Apparatus and method for the multi-axial placement of surgical fasteners

A catheter derivative for use during a surgical procedure, comprising:

• a catheter with at least one cavity;
• and
• a penetration apparatus comprising a thin elongated body having a first end, a second end and a central longitudinal axis;
• the first end opposes the second end and is aligned with a vessel matrix during the surgical procedure;
• the second end is substantially free;
• and the longitudinal axis spans the body from the first end to the second end wherein the body may rotate around the axis for placement;
• wherein the penetration apparatus is slideably housed within the cavity of the catheter.

A method of using a penetration apparatus with a catheter derivative during a surgical procedure, which comprises the steps of:

• inserting the penetration apparatus into the catheter;
• positioning the catheter within a vessel matrix;
• activating and advancing the penetration apparatus through the catheter in the vessel matrix;
• and
• withdrawing the penetration apparatus.

A method of placing at least one fastener during a surgical procedure, which comprises the steps of:

• gaining access to a surgical site with a catheter derivative;
• positioning the catheter derivative within a vessel matrix;
• inserting a penetration apparatus into the catheter;
• activating and advancing the penetration apparatus to form a treatment specific incision in vessel matrix;
• and
• deploying a fastener through the incision of the vessel matrix.