# US 2014/0151432 A1 · Device and Method for Fastening Connective Tissue > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2014/0151432 A1 - Document ID: US20140151432A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 13/740,993 - Filed: 2013-01-14 - Published: 2014-06-05 - Earliest claimed: 2012-12-03 - Inventors: Ronald W. Weaver, JR. - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20140151432A1 ## CPC - A61B 17/068: Surgical staplers {, e.g. containing multiple staples or clamps}({staplers containing only one staple A61B17/10; magazines or containers for staples A61B17/105;} for performing anastomosis A61B17/115; {staplers in general B25C5/00}) - A61B 17/064: Surgical staples, {i.e. penetrating the tissue} - A61B 17/0643: {with separate closing member, e.g. for interlocking with staple} - A61B 17/0682: {for applying U-shaped staples or clamps, e.g. without a forming anvil} - A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D) ## Abstract A stapler delivers a fastener so that the legs of the fastener penetrate two abutting portions of fascia from the inside out so that, after penetration, the legs of the fastener are outside the body. The stapler subsequently positions a retainer over the ends of the fastener in order to hold the fascia and fastener in place. Once the retainer is properly positioned, the stapler may trim and capture the ends of the fastener that protrude beyond the retainer to avoid patient discomfort, injury or post-operative complications. A wide variety of fastener and retainer combinations are presented for use in differing environments and conditions. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A method for connecting fascia comprising: positioning two abutting portions of fascia in a gap between a carriage with a fastener cartridge positioned therein and a base with a retainer cartridge positioned therein, wherein said carriage is placed inside a body cavity and said base is positioned outside said body cavity; moving said carriage towards said base wherein a fastener is dislodged from said fastener cartridge, legs of said fastener pass through said fascia and through at least one opening in a retainer from said retainer cartridge. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said legs that protrude beyond said opening in said retainer after insertion therethrough is removed. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said legs that protrude beyond said retainer are removed and captured after removal. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein said legs include a notch configured to interlock with an edge of said opening in said retainer. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein said legs include protrusions configured to secure said legs within said retainer after said legs have passed through said opening in said retainer. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein said fastener is made of a material that may be absorbed into a human body. ### Claim 7 A system for connecting fascia comprising: a carriage with a fastener cartridge positioned therein and a base with a retainer cartridge positioned therein, wherein said carriage is configured for placement inside a body cavity and said base is configured for placement outside said body cavity; a gap between said base and said carriage configured for the placement of two abutting portions of fascia therein, said base and cartridge configured so that, as said carriage moves towards said base, a fastener is dislodged from said fastener cartridge and said legs of said fastener are pushed through said fascia and through at least one opening in a retainer from said retainer cartridge. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The system of claim 7, wherein at least a portion of said legs that protrude beyond said opening in said retainer after insertion therethrough is removed. ### Claim 9 (depends on 7) The system of claim 7, wherein at least a portion of said legs that protrude beyond said opening in said retainer after insertion therethrough is removed and captured after removal. ### Claim 10 (depends on 7) The system of claim 7, wherein said legs include a notch configured to interlock with an edge of said opening in said retainer. ### Claim 11 (depends on 7) The system of claim 7, wherein said legs include protrusions configured to secure said legs within said retainer after said legs have passed through said opening in said retainer. ### Claim 12 (depends on 7) The system of claim 7, wherein said fastener is made of a material that may be absorbed into a human body. ### Claim 13 A device for connecting two abutting portions of fascia comprising: a carriage with a fastener cartridge positioned therein and a base with a retainer cartridge positioned therein, wherein said carriage is configured for placement inside a body cavity and said base is configured for placement outside said body cavity; a gap between said base and said carriage configured for the placement of two abutting portions of fascia therein; means for moving said carriage towards said base, causing a fastener to dislodge from said fastener cartridge and pushing legs of said fastener through said fascia and through at least one opening in a retainer from said retainer cartridge. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) The device of claim 13, further including means for removing at least a portion of said legs that protrude beyond said opening in said retainer after insertion therethrough. ### Claim 15 (depends on 13) The device of claim 13, further including means for removing and capturing at least a portion of said legs that protrude beyond said opening in said retainer after insertion therethrough. ### Claim 16 (depends on 13) The device of claim 13, wherein said legs include a notch configured to interlock with an edge of said opening in said retainer. ### Claim 17 (depends on 13) The device of claim 13, wherein said legs include protrusions configured to secure said legs within said retainer after said legs have passed through said opening in said retainer. ### Claim 18 (depends on 13) The device of claim 13, wherein said fastener is made of a material that may be absorbed into a human body.