Intra Dermal Tissue Fixation Device

Abstract

A device is disclosed for the securement of dermal tissues. The device provides approximation and eversion of the tissue as well as the placement of a fixation element that bridges a wound. The fixation element may be produced in several fixed or dynamic configurations that may or may not alter the ability to engage tissue in response to stresses placed upon the fixation member post-deployment. The delivery device inserts the fastener percutaneously through the epidermis into the sub-dermal position without entering the wound margins with any part of the approximation portion of the delivery device.

1 - 11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . A tissue fastener, comprising:
 an elongated central member having a proximal end and a distal end and opposed lateral sides;   a plurality of frictional engagement elements extending outwardly from each lateral side such that the engagement members on a first lateral side are opposed to the engagement members extending outwardly from the other lateral side, each engagement member having a proximal end and a distal end and a cross-sectional area, each engagement member additionally having a distal tip extending from the distal end, wherein the tip has a cross-sectional area that is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the engagement member.   
     
     
         13 . The tissue fastener of claim  11 , said fastener comprising a bioabsorbable polymer. 
     
     
         14 . A tissue fastener, comprising:
 an elongated central member having a proximal end, a distal end, a top surface, a bottom surface, and opposed lateral sides;   a first web member extending from the top surface, the first web member having a bottom and a top, and a plurality of partial circular openings extending through the first web member adjacent to the top surface and intersecting the top surface, wherein the first web member is tapered from the bottom to the top; and,   a second web member extending from the bottom surface, the second web member having a bottom and a top, a longitudinal axis, and a plurality of slits at acute angles relative to the longitudinal axis of the second web member, wherein the second web member is tapered from the bottom to the top.   
     
     
         15 . The tissue fastener of  claim 13 , said fastener comprising a bioabsorbable polymer. 
     
     
         16 . A method of approximating a wound in tissue, comprising the steps of:
 mounting at least one tissue fastener in the implant end effector of the device of claim  1 ;   locating the tissue engagement end effector and the implant end effector of the device proximate to a wound, wherein the wound has opposed sides;   actuating the tissue engagement trigger member to cause the tissue engagement end effector to engage tissue about the wound and cause the sides of the wound to become everted; and,   actuating the firing trigger member to cause the implant end effector to implant at least one tissue fastener through the sides of the wound to cause the sides of the wounds to come together.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the tissue fastener comprises the tissue fastener of claim  11 . 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the tissue fastener comprises the tissue fastener of  claim 13 .