Method of using ultrasonic vibration to secure body tissue with fastening element

A method of securing a fastener in a patient using ultrasonic vibratory energy, the method comprising:

• positioning an elongated object in the patient, wherein the elongated object includes at least a portion of a thermoplastic;
• positioning the fastener including a material that deforms with the application of heat in contact with the object, wherein the fastener includes at least a portion of a thermoplastic;
• contacting at least a portion of a horn communicating vibratory ultrasonic energy to at least a portion of the fastener;
• applying ultrasonic vibratory energy to the fastener to heat the fastener to a fastener transition temperature, such that the object is not heated to an object transition temperature;
• and
• deforming the fastener to secure the object to the fastener.

A method of securing a fastener in a body using ultrasonic vibratory energy, the method comprising:

• positioning an elongated object in the body, wherein the elongated object includes at least a portion of a thermoplastic;
• positioning a fastener including a thermoplastic material deformable upon the application of heat in contact with the object;
• contacting at least a portion of a horn communicating vibratory ultrasonic energy to at least a portion of the fastener;
• applying pressure to urge the fastener against the object;
• and
• applying ultrasonic vibratory energy to the fastener to heat the fastener to a fastener transition temperature, such that the object is not heated to an object transition temperature, to thereby secure the object to the fastener.