Mechanical method and apparatus for bilateral tissue fastening

Abstract

A mechanical system for bilaterally securing skin tissue utilizes a tissue manipulator apparatus to approximate a portion of an interior surface of each of two pieces of living dermis tissue along a vertical interface below an exterior surface without overlapping either interior surface across the vertical interface. An applicator apparatus includes a driving head portion positioned in the vertical interface and at least partially below the exterior surface and a handle portion positioned at least partially above the exterior surface. The applicator apparatus bilaterally drives at least one portion of the fastener through each piece of the living dermis tissue behind the interior surface of that piece of tissue such that the fastener is positioned below the exterior surface and a portion of the fastener is positioned generally transverse to the vertical interface. Preferably, the manipulator apparatus and the applicator apparatus are arranged together as part of a hand-held instrument.

1 . The inventions as disclosed and described herein.