Helical fastener and applicator for surgical procedures

• US 20020058967A1
• Filed: 10/25/2001
• Published: 05/16/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 11/18/1998
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: James E. Jervis
• Original Assignee: James E. Jervis
• Inventors: Jervis, James E.
• Application Number:
  US10/037,200
• Publication Number:
  US 20020058967A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 606/213
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/064 Surgical staples, i.e. penetrating the tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/068 Surgical staplers , e.g. containing multiple staples or clampsstaplers containing only one staple A61B17/10; magazines or containers for staples A61B17/105; for performing anastomosis A61B17/115; staplers in general B25C5/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/869 characterised by an open form, e.g. wire helix
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0649 Coils or spirals
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2913 cams or guiding means
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/0063 Implantable repair or support meshes, e.g. hernia meshes

Abstract

A device and method for deploying helical fasteners which may be used to attach a prosthesis to tissue, e.g., to attach a mesh patch in a hernia repair procedure. A helical coil fastener which is inhibited from undesirable migration after installation is also provided.

Claims

1. An applicator for inserting a fastener into tissue comprising:

a rotatable hollow outer tube having a proximal portion and a distal portion; and

a stationary stabilizer rod contained substantially within said tube;

a fastener mounted on said rod;

said tube having a longitudinally extending coil engaging means along a distal portion thereof, said tube further being adapted to contain a fastener in engaging relationship with said slot;

said rod having a member adapted to engage said fastener in the distal region of said rod.

2. The applicator of claim 1 wherein said coil engaging means is a slot and wherein said fastener comprises at least one helical coil having a radially outwardly extending protuberance is provided in said tube and wherein said protuberance engages with said slot.

3. The applicator of claim 2 wherein said member on the distal region of said rod is a coil engaging member.

4. The applicator of claim 3 wherein said coil engaging member is a pin which extends radially outwardly from said rod.

5. The applicator of claim 3 wherein said coil engaging member comprises screw threads on said rod.

6. An applicator for inserting a fastener into tissue comprising:

a hollow tube having an interior and exterior surface;

a substantially solid rod having a distal region; and

a helically coiled fastener mounted on said rod;

said tube being rotatable about the longitudinal axis thereof, and further having a longitudinal groove extending along said interior surface;

said rod being substantially enclosed by said tube, and having a member adapted to engage said fastener at its distal region; and

,

said fastener having a protuberance in engagement with said groove.

7. The applicator of claim 6 wherein said member on the distal region of said rod is a coil engaging member.

8. The applicator of claim 7 wherein said coil engaging member is a pin which extends radially outwardly from said rod.

9. The applicator of claim 7 wherein said coil engaging member comprises screw threads on said rod.

10. A method of inserting a fastener into tissue comprising the steps of:

providing a fastener with a piercing end and a blunt end;

engaging the fastener with a means which will cause the fastener to advance when it is rotated,

providing a tube containing at least one fastener which tube is rotatable about the longitudinal axis thereof;

putting the fastener in engaging relationship with the tube;

rotating the tube, whereby the fastener is translated into the tissue in a screw like manner.

11. A fastener to stabilize tissue comprising:

a helical body having at least one coil, said body having a proximal portion and a distal portion;

said distal portion being suitable for piercing tissue;

said proximal end having a loop portion extending from a first point on said coil to a second point on said coil, said proximal end further having a protuberance extending outside an area defined by the perimeter of said helical body.