Surgical helical fastener with applicator and method of use

• US 5,810,882 A
• Filed: 12/20/1996
• Issued: 09/22/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 08/05/1994
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Origin Medsystems Inc. (Boston Scientific Corporation)
• Inventors: Lunsford, John, Bolduc, Lee, Kramer, Thomas A., McCoy, Tim, Hodges, Brian A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Buiz, Michael
• Assistant Examiner(s): PHAM, THUY D
• Application Number:
  US08/772,143
• Time in Patent Office: 641 Days
• Field of Search: 606/232, 606/151, 606/215, 606/216, 606/219, 606/221, 606/60, 606/65, 606/213, 606/72, 606/73, 606/75, 606/104, 29/240.5, 81/120, 81/478, 81/480, 81/482, 24/711.2, 24/711.3, 227/902, 227/901, 411/392, 411/475
• US Class Current: 606/213
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/0469 Suturing instruments for use in minimally invasive surgery, e.g. endoscopic surgery
• 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 17/1285 for minimally invasive surgery
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00004 (bio)absorbable, (bio)resorbable, resorptive for implantable prostheses A61F2210/0004
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/06076 helically or spirally coiled for sutures A61B2017/06171
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/06171 helically or spirally coiled for needles A61B2017/06076
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0649 Coils or spirals
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/0063 Implantable repair or support meshes, e.g. hernia meshes
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 227/901 Surgical clip appliers
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 227/902 Surgical clips or staples
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 606/91 Polymer
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 606/916 Tool for installing or removing orthopedic fastener
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/4695 Wire curved or bent

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.

Claims

1. A method for repairing a hernia utilizing a continuous helical fastener having a length perpendicular to its diameter, a terminal distal end configured with a point and a proximal end configured for facilitating the rotation of said terminal end into tissue, comprising the steps of:

placing a plurality of the helical fasteners in an applicator;

positioning at least one helical fastener so that its length is in a non-parallel relationship with respect to the tissue in the area of the hernia; and

rotating the helical fastener so that the point of the fastener passes through the tissue in the area of the hernia.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said rotating step includes rotating the fastener until the proximal end of the fastener is placed in close proximity to the tissue in the area of the hernia.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of rotating multiple fasteners into the tissue in the area of the hernia.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the applicator operates to rotate the helical fasteners into tissue, the applicator having a distal portion through which the fasteners are ejected.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising the step of placing the distal portion of the applicator in the area of the hernia.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising the step of actuating the applicator to thereby rotate the fastener into the tissue in the area of the hernia.