Fastener Applier

Abstract

Apparatus and methods utilize an intraluminal fastener applier having a guide body with a longitudinal axis. The guide body is sized and configured for intraluminal deployment in a hollow body organ. An actuated assembly is carried by the guide body that is selectively operable to generate an implantation force to implant at least one fastener into tissue within the hollow body organ. The actuated assembly includes a driven member extending generally along the longitudinal axis, which is sized and configured to engage a selected fastener. The actuated assembly also includes a drive member coupled to the driven member to impart the implantation force to the driven element in a direction that is at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the guide body.

1 : A handheld fastener applier, comprising,
 a handle;   a drive mechanism coupled to the handle at a proximal end of the applier;   a fastener disposed at a distal end of the applier, the fastener including:
 a continuous stainless steel helical coil with a sharpened leading tip at a distal end thereof; and 
 a cap secured to a proximal end of the helical coil, the cap being constructed from an implantable polymer, the cap being non-rotatably and selectively connected to the drive mechanism; and 
   a fastener driver coupled to the drive mechanism and engaging the cap, the fastener driver rotating the fastener when the drive mechanism is actuated.   
     
     
         2 : The handheld fastener applier according to  claim 1 , wherein the drive mechanism is manually powered. 
     
     
         3 : The handheld fastener applier according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a drive member supported on a distal end of the fastener driver, the drive member being configured to engage the cap of the fastener and impart rotation to the fastener.   
     
     
         4 : The handheld fastener applier according to  claim 1 , wherein the helical coil of the fastener has a diameter and defines a coil lumen extending axially therethrough. 
     
     
         5 : The handheld fastener applier according to  claim 4 , wherein the cap of the fastener defines a central opening axially aligned with the coil lumen of the helical coil. 
     
     
         6 : The handheld fastener applier according to  claim 5 , wherein the cap of the fastener defines at least one rotation receiving feature for receiving rotational forces from the fastener driver. 
     
     
         7 : The handheld fastener applier according to  claim 6 , wherein the at least one rotation receiving feature is defined in an outer surface of the cap of the fastener. 
     
     
         8 : The handheld fastener applier according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 an elongate tubular member defining a lumen therethrough and including a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the fastener driver is rotatably disposed within the lumen of the elongate tubular member.   
     
     
         9 : A handheld fastener applier, comprising,
 a handle;   a drive mechanism coupled to the handle at a proximal end of the applier;   a fastener disposed at a distal end of the applier, the fastener including:
 a continuous helical coil with a sharpened leading tip at a distal end thereof, the helical coil being constructed from a first material; and 
 a cap secured to a proximal end of the helical coil, the cap being constructed from a second material, the cap being non-rotatably and selectively connected to the drive mechanism; and 
   a fastener driver coupled to the drive mechanism and engaging the cap, the fastener driver rotating the fastener when the drive mechanism is actuated.   
     
     
         10 : The handheld fastener applier according to  claim 9 , wherein the drive mechanism is manually powered. 
     
     
         11 : The handheld fastener applier according to  claim 9 , further comprising:
 a drive member supported on a distal end of the fastener driver, the drive member being configured to engage the cap of the fastener and impart rotation to the fastener.   
     
     
         12 : The handheld fastener applier according to  claim 9 , wherein the helical coil of the fastener has a diameter and defines a coil lumen extending axially therethrough. 
     
     
         13 : The handheld fastener applier according to  claim 12 , wherein the cap of the fastener defines a central opening axially aligned with the coil lumen of the helical coil. 
     
     
         14 : The handheld fastener applier according to  claim 13 , wherein the cap of the fastener defines at least one rotation receiving feature for receiving rotational forces from the fastener driver. 
     
     
         15 : The handheld fastener applier according to  claim 14 , wherein the at least one rotation receiving feature is defined in an outer surface of the cap of the fastener. 
     
     
         16 : The handheld fastener applier according to  claim 9 , further comprising:
 an elongate tubular member defining a lumen therethrough and including a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the fastener driver is rotatably disposed within the lumen of the elongate tubular member.   
     
     
         17 : The handheld fastener applier according to  claim 9 , wherein the first material of the fastener is stainless steel. 
     
     
         18 : The handheld fastener applier according to  claim 9 , wherein the second material of the fastener is an implantable polymer. 
     
     
         19 : The handheld fastener applier according to  claim 18 , wherein the first material of the fastener is stainless steel.