Abdominal closure method and device variations

Abstract

Abdominal closure reinforcement methods and tissue anchoring devices for reducing the rate of abdominal wall closure dehiscence are described. The tissue anchors avoid a permanent footprint of foreign material and precluding materials spanning the interior layer of the abdominal closure where risk to visceral structures exists.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A tissue anchor apparatus, comprising:
 a first platform defining at least one anchoring member having a length extending from a surface of the first platform, the at least one anchoring member having a terminal piercing end;   a second platform defining at least one opening sized to receive the at least one anchoring member through the at least one opening; and   one or more shoulders defined along the length of the at least one anchoring member, wherein movement of the second platform along the length towards the first platform is inhibited by the one or more shoulders abutting the second platform.   
     
     
         2 . The assembly of  claim 1  further comprising one or more securing elements attachable to a portion of the second platform for securement to an additional tissue anchor positioned opposite to the tissue anchor. 
     
     
         3 . The assembly of  claim 2  wherein the one or more securing elements comprise a length of suture or biasing element. 
     
     
         4 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein each anchoring member extends from the surface in parallel with one another. 
     
     
         5 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein each anchoring member is angled relative to the first platform. 
     
     
         6 . The assembly of  claim 1  the second platform further comprises at least one secondary anchoring member extending from a surface of the second platform opposite to the surface of the first platform. 
     
     
         7 . The assembly of  claim 6  wherein the at least one secondary anchoring member comprises tines each having a length which is less than the at least one anchoring member from the first platform. 
     
     
         8 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the first platform and second platform have a parallel orientation relative to one another. 
     
     
         9 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein a portion of the at least one anchoring member extending beyond the second platform when engaged to the first platform is removable. 
     
     
         10 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the first platform and second platform are configured to be bioabsorbable. 
     
     
         11 . The assembly of  claim 1  further comprising a third platform configured to secure the second platform to the at least one anchoring member. 
     
     
         12 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the at least one anchoring member defines a lumen configured to receive one or more securing elements through the lumen. 
     
     
         13 . A tissue anchor apparatus, comprising:
 a first platform defining at least one anchoring member having a length extending from a surface of the first platform, the at least one anchoring member having a terminal piercing end;   a second platform defining at least one opening sized to receive the at least one anchoring member through the at least one opening;   a third platform configured to be positioned upon the second platform when engaged upon the at least one anchoring member such that the second platform is secured to the at least one anchoring member via the third platform; and   one or more shoulders defined along the length of the at least one anchoring member, wherein movement of the second platform along the length towards the first platform is inhibited by the one or more shoulders abutting the second platform.   
     
     
         14 . The assembly of  claim 13  further comprising one or more securing elements attachable to a portion of the second platform for securement to an additional tissue anchor positioned opposite to the tissue anchor. 
     
     
         15 . The assembly of  claim 14  wherein the one or more securing elements comprise a length of suture or biasing element. 
     
     
         16 . The assembly of  claim 13  wherein each anchoring member extends from the surface in parallel with one another. 
     
     
         17 . The assembly of  claim 13  wherein each anchoring member is angled relative to the first platform. 
     
     
         18 . The assembly of  claim 13  the second platform further comprises at least one secondary anchoring member extending from a surface of the second platform opposite to the surface of the first platform. 
     
     
         19 . The assembly of  claim 18  wherein the at least one secondary anchoring member comprises tines each having a length which is less than the at least one anchoring member from the first platform. 
     
     
         20 . The assembly of  claim 13  wherein the first platform and second platform have a parallel orientation relative to one another. 
     
     
         21 . The assembly of  claim 13  wherein a portion of the at least one anchoring member extending beyond the second platform when engaged to the first platform is removable. 
     
     
         22 . The assembly of  claim 13  wherein the first platform, second platform, and third platform are configured to be bioabsorbable. 
     
     
         23 . The assembly of  claim 13  wherein the at least one anchoring member defines a lumen configured to receive one or more securing elements through the lumen.