PINNED RETAINER SURGICAL FASTENERS, INSTRUMENTS AND METHODS FOR MINIMALLY INVASIVE VASCULAR AND ENDOSCOPIC SURGERY

摘要

A surgical fastener (32) in the form of a pinned retainer instrument and method are provided for constructing a graft (50) to artery anastomosis and other soft tissue anastomoses, particularly by minimally invasive (or endocopic) surgery. The pinned retainer fastener (32) is comprised of a needle (10), and a retainer (30). The needle (10) has a base (12), shaft (14), and tip (16) that allow this member to be sewn through, for example, a graft and artery to be joined. The retainer (30) has an aperture to receive and securely engage the needle shaft to seal the graft (50) and artery together between cooperating surfaces of the needle (10), base, and retainer (30). The instrument holds the needle (10), and retainer (30) at its distal or working end, and controls in the handle allow application of the retainer (30). The method employs the pinned retainer fasteners (32) and instrument to join soft tissues, and to construct graft to artery anastomoses.