Device for applying a meniscal staple

A tissue repair device for repairing torn tissue, comprising:

• a pair of tissue connecting members having a central longitudinal axis each of said connecting members having a penetration end, an opposite trailing end proximal of said penetration end, and a channel extending over a length of each of said connecting members;
• a plurality of barb-like portions disposed along each of said connecting members for retaining each of said connecting members in torn tissue;
• and
• a flexible member having a first end connected adjacent the trailing end of one of said connecting members and a second end connected adjacent the trailing end of the other of said connecting members, each of the first and second ends of the flexible member being connected at a location offset from the central longitudinal axis of the connecting member such that the trailing end of each connecting member includes an unobstructed tool engaging surface.

A tissue tear repair device for repairing torn tissue in a patient, comprising:

• a pair of tissue anchoring members;
• a flexible member having a first end fixedly connected to one of said anchoring members and a second end fixedly connected to the other of said anchoring members;
• a channel extending over a length of each anchoring member;
• and
• a needle positioned in each channel,
• wherein each channel tapers in the direction of a penetration end of said needles.

A tissue tear repair device comprising:

• a pair of anchoring members, each anchoring member having a distal penetration end configured to penetrate body tissue;
• a channel extending over a length of each of the anchoring members;
• a plurality of barb-like portions disposed along each of the anchoring members;
• and
• a flexible member interconnecting the anchoring members,
• wherein the anchoring members are connected to facilitate penetration of body tissue from a common direction,
• wherein each of the channels tapers in the direction of the penetration end of the anchoring member.