Surgical Connection Apparatus and Methods

Abstract

Surgical connection apparatus comprises a support having a proximal portion with a distal end and a proximal portion. The support forms a pathway between the proximal and distal portions. A plurality of self-closing clips are slidably disposed in the pathway and a pusher is arranged to slidably move in the pathway and push the clips in a distal direction. The apparatus facilitates partial ejection of a clip after which the remainder of the clip is withdrawn therefrom. In one embodiment, the support comprises a tubular needle with the distal end being pointed. The needle can be used to penetrate the tissue or material to be joined and to manipulate or approximate tissue or material to he joined before the clip is partially ejected.

1 - 72 . (canceled) 
     
     
         73 . A method of connecting tissue comprising: penetrating a self-closing clip support through first and second portions of material wherein at least one of said portions comprises tissue; extending a portion of a self-closing clip from said clip support; and simultaneously withdrawing said clip support from said material and allowing said self-closing clip to be discharged therefrom. 
     
     
         74 . A method of connecting tissue comprising: penetrating a self-closing clip support through first and second portions of material wherein at least one of said portions comprises tissue; extending a portion of a self-closing clip, having a memory set closed configuration, from said clip support and allowing the extended portion to move toward its memory set closed configuration; withdrawing said clip support from said material and allowing said self-closing clip to be completely withdrawn from said support and move toward its closed configuration.