Bridge clip tissue connector apparatus and methods

Abstract

A novel bridge clip tissue connector includes two clips separated by a bridge portion. The clips allow for the connecting of tissue at two positions that are maintained by the bridge portion. The connector can be used for performing a wide variety of surgical procedures, including anastomosis and a horizontal mattress suture-like connection.

1 . A surgical method to attach tissue comprising:
 positioning two piercing ends of a fastener near one side of a first tissue at a piercing distance, where said fastener includes two clips each having an open configuration and a closed configuration, and a bridge portion joining said two clips, where said bridge portion spaces said two clips a clipping distance when in said closed configuration, and where said piercing distance is approximately equal to said clipping distance;   piercing said first tissue with said piercing ends with said two clips in said open configuration;   positioning said bridge along said one side;   piercing a second tissue with said two clips in said open configuration;   drawing said clips in said open configuration through said second tissue; and   actuating said release mechanism.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said self-closing clip includes a shape memory material. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said first tissue is the heal or toe of a graft vessel, wherein said second tissue is a target vessel, and wherein said drawing includes parachuting said first tissue onto said second tissue, and wherein said actuating joins said first and second tissue to form an anastomosis. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said actuating joins said first and second tissue to form a horizontal mattress suture.