Surgical fastener delivery and locking mechanism

Abstract

The invention provides a fastening device for laparoscopic hernia repair. The coordinated operation of two insertion members stabilizes a fastener during closure and locking to ensure that the fastener is locked in the intended location before the device releases from the fastener. One of the insertion members includes a pair of prongs that exhibit a closed configuration when they are disposed in a recess at an end of the fastener. The fastener has a hook at one end and a loop at the other end. The insertion members push the fastener out from the device and through the tissue. A curvature in at least one of the insertion members pushes the hook through the loop all while the prongs are in the recess in the fastener, thereby stabilizing the fastener with respect to the device.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16 / 150,901, filed on Oct. 3, 2018 which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15 / 132,861, filed Apr. 19, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,117,648, which claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.: 62 / 151,631, filed Apr. 23, 2015.[0002]The contents of the above applications are all incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein in their entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0003]The invention generally relates to devices for hernia mesh fixation.BACKGROUND[0004]If a person has a hernia, they may suffer from pain, organ dysfunction, bowel obstruction, or other complications. This occurs when an organ protrudes through the wall that normally contains it. Hernias can occur in a number of parts of the body, and occur commonly in the abdomen. For example, the peritoneum that lines the abdomen may push out through a weakened area of the abdominal wall to f...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a fastening device that can be used to close hernia mesh through a laparoscopic incision. The device has two insertion members that push the fastener out from the device and through the tissue to stabilize it in place. The device is controlled by the physician and allows for precise positioning and locking of the fastener. This avoids the need for additional fasteners and reduces patient pain and costly do-overs. The device is designed to ensure that every fastener is fully closed and locked precisely in the intended location before the device releases from the fastener.

Problems solved by technology

If a person has a hernia, they may suffer from pain, organ dysfunction, bowel obstruction, or other complications.

Unfortunately, fastening a hernia mesh via laparoscopic access is fraught with problems.

Fasteners do not always fully close properly in the right position and orientation to fasten the mesh properly.

However, an overabundance of foreign objects is thought to contribute greatly to patient pain.

If the surgeon does not realize that some of the fasteners have failed to fasten, then the entire procedure may require a do-over.

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