Retainer

Abstract: Apparatus for applying at least one row of two-part surgical fasteners to body tissue, each surgical fastener having a pronged fastener portion for piercing body tissue, and an aperture retainer dimensioned and configured for engaged reception of the pronged fastener portion in interference fit therewith for gripping the body tissue therebetween. The apparatus includes means for holding a plurality of the fastener portions in generally aligned relation, means spaced from the fastener portion holding means for gripping body tissue therebetween and for releasably holding a plurality of the retainers in generally aligned relation and positioned opposite the fasteners when the body tissue is positioned therebetween. Means is provided for sequentially advancing the pronged fastener portions toward the apertured retainers to cause the fastener portions to pierce the body tissue and to be received within the apertures of the retainers in engaged interference relation so as to cause the fastener portions and the retainers to be engaged while gripping the body tissue therebetween. In the preferred embodiment a knife edge is provided to cut the body tissue midway between opposed pairs of rows of the fasteners as the fasteners are applied. A method for applying two spaced apart pairs of rows of the fasteners to body tissue on the apparatus of the invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: © A surgical fastener of plastic or plastic-like material includes initially separate fastener and retainer members. The fastener member has at least two parallel prongs, each of which fits into a respective one of at least two apertures in the retainer member. The prongs twist as they enter the apertures. Then the prongs return to their initial orientation in which they interlock with the retainer member to form a finished fastener. The fastener is applied by forcing the fastener member prongs through the tissue to be fastened with the aid of metal pins contiguous with each prong. The pins are automatically withdrawn from the tissue after the prongs interlock with the retainer member and before the fastened tissue is removed from the fastener applying apparatus.

Abstract: A surgical fastener applying apparatus having elongated cartridge and anvil half sections which are relatively movable from an unclamped to a clamped position. A safety member is supported in the cartridge section and movable between a non-blocking position and a blocking position to prevent relative movement of the cartridge and anvil support member to the clamped position after the fasteners have been fired. The safety member is biased inwardly by a tab retainer. Distal movement of the cam bars causes the tab retainer to be moved to a release position to allow movement of the safety tab to the blocking position.

Abstract: A retainer for assembling tissue thickness compensators to a surgical stapler can comprise a grip, a first surface for supporting a first tissue thickness compensator, a second surface for supporting a second tissue thickness compensator, and clips for aligning and attaching the retainer to the surgical stapler. The clips may align and attach the retainer to a staple cartridge of the surgical instrument. The clips may align the retainer with an anvil of the surgical instrument. An insertion tool may be used in combination with the retainer to insert the retainer into the surgical stapler and to push the tissue thickness compensators against the anvil and/or the staple cartridge of the surgical instrument.