sectioning a diameter of the fastener for receiving longitudinal and rotational forces. The helical fasteners are attached to body tissue by a fastener applicator having a proximal portion comprising a handle and an actuator and an elongate distal portion for housing a plurality of fasteners. A transferring action of the actuator provides longitudinal and rotational movement of the fasteners out of the distal portion and into body tissue.

Abstract: A helical fastener having a high retentive surface area is provided and has a first end for enhancing penetration into tissue and a second end comprising a coil sectioning a diameter of the fastener for receiving longitudinal and rotational forces. The helical fasteners are attached to body tissue by a fastener applicator having a proximal portion comprising a handle and an actuator and an elongate distal portion for housing a plurality of fasteners. A transferring action of the actuator provides longitudinal and rotational movement of the fasteners out of the distal portion and into body tissue.

Abstract: A helical fastener having a high retentive surface area is provided and has a first end for enhancing penetration into tissue and a second end comprising a coil sectioning a diameter of the fastener for receiving longitudinal and rotational forces. The helical fasteners are attached to body tissue by a fastener applicator having a proximal portion comprising a handle and an actuator and an elongate distal portion for housing a plurality of fasteners. A transferring action of the actuator provides longitudinal and rotational movement of the fasteners out of the distal portion and into body tissue.

Abstract: A helical fastener having a high retentive surface area is provided and has a first end for enhancing penetration into tissue and a second end comprising a coil sectioning a diameter of the fastener for receiving longitudinal and rotational forces. The helical fasteners are attached to body tissue by a fastener applicator having a proximal portion comprising a handle and an actuator and an elongate distal portion for housing a plurality of fasteners. A transferring action of the actuator provides longitudinal and rotational movement of the fasteners out of the distal portion and into body tissue.

Abstract: A method for repairing a hernia involving utilizing a helical fastener is disclosed. The helical fastener has a length that is placed in a non-parallel relationship with the tissue in the area of the hernia and is rotated into the tissue. An applicator is provided which holds multiple fasteners and is employed to attach the fasteners to the tissue.

Abstract: A helical fastener having a high retentive surface area is provided and has a first end for enhancing penetration into tissue and a second end comprising a coil sectioning a diameter of the fastener for receiving longitudinal and rotational forces. The helical fasteners are attached to body tissue by a fastener applicator having a proximal portion comprising a handle and an actuator and an elongate distal portion for housing a plurality of fasteners. A transferring action of the actuator provides longitudinal and rotational movement of the fasteners out of the distal portion and into body tissue.

Abstract: A retractor apparatus having a hollow rod member and a clamping device is provided. Support members are adjustably secured to the hollow rod member. The clamping device includes a first member having a first clamping portion and a second member having a second clamping portion. The second member is pivotally attached to the first member. When the second member is pivoted into a clamping position with the first member, the first and second portions clamp a side rail of an operating table. A tightening mechanism retains the first and second clamping portions in the clamping position. The first member has a passage for receiving the hollow rod member.

Abstract: A biopsy instrument is disclosed with a pair of blades which may be brought into an interference fit contact to generate a shearing force therebetween. The blades form an assembly which is removably attached to the instrument and is disposable. A trigger-type mechanism is provided for operating the blades. A jig is also provided for installing and removing the disposable blade assembly.