Method and apparatus for delivering a shape memory article to a surgical site

An apparatus for holding a shape memory article, the shape memory article comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion and adapted to be implanted into an anatomical feature with the distal portion first, the apparatus comprising:

• an elongated body having a first major surface, a second major surface opposite the first major surface, and a thin peripheral edge between the first and second major surfaces, the body defining a passage open to one of the first and second major surfaces of the body, the passage being configured for receiving the proximal portion of the shape memory article, the passage being shaped to substantially prevent the shape memory article from deforming in accordance with its shape memory properties when the proximal portion of the shape memory article is positioned in the passage.

An apparatus for holding a shape memory article, the shape memory article comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion and adapted to be implanted into an anatomical feature with the distal portion first, the apparatus comprising:

• an elongated body having a groove in a lateral surface thereof that defines a passage for receiving the proximal portion of the shape memory article, the passage being shaped to substantially prevent the shape memory article from deforming in accordance with its shape memory properties when the proximal portion of the shape memory article is positioned in the passage;
• the passage comprising a first portion adapted to receive a backspan of a shape memory staple and second and third portions adapted to receive proximal portions of first and second legs of the staple, respectively.