Tissue holding devices and methods for making the same

A method for forming a tissue holding device having a predetermined shape suitable for use in surgical applications, comprising:

• providing a polymeric feedstock material;
• using a first set of dies, press forming the polymeric feedstock material into a pre-form having a length and a width, wherein the width is defined by a central portion and first and second enlarged distal ends;
• providing a receiver plate and a stripper plate each having a top surface with a recess formed therein having a three-dimensional shape such that, when the recesses are aligned and facing one another, a cavity is formed therebetween capable of receiving therein the pre-form and having a substantially complementary shape as that of the pre-form, including the central portion and enlarged distal ends thereof, the stripper plate further having a opening therethrough for receiving a punch;
• aligning the receiver and stripper plates and placing the pre-form in the cavity formed therebetween;
• providing a punch having a punch element having an outer periphery substantially identical to an outer periphery of the predetermined shape of the tissue holding device, and having a three dimensional surface contour substantially complementary to a top surface of a portion of the pre-form to be punched;
• pressing the punch element through the stripper plate and into the pre-form to thereby create the tissue holding device of the predetermined shape, wherein the punch element presses into only the central portion of the pre-form and not the enlarged distal ends of the pre-form;
• wherein the predetermined shape of the tissue holding device includes a core extending along a length thereof and having an outermost dimension of less than or equal to 0.03 inches, and a plurality of tissue holding elements extending outwardly therefrom along at least a portion of the length.