Clamping devices for dispensing surgical fasteners into soft media

[0001] The present application is related to commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/422,003, filed Mar. 16, 2012, entitled “DEVICES FOR DISPENSING SURGICAL FASTENERS INTO TISSUE WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY GENERATING EXTERNAL MARKS THAT MIRROR THE NUMBER AND LOCATION OF THE DISPENSED SURGICAL FASTENERS,” now U.S. Pat. No. 8,740,919, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to medical devices, and more specifically relates to clamping devices used to dispense surgical fasteners into soft media.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] Hernia is a condition in which a small loop of bowel or intestine protrudes through a weak place or defect within the abdominal muscle wall or groin of a patient. Hernias may result from a congenital defect, or may be caused by straining or lifting heavy objects. A hernia may leave the patient with an unsightly bulge of intestinal tissue protruding through the defect, and may cause pain, reduced lifting abilities, impaction of the bowel, or possibly other complications if the flow of blood is cut off to the protruding tissue.

[0006] Surgery may be required to repair a hernia. During a hernia repair procedure, the defect is accessed and carefully examined through an open incision or endoscopically through a trocar. In either case, careful examination is required due to the delicate network of vessels and nerves that surround the area of the defect. As such, surgeons must conduct hernia repair procedures with great skill and caution.

[0007] Repairing a hernia may involve closing the defect with sutures or fasteners. The hernia repair procedure may also involve placing a surgical prosthetic device such as a mesh patch over the open defect, and attaching the mesh patch to the abdominal wall or inguinal floor with conventional sutures or surgical fasteners. The mesh patch acts as a barrier and prevents expulsion of the bowel through the defect.

[0008] One type of common hernia is a ventral hernia. This type of hernia typically occurs in the abdominal wall and may be caused by a prior incision or puncture, or by an area of tissue weakness that is stressed. There are several repair procedures that can be employed by the surgeon, depending upon the individual characteristics of the patient and the nature of the hernia. In an Intra-peritoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) repair technique, a specific mesh is used with a flat repair layer fused to a fixation layer around the perimeter. The fixation layer has an opening to facilitate the insertion of a fixation device between the layers. During an IPOM repair, an incision is made directly over the site of the ventral hernia. The mesh is rolled and inserted through the incision and hernia into the pre-peritoneal space. The mesh is then centrally positioned underneath the hernia with the repair layer downward, facing the viscera. Stay sutures may be placed to position the mesh. Then, a fixation device is used to secure the fixation layer to the abdominal wall. Fixation of the top fixation layer will also secure the bottom repair layer as well. After the mesh is secured and is flat against the abdominal wall, the hernia defect and the skin incision may be closed using sutures.

[0009] At present, there are a variety of surgical instruments and fasteners used for attaching mesh patches to tissue. One of the earliest types of surgical instruments used is a surgical stapler, whereby a stack of staples are contained within a stapling cartridge, and are sequentially advanced within the instrument by a spring mechanism. A secondary mechanism is employed to separate the distal-most staple from the stack, to hold the remainder of the staples in the stack, and to feed the distal-most staple into the staple forming mechanism. Feeding mechanisms of this type are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,470,010 and 5,582,616, to Rothfuss et al.

[0010] Another hernia mesh attachment instrument uses a helical wire fastener that resembles a small section of a spring. Multiple helical wire fasteners are stored serially within a 5 mm shaft, and are corkscrewed into tissue. A load spring is used to feed the plurality of helical fasteners distally within the shaft. A protrusion extends into the shaft to prevent the ejection of the stack of fasteners by the load spring to permit passage of a rotating fastener. Instruments and fasteners of these types are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,582,616 and 5,810,882 to Bolduc et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,830,221 to Stein et al.

[0011] Other surgical fasteners used for hernia mesh attachment utilize either a reloadable single shot instrument or a rotary magazine that holds a small number of fasteners. These types of surgical fastening instruments are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,203,864 and 5,290,297 to Edward Phillips. These instruments have not gained acceptance by the surgical community, possibly due to their single shot capabilities and the large size of the rotary magazine, which can restrict use of such an instrument to an open procedure.

[0012] U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,601,573; 5,833,700; and 5,921,997 to Fogelberg et al. teach a clip applier with a feeding mechanism that utilizes a reciprocating feed bar to feed a stack of clips. A feeder shoe operably engages with and moves with the distally moving feed bar and slidingly engages with the proximally moving feed bar. The feeder shoe pushes the stack of clips distally with the distally moving feed bar and remains stationary relative to the proximally moving feed bar. A valving mechanism separates the distal-most clip from the stack holds the stack stationary as the distal-most clip may be dispensed onto a vessel.

[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 4,325,376 to Klieman et al teaches a clip applier that stores a stack of clips in a serial fashion within a clip magazine. The proximal-most clip is pushed distally by a pawl that is ratcheted distally by a reciprocating member with each actuation of the instrument. As the pawl ratchets distally, it pushes the stack of clips distally.

[0014] Commonly assigned U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0068947, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein, teaches a device for delivering a plurality of individual surgical fasteners. In one embodiment, the delivery device includes a drive mechanism having distal and proximal ends. The drive mechanism has a moving member and a fixed opposing member, whereby the moving member is moveable proximally and distally with respect to the delivery device. The moving member has a sharpened distal end for piercing tissue. The device includes at least one surgical fastener located between the first and the second members. Each of the surgical fasteners has a proximal end and a distal end. The device also has an actuator having at least two sequential positions. A first position for advancing the moving member distally and piercing tissue, and a second position for moving the moving member proximally, thereby deploying the distal end of the fastener.

[0015] The above-described instruments dispense the surgical fasteners along an axis that is parallel with the longitudinal axis of the instrument. In some instances, this dispensing angle makes it difficult for medical personnel to insert surgical fasteners along axes that are normal to the surface of the tissue receiving the fasteners. Moreover, conventional instruments require the operator to use his or her hand as a backup for providing an opposing force on the tissue receiving the fasteners. This often results in medical personnel being pricked by the sharp ends of the surgical fasteners.

[0016] In view of the above-noted deficiencies, there remains a need for improved systems, devices and methods for more economically and efficiently securing prosthetic devices using surgical fasteners. In particular, there remains a need for instruments that easily dispense surgical fasteners at angles that are perpendicular to the surface of the tissue receiving the fasteners. There also remains a need for instruments that do not require medical personnel to use a second hand as an anvil for the tissue receiving the surgical fastener. There also remains a need for an instrument that dispenses a surgical fastener when sufficient compression has been applied and that provides an indication that a predetermined compression level has been attained. There also remains a need for a device that provides a clear map on the patient's outer skin surface that indicates where the surgical fasteners have been inserted, as well as the total number of surgical fasteners that have been dispensed into tissue.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, a clamping device includes a surgical fastener dispenser adapted to dispense surgical fasteners into soft media for securing prosthetic devices, such as surgical mesh implants, to the soft media. Specifically, the embodiment may be used for the fixation of layered mesh implants during an IPOM repair procedure. The clamping device preferably includes a pair of opposing arms that are adapted for being positioned on opposing sides of the target soft media. A first one of the arms may be positioned inside a surgical opening for opposing an inner surface of the soft media (e.g. the peritoneum of the inner abdominal wall) and the second one of the arms may be positioned outside the surgical cavity for opposing an outer surface of the soft media (e.g. a patient's outer skin surface).

[0018] In one embodiment, the clamping device preferably includes a fixed lower arm having a pistol grip handle, and a sliding trigger coupled with an actuation assembly used for closing the distal ends of the upper and lower arms and for generating a clamping force on opposite surfaces of the target media. During a clamping operation, the clamping device desirably performs three functions, namely, clamping the soft media, delivering surgical fasteners one at a time into the soft media at an angle that is normal to the surface of the soft media for securing a prosthetic device to the soft media, and preparing the clamping device for dispensing another surgical fastener during the next firing cycle. In one embodiment, the clamping device may deliver surgical fasteners into the soft media at an angle that is not normal or perpendicular to the surface of the soft media.

[0019] In one embodiment, the surgical fastener dispenser preferably includes a sterile cartridge body that contains a pre-determined number of surgical fasteners (e.g. 20), pre-loaded in the cartridge body for providing the clamping device with multi-fire capabilities. In one embodiment, the cartridge body may be sterilized as a separate component before being loaded onto the lower arm, such as the distal end of the lower arm.

[0020] The clamping device disclosed herein desirably dispenses surgical fasteners in a consistent, controlled and repeatable manner from the distal end of the clamping device. It is preferred that all of the surgical fasteners be inserted into soft media with the same force and at the same angle. In one embodiment, the distal end of the surgical fastener dispenser preferably has a spacer or alignment element that is first positioned against the seam or edge of a mesh patch (e.g. the seam of a layered mesh pocket) for insuring that surgical fastener dispensed from the surgical fastener dispenser is delivered at a location that is a fixed distance away from the seam. The spacer enables surgical personnel to reliably and repeatedly deliver the surgical fasteners at the fixed distance away from the seam.

[0021] In one embodiment, during initial insertion and positioning of the surgical fastener dispenser within a surgical opening, the spacer at the distal end of the cartridge body preferably conceals the surgical fasteners and an insertion fork used for inserting the surgical fasteners. The surgical fasteners and the insertion fork are preferably exposed only after the lower arm and the surgical fastener dispenser has been properly inserted and positioned. In one embodiment, the cartridge body is pivotally connected with a support tray of the surgical fastener dispenser, and the distal end of the cartridge body deflects or pivots downwardly during compression of the clamping device for exposing a surgical fastener loaded onto the insertion fork.

[0022] In one embodiment, a force limiting system prevents a user from exerting excess compression forces and undue stress upon the surrounding tissue. In one embodiment, the clamping device preferably includes a pre-loaded extension spring connecting two ends of one of the clamping arms. In one embodiment, the extension spring is desirably attached at an angle, thereby creating torque between the two components. The spring allows the clamping device to close until the torque value is reached. At that point, the compression force exceeds the pre-load level on the extension spring and the spring begins to take up any remaining compression forces, thereby preventing further travel of the distal end of the arm while enabling the proximal end of the arm to continue traveling.

[0023] In one embodiment, the jaws of the clamping device provide a sizeable opening and may includes adjustable features that compensate for a range of patient tissue thicknesses and mesh having different sizes, shapes and dimensions. Moreover, the clamping device disclosed herein may be used with rolled flat meshes and layered, skirted meshes.

[0024] In one embodiment, the clamping device preferably includes a pad secured to a distal end of one of the arms. The pad self-adjusts to provide an opposing force for the surgical fastener dispenser. The self-adjusting pad also facilitates one-handed use because there is no need to provide counter pressure with a user's second hand. In one embodiment, the pad is a pivoting pad secured to the distal end of one of the arms. In one embodiment, the pad is secured to one of the arms using a linear mechanism.

[0025] In one embodiment, the clamping device has a slide grip handle that preferably provides for secure control and allows for one-handed use. The slide grip handle also preferably allows the user's hand to be free of obstructions and provides a clear line of sight for inserting the distal end of the device into a cavity. In one embodiment, the clamping device is preferably actuated by transferring linear force on the trigger through a rack and pinion system to generate rotary torque.

[0026] In one embodiment, the clamping device may include a pivot style handle that is offset from the arms for ergonomic single-handed use. The arms preferably pivot around a main pivot point, which results in torque being delivered to the clamping ends of the arms.

[0027] In one embodiment, the pivoting pad desirably includes a marker that enables a surgeon to determine and see on the skin where the surgical fasteners have been positioned internally. Because the marker aligns with the dispenser opening when a surgical fastener is dispensed, the marker produces an exact copy or image of the location of the surgical fastener that has been inserted into the abdominal wall. In addition, the marker system also preferably provides an indication of the total number of surgical fasteners that have been dispensed into the abdominal wall.

[0028] In one embodiment, a clamping device for dispensing surgical fasteners preferably includes a lower arm having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal and distal ends, and an upper arm pivotally connected with the lower arm and having a distal end that opposes the distal end of the lower arm. The upper arm is preferably curved and has a concave surface that opposes the lower arm. The clamping device desirably includes an actuator coupled with the upper and lower arms for moving the distal ends of the upper and lower arms toward one another for closing the clamping device.

[0029] In one embodiment, a surgical fastener dispenser is preferably secured to the distal end of the lower arm for dispensing surgical fasteners. The surgical fastener dispenser desirably includes a cartridge body having a top surface with a surgical fastener dispenser opening formed therein. A plurality of surgical fasteners is desirably pre-loaded into the cartridge body for being dispensed one at a time through the dispenser opening. The clamping device preferably includes a pad pivotally connected to the distal end of the upper arm, the pad having a bottom surface that opposes the dispenser opening. In one embodiment, when the clamping device is closed, the pad pivots for self-adjusting so that the bottom surface of the pad applies a clamping force upon the top surface of the cartridge body for dispensing one of the surgical fasteners from the dispenser opening.

[0030] In one embodiment, the actuator preferably includes a hand grip secured to the lower arm, and a trigger mounted on the lower arm and linked with the upper arm. The trigger is adapted for being pulled toward the hand grip for closing the clamping device for generating a clamping force and dispensing a surgical fastener. The trigger is adapted for moving away from the hand grip for opening the clamping device to release the clamping force. In one embodiment, the actuator desirably includes a trigger return spring coupled with the trigger for normally urging the trigger to move away from the hand grip.

[0031] The actuator may also include a rack and pinion system linking the trigger with the upper arm. In one embodiment, the rack and pinion system desirably includes a rack having teeth. The rack slides along the longitudinal axis of the lower arm. The proximal end of the upper arm includes a pinion having teeth that mesh with the teeth on the rack.

[0032] In one embodiment, the surgical fastener dispenser preferably includes a support tray having a proximal end connected with the distal end of the lower arm, and a distal end including an insertion fork that extends along an axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the lower arm, whereby the cartridge body overlies the support tray. In one embodiment, the insertion fork extends along an axis that defines a constant or predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the lower arm. In one embodiment, the cartridge body preferably has a proximal end pivotally connected with the proximal end of the support tray, and a distal end freely moveable relative to the distal end of the support tray, the top surface of the cartridge body extending between the proximal and distal ends of the cartridge body and the dispenser opening being in alignment with the insertion fork. The surgical fastener dispenser also preferably includes a cartridge body return spring in contact with the cartridge body and the support tray for normally urging the distal end of the cartridge body away from the support tray, whereby the surgical fasteners are arrayed in a series for being dispensed one at a time from the dispenser opening, and whereby each of the surgical fasteners has an insertion end oriented toward the top surface of the cartridge body. In one embodiment, the cartridge body return spring preferably engages the cartridge body and the support tray for normally urging the top surface of the cartridge body into a plane that is parallel with the longitudinal axis of the lower arm. In one embodiment, the cartridge body is not pivotally connected to the support tray and the cartridge body is adapted to move up and down relative to the support tray.

[0033] In one embodiment, the surgical fastener dispenser may include a surgical fastener advancer spring in communication with the surgical fasteners for urging the surgical fasteners toward the distal end of the cartridge body. The surgical fastener advancer spring is preferably adapted to urge a leading surgical fastener to move into engagement with the insertion fork at the distal end of the support tray for being dispensed through the dispenser opening of the cartridge body. The surgical fasteners preferably extend along planes that are parallel with one another and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the lower arm. In one embodiment, the insertion fork is desirably adapted to hold and dispense the surgical fasteners along an axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the lower arm.

[0034] In one embodiment, the cartridge body is preferably pivotable between an extended position in which the top surface of the cartridge body is parallel with the longitudinal axis of the lower arm and a depressed position in which the top surface of the cartridge body is angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the lower arm. In one embodiment, the cartridge body is under compression by the pad when in the depressed position. The cartridge body return spring is preferably compressed when the cartridge body is in the depressed position.

[0035] In one embodiment, the leading surgical fastener in the series of surgical fasteners and the insertion fork are covered by the cartridge body when the cartridge body is in the extended position. When the cartridge body is in the depressed position, the leading surgical fastener and the insertion fork are at least partially exposed through the dispenser opening for inserting the surgical fastener into soft media.

[0036] In one embodiment, the cartridge body preferably has a spacer projecting from a distal end thereof that extends beyond the distal end of the support tray for spacing the dispenser opening from a distal-most end of the surgical fastener dispenser. The spacer facilitates aligning the surgical fastener dispenser relative to an edge or seam of a surgical mesh to insure that the surgical fasteners are inserted an appropriate distance away from the edge or seam.

[0037] In one embodiment, the pad on the upper arm desirably includes a marker accessible at the bottom surface thereof that is aligned with the dispenser opening when the clamping device is closed. The marker is desirably adapted to produce a visual indicator on a patient's outer skin surface that mirrors the location of one of the surgical fasteners inserted into the patient's inner surface.

[0038] In one embodiment, the pad desirably includes a beveled washer adapted to generate an audible clicking sound when the clamping force between the pad and the cartridge body reaches a predetermined level. The clicking sound provides an indication that sufficient compression force has been applied to the soft media for dispensing one of the surgical fasteners into the soft media.

[0039] In one embodiment, a clamping device for dispensing surgical fasteners preferably includes a lower arm having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal and distal ends, and an upper arm pivotally connected with the lower arm and having a distal end that opposes the distal end of the lower arm. The clamping device desirably has an actuator coupled with the upper and lower arms for moving the distal ends of the upper and lower arms toward one another for closing the clamping device for generating a clamping force therebetween.

[0040] A surgical fastener dispenser may be secured to the distal end of the lower arm. The surgical fastener dispenser desirably has a plurality of surgical fasteners loaded therein. The surgical fastener dispenser preferably includes a dispenser opening adapted to dispense the surgical fasteners one at a time.

[0041] The clamping device desirably includes a pad pivotally connected to the distal end of the upper arm, the pad having a bottom surface that opposes the dispenser opening, whereby when the clamping device is closed, the bottom surface of the pad applies an opposing clamping force upon the top surface of the surgical fastener dispenser for dispensing one of the surgical fasteners along an axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the lower arm.

[0042] In one embodiment, the surgical fastener dispenser desirably includes a support tray having a proximal end connected with the distal end of the lower arm, and a distal end including an insertion fork that extends along an axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the lower arm. The dispenser preferably includes a cartridge body overlying the support tray, the cartridge body having a proximal end pivotally connected with the proximal end of the support tray, a distal end freely moveable relative to the distal end of the support tray, a top surface extending between the proximal and distal ends of the cartridge body, and the surgical fastener dispenser opening formed in the top surface and being in alignment with the insertion fork. The surgical fastener dispenser also desirably includes a cartridge body return spring in contact with the cartridge body and the support tray for normally urging the distal end of the cartridge body away from the support tray.

[0043] In one embodiment, a plurality of surgical fasteners may be disposed within the cartridge body, with the surgical fasteners arrayed in a series for being dispensed one at a time from the dispenser opening. Each of the surgical fasteners preferably has an insertion end oriented toward the top surface of the cartridge body. In one embodiment, when the clamping device is closed, the bottom surface of the pad applies a clamping force upon the top surface of the cartridge body. The cartridge body is pivotable between an extended position in which the top surface of the cartridge body is parallel with the longitudinal axis of the lower arm and a depressed position in which the top surface of the cartridge body is angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the lower arm.

[0044] These and other preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, a clamping device 20 for dispensing surgical fasteners into soft media preferably includes a lower arm 22 having a proximal end 24 and a distal end 26, and a surgical fastener dispenser 28 secured to the distal end 26 of the lower arm 22. The surgical fastener dispenser has a distal end 30 that is adapted to dispense a single surgical fastener during each firing cycle, as will be described in more detail herein. The lower arm 22 desirably extends along a longitudinal axis A₁-A₁. The clamping device 20 preferably includes a handle 32 provided at the proximal end 24 of the lower arm 22 and a trigger 34 that is adapted to slide relative to the lower arm, preferably along the longitudinal axis A1-A1, for operating the clamping device. The handle 32 preferably has a forward leaning angle toward the distal end 26 of the lower arm 22, which ensures that the user's hand and wrist may be in a more favorable ergonomic position during operation of the clamping device 20.

[0069] In one embodiment, the clamping device 20 preferably includes an upper arm 36 having a proximal end 38 and a distal end 40. The proximal end 38 of the upper arm 36 is pivotally secured to the lower arm 22, preferably via a rack and pinion system. In one embodiment, the upper arm 36 defines an arc or curve. The clamping device 20 desirably includes a pad 42 pivotally connected to the distal end 40 of the upper arm 36. The pad 42 preferably pivots so that the pad may self-adjust for opposing the top surface of the surgical fastener dispenser 28 when the distal end 40 of the upper arm 36 is pivoted toward the cartridge assembly 28 for being moved into a closed, clamping position.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the lower arm 22 preferably includes the handle 32 and the slideable trigger 34 coupled therewith. The slideable trigger 34 desirably includes a lower end 50 that is secured to a rack 52 of a rack and pinion system via a fastener 54. The rack 52 preferably includes rack teeth 56 that engage pinion teeth 58 on a pinion 60, which is preferably secured to the proximal end 38 of upper arm 36. The clamping device 20 desirably includes a trigger return spring 62 extending between a proximal end of the rack 52 and a spring tensioner 64 insertable into an opening at a proximal end 24 of the lower arm 22.

[0071] In operation, as the trigger 34 is pulled toward the proximal end 24 of the lower arm 22, the trigger 34 and the rack 52 move along the axis A₁-A₁, toward the proximal end 24 of the lower arm 22. The rack 52 rotates the pinion 60 in a counter-clockwise direction, which swings the distal end 40 of the upper arm 36 and the pad 42 toward the distal end 30 of the surgical fastener dispenser 28. As the distal end 40 of the upper arm 36 moves toward the cartridge assembly 28, the pad 42 preferably moves into opposing alignment with the distal end 30 of the surgical fastener dispenser 28. As the trigger 34 moves toward the handle 32, the trigger return spring 62 is preferably compressed between the rack 52 and the spring tensioner 64. When the trigger 34 is released, the energy stored in the trigger return spring 62 urges the trigger 34 to slide along the axis A₁-A₁ toward the distal end 26 of the lower arm 22.

[0072] Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, in one embodiment, the surgical fastener dispenser 28 preferably includes an attachment arm 66 that is securable to the distal end 26 of the lower arm 22 of the clamping device 20 (FIG. 2). The surgical fastener dispenser 28 desirably has a support tray 68 that projects distally from the attachment arm 66. The support tray 68 preferably has a proximal end 70 adjacent the attachment arm 66, a distal end 72 spaced from the proximal end 70, and an insertion fork 74 that projects upwardly from the distal end 72 of the support tray 68. In one embodiment, the attachment arm 66 and the support tray 68 preferably extend along the longitudinal axis A₁-A₁ of the lower arm 22 (FIG. 2), and the fork 74 preferably extends along a vertical axis Y₁-Y₁ that is perpendicular to the axis A₁-A₁. As will be described in more detail herein, the insertion fork 74 is adapted to engage a surgical fastener for driving the surgical fastener into soft media, such as tissue.

[0073] In one embodiment, the surgical fastener dispenser 28 desirably includes a cartridge body 76 having a plurality of surgical fasteners 78 loaded therein. The cartridge body 76 preferably has a proximal end 80 that is pivotally secured to the proximal end 70 of the support tray 68 via pivot pin 81, and a distal end 82 that is free to pivot toward and away from the distal end 72 of the support tray 68. The cartridge body 76 preferably has a dispenser opening 84 adjacent the distal end 82 thereof through which the fork 74 and surgical fasteners 78 may pass. In one embodiment, as the distal end 82 of the cartridge body 76 moves downwardly toward the distal end 72 of the support tray 68, the insertion fork 74 and a lead surgical fastener loaded on the insertion fork pass through the dispenser opening 84 in the cartridge body 76. The distal end 82 of the cartridge body 78 desirably includes a spacer 86 that projects a distance D₁ beyond the distal end 72 of the support tray 68. As will be described in more detail herein, the spacer 86 preferably insures that the dispenser opening 84 in the cartridge body 78 is positioned inside a peripheral edge or seam of a prosthetic device, such as the peripheral edge or seam of a surgical mesh, so that a surgical fastener is not secured over the edge or seam of the prosthetic device.

[0074] In open IPOM procedures, the placement of surgical fasteners or tacks used for fixation is absolutely critical. The surgical fasteners should be placed a correct distance from the edge of the mesh. If an excessive gap (>5 mm) occurs, the risk of entrapment of tissue between the abdominal wall and the prosthetic mesh will increase. This may have an impact on in-growth behavior and possibly lead to severe complications. In open IPOM procedures, it is difficult to control the correct positioning of the surgical fasteners since the visual control is much more difficult in comparison to laparoscopic procedures in which surgical personnel have a clear view and control of the medical devices. The present invention provides a clamping device that overcomes the deficiencies found in prior art devices.

[0075] In one embodiment, the surgical fastener dispenser 28 preferably includes a cartridge body return spring 88 that extends between the support tray 68 and the cartridge body 76 for normally urging the cartridge body 76 to move into the initial, extended position shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. When a downward force (generally along the axis Y₁-Y₁) is applied to the top surface 83 of the cartridge body 76, the cartridge return spring 88 is compressed between the cartridge body 76 and the support tray 68. When the force is removed, the cartridge return spring 88 urges the cartridge body 76 to pivot back into the initial position shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, whereby the top surface 83 of the cartridge body is parallel with the axis A₁-A₁.

[0076] In one embodiment, the surgical fastener dispenser 28 preferably includes a surgical fastener advancer 90 that is adapted to urge the surgical fasteners 78 toward the distal end 82 of the cartridge body 76 for being engaged by the insertion fork 74. The surgical fastener dispenser 30 also desirably includes a surgical fastener advancer spring 92 that extends between the advancer 90 and a spring stop 94.

[0077] In one embodiment, surgical fasteners 78 are loaded in series into the cartridge body 76 of the surgical fastener dispenser 28. The surgical fastener reload spring 92 desirably urges the series of surgical fasteners 78 toward the distal end 82 of the cartridge body 28. After the insertion fork 74 has dispensed a lead surgical fastener into soft media, the next surgical fastener is advanced distally toward the distal end 82 of the cartridge body 76 for being aligned with the insertion fork 74 so that another clamping and dispensing cycle may commence. The dispensing process may be repeated until all of the surgical fasteners 78 in the cartridge body 76 have been dispensed from the surgical fastener dispenser 28. A single fastener is dispensed each time the device is clamped onto soft media.

[0078] Referring to FIGS. 4A-4D, in one embodiment, the clamp device preferably dispenses surgical fasteners 78 adapted for insertion into soft media such as tissue. The surgical fasteners 78 are preferably designed for securing a surgical mesh to tissue. The surgical fasteners and the clamping device for inserting the surgical fasteners may incorporate one or more of the features disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/464,143, filed May 12, 2009, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/464,151, filed May 12, 2009, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/464,165, filed May 12, 2009, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/464,177, filed May 12, 2009, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

[0079] In one embodiment, the surgical fastener 78 desirably includes a distal end 100 and a proximal end 102, a first leg 104 having a first tip 106 provided at a distal end of the first leg, and a second leg 108 having a second tip 110 provided at a distal end of the second leg. In one embodiment, the cross-sectional dimensions of the first and second legs 104, 108 diminish when moving from the proximal ends toward the distal ends of the legs. The surgical fastener 78 preferably includes a bridge 112 adjacent the proximal end 102 of the surgical fastener that connects the proximal ends of the first and second legs 104, 108. In one embodiment, the bridge may be positioned anywhere between the proximal and distal ends of the surgical fastener as long as it interconnects the first and second legs. The surgical fastener 78 preferably includes at least one first barb 114 projecting rearwardly from the first tip 106 and at least one second barb 116 projecting rearwardly from the second tip 110. Although only one barb is shown on each leg, other surgical fasteners may have multiple barbs on each leg or tip. In one embodiment, the first and second tips 106, 110 may be conical in shape. The tips may be formed with sharp leading points or may be more obtuse.

[0080] In one embodiment, the first and second tips 106, 110 have distal piercing tips that are skewed with respect to the longitudinal axes of the respective first and second legs 104, 108. In one embodiment, the distal piercing tips are skewed outwardly with respect to the longitudinal axes of the first and second legs. The distance between the tips is preferably greater than the distance between the legs for increasing the likelihood of capturing the fibers of a prosthetic device being the legs. In one embodiment, the first and second tips 106, 110 have blunt distal piercing points, which enable the surgical fastener to penetrate tissue while minimizing unwanted penetration into the hand of an operator.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 4B, in one embodiment, the bridge 112 preferably includes a concave inner surface 118 facing toward the distal end 100 of the surgical fastener 78 and a convex outer surface 120 facing toward the proximal end 102 of the surgical fastener. The first leg 104 has an outer wall having a first rib 122 that extends along a longitudinal axis A₂-A₂ of the first leg, and the second leg 108 includes an outer wall having a second rib 124 that extends along the longitudinal axis A₃-A₃ of the second leg 108. In one embodiment, the distance D₂ between the piercing points at the distal ends of the first and second tips 106, 110 is preferably greater than the distance D₃ between the opposing inner surfaces of the first and second legs 104, 108. The wider relative distance between the distal piercing points of the first and second tips 106, 110 preferably ensures that the surgical fastener 78 will engage strands on a porous prosthetic device, such as the strands of a surgical mesh used for performing a hernia procedure. In one embodiment, the outwardly skewed distal piercing tips provides increased capacity to capture surgical mesh fibers where the mesh fibers are separated from one another without the need to increase the span between each leg.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 4C, in one embodiment, the first leg 104 has the first rib 122 extending along the longitudinal A₂ of the first leg. When viewed from the side as shown in FIG. 4C, the first rib 122 is preferably in substantial alignment with a distal point of the first piercing tip 106. Referring to FIG. 4D, in one embodiment, the second leg 108 has a second rib 124 extending along the longitudinal axis A₃ of the second leg 108. When viewed from the side as shown in FIG. 4D, the second rib 124 is preferably aligned with a distal point of the second tip 110.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 5, in one embodiment, the surgical fastener 78 is preferably advanced into alignment with the insertion fork 76 located at the distal end 72 of the support tray 68 (FIGS. 3A and 3B). In one embodiment, the insertion fork 76 preferably includes an upper end 130 adapted to engage one or more surfaces of the surgical fastener 78 for guiding insertion of the surgical fastener into soft media. In one embodiment, the upper end 130 of the insertion fork 76 includes a first tine 132 having a first inner lip 134 formed therein, and a second tine 136 having a second inner lip 138 formed therein. In one embodiment, the inner lips 134, 138 preferably oppose one another and extend along the axis Y₁-Y₁ that is perpendicular with the longitudinal axis A₁-A₁ of the lower arm 22 of the clamping device 20 (FIGS. 1 and 2). In operation, the opposing inner lips 134, 138 of the first and second tines 132, 136 are preferably adapted to engage the ribs on the respective first and second legs 104, 108 of the surgical fastener 78. The engagement of the inner lips 134, 138 with the ribs preferably aligns the surgical fastener 86 with the distal end 130 of the fork 76, and stabilizes the surgical fastener during implantation into tissue. The surgical fastener 78 is brought into contact with the inner lips 134, 138 by the surgical fastener advancer spring 92. Surgical fasteners 78 are loaded along axis A₁-A₁ until they contact the lips 134, 138. The 90° angle between the insertion fork and the axis A₁-A₁, ensures that the surgical fasteners are inserted into the soft media at an angle that is normal to the surface of the soft media. In one embodiment, the distal-most tips of the first and second tines 132, 136 are advanced until they abut against convex seating surfaces provided near the distal ends of the first and second legs 104, 108.

[0084] Although the present invention is not limited by any particular theory of operation, it is believed that providing an insertion fork 76 with grooved tines that engage ribs on outer surfaces of the legs of the surgical fastener 78 will enhance the stability and control of the surgical fastener when dispensing the surgical fastener from the surgical fastener dispenser 28 (FIGS. 3A and 3B) of the clamping device. In addition, at least a portion of the insertion force is provided closer to the distal ends of the legs 104, 108 of the surgical fastener 78 and not only at the proximal end of the surgical fastener as is the case with prior art fasteners. Providing insertion force on the surgical fastener near the distal end of the fastener may enable smaller and/or lower profile surgical fasteners to be used because, inter alia, the surgical fastener may be inserted using less force.

[0085] Referring to FIGS. 6A-6C, in one embodiment, the surgical fastener dispenser 28 is adapted for delivering surgical fasteners 78 into soft media, such as tissue. Referring to FIG. 6A, the cartridge return spring 88 normally urges the cartridge body 76 into an initial, undeflected position whereby the top surface 83 of the cartridge body 76 is parallel with the longitudinal axis A₁-A₁ of the lower arm 22 (FIG. 1). In the initial, undeflected position, none of the surgical fasteners 78 are exposed outside the cartridge body 76. Moreover, the spacer 86 at the distal end 82 of the cartridge body 76 covers the leading surgical fastener 78A mounted on the insertion fork 74. When the cartridge body 76 is in the initial position, the spacer 86 has a leading surface that is preferably spaced a distance D₁ from the insertion fork 74, which insures that the surgical fasteners 78, when dispensed, are spaced inwardly from a peripheral edge or seam of a prosthetic device, such as surgical mesh used for repairing a hernia.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 6B, in one embodiment, when the clamping device is closed, a downward force F₁ is exerted upon the top surface 83 of the cartridge body 76, whereupon the distal end 82 of the cartridge body 76 pivots about pivot pin 81 for moving the cartridge body into a deflected position. In the deflected position, the top surface 83 of the cartridge body 76 defines an angle with the longitudinal axis A₁-A₁. As the distal end 82 of the cartridge body 76 pivots toward the distal end 72 of the support tray 68, the lead surgical fastener 78A and the upper part of the insertion fork 74 pass through the dispenser opening 84 in the cartridge body 76 and into soft media. The fork 74 preferably stabilizes the exposed surgical fastener 78A for controlling the angle and orientation of the surgical fastener as it is driven into the soft media. As the cartridge body 76 pivots, the cartridge return spring 88 is compressed for storing energy therein. In one embodiment, at the end of a firing cycle, when the downward force F₁ is removed, the cartridge return spring 88 returns the cartridge body to the initial, undeflected position shown in FIG. 6A, whereupon the top surface 83 of the cartridge body 76 is parallel with the axis A₁-A₁.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 6C, after the lead surgical fastener has been dispensed from the fork 74, the clamping device 20 (FIG. 1) opens for removing the downward force F₁ on the cartridge body 76. When the downward force is removed, the cartridge return spring 88 releases energy stored therein for returning the cartridge body 76 to the initial, undeflected position shown in FIG. 6A. As the cartridge body 76 returns to the undeflected position shown in FIG. 6A, the reload spring 92 urges the advancer 90 to move toward the distal end 82 of the cartridge body 76 for advancing the second surgical fastener 78B into engagement with the insertion fork 74. As the second surgical fastener 78B is loaded onto the insertion fork 74, the cartridge body 76 returns to the initial, undeflected position shown in FIG. 6A. At this stage, the clamping device is ready for another clamping and firing cycle for inserting the second surgical fastener 78B into tissue.

[0088] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 7, in one embodiment, the pad 42 is pivotally connected to the distal end 40 of the upper arm 36 of the clamping device 20 via a securing flange 150 having an opening 152 adapted to receive a pivot pin (not shown). The pad 42 desirably includes a bottom surface 154 adapted to oppose the surgical fastener dispenser 28 and a top surface 156 that faces away from the bottom surface. The pad 42 preferably includes an internal cavity 158 adapted to receive a beveled washer 160 that provides tactile feedback (e.g. a clicking sound) when sufficient compression force has been applied by the clamping device 20 for properly delivering a surgical fastener. In one embodiment, the beveled washer 160 desirably produces a clicking sound when compressed, which provides an audible signal to surgical personnel that sufficient compression force has been applied by the clamping device to properly deliver a surgical fastener into tissue. The pad 42 may include an opening 162 formed in the top surface 156 thereof for enabling the clicking sound generated by the washer 160 to pass therethrough.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 8, in one embodiment, the clamping device 20 may be utilized for securing a prosthetic device, such as a surgical mesh implant 160, to abdominal tissue 162. In one embodiment, a surgical opening 164 is formed in the soft media 162 to access an interior body region of a patient. The surgical mesh 161 is positioned against an interior surface of the abdominal tissue 162. The clamping device 20 may then be used for dispensing surgical fasteners 78 from the surgical fastener dispenser 28 secured to the distal end of the lower arm 22. The surgical fasteners 78 are used for securing the surgical mesh 160 to the soft media 162.

[0090] In one embodiment, the lower arm 22 carrying the surgical fastener dispenser 28 is inserted through the surgical opening 164 and into the patient. The upper arm 36 of the clamping device remains outside the patient with the pad 42 opposing the distal end 30 of the surgical fastener dispenser 28. The trigger 34 may be pulled toward the hand grip 32 for sliding the rack 52 toward the proximal end 24 of the lower arm 22. As the rack 52 moves proximally, the rack teeth 56 engage the pinion teeth 58 for rotating the pinion 60 in a counter-clockwise direction, which, in turn, rotates the distal end 40 of the upper arm 36 toward the distal end 30 of the surgical fastener dispenser 28. As the trigger 34 is pulled, the bottom surface 154 of the pad 42 pivots and self-adjusts for engaging the outer surface of the soft media 162. The pivotal connection of the pad 42 with the distal end 40 of the upper arm 36 ensures the bottom surface 154 of the pad 42 remains substantially perpendicular to the vertical orientation of the insertion fork 74 and the surgical fastener 78. The trigger 34 is pulled until sufficient downward force is applied to the cartridge body 76 for deflecting the cartridge body toward the support tray 68 so that the leading surgical fastener 78 may be driven by the insertion fork 74 through the surgical mesh 161 and into the soft media 162. The beveled washer 160 within the pad 42 preferably provides an audible clicking sound when sufficient compression has been applied through the distal ends of the lower arm 22 and the upper arm 36.

[0091] After the lead surgical fastener 78 in the surgical fastener dispenser has been dispensed, the trigger 34 may be released. The energy stored in the trigger return spring 62 slides the rack 52 toward the distal end of the lower arm 22, which pivots the distal end 40 of the upper arm 36 away from the distal end 30 of the cartridge assembly 28. The cartridge body 76 is then free to pivot away from the support tray 68 so that the next surgical fastener 78 may be advanced into engagement with the insertion fork 74. The above-described cycle may be repeated for dispensing additional surgical fasteners from the surgical fastener dispenser 28 of the clamping device 20.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 9, in one embodiment, the clamping device 20 may be utilized for securing a skirted surgical mesh 161′ to soft media 162′. In FIG. 9, the lower arm 22 and the surgical fastener dispenser 28 are passed through a surgical opening 164′. The spacer 86 on the distal end of the surgical fastener dispenser 28 is advanced through the layers of the skirted surgical mesh 161′ until the spacer 86 abuts against the outer peripheral seam of the mesh 161′. The spacer 86 ensures that the opening 84 at the distal end 82 of the surgical fastener dispenser 28 is positioned inside the outer perimeter 166′ of the surgical mesh 161′. The trigger of the clamping device 20 may be pulled for pivoting the distal end 40 of the upper arm 36 toward the distal end 82 of the surgical fastener dispenser 28. The upper and lower arms 36, 22 are closed towards one another until sufficient clamping force is applied through the distal ends of the respective arms for depressing the cartridge body on the surgical fastener dispenser for dispensing a surgical fastener. An audible click may be produced by a beveled washer located within the pivoting pad 42 for indicating that sufficient compression has been applied by the clamping device.

[0093] The above-described dispensing cycle is repeated until surgical fasteners are dispensed around the entire outer perimeter 166′ of the surgical mesh 161′. In one embodiment, the surgical fasteners are spaced no more than two centimeters apart for ensuring that no gaps develop between the surgical mesh 161′ and the soft media 162′.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 10, in one embodiment, the clamping device 20 is used on a surgical mesh 161″ having a folded over edge 168″. The cartridge assembly is preferably advanced between the surgical mesh 161″ and the folded over edge 168″ until the spacer 86 abuts against the outer peripheral edge 166″ of the surgical mesh 161″. The clamping device 20 may be closed so that the distal end 40 of the upper arm 36 pivots toward the surgical fastener dispenser 28 attached to the distal end of the lower arm 22. Compression forces are applied through the distal ends of the respective lower and upper arms 22, 36 until a surgical fastener is dispensed from the surgical fastener dispenser 28. Surgical personnel may discern when sufficient compression forces have been applied for dispensing a surgical fastener when an audible click is produced by a beveled washer disposed within the pivotally-connected pad 42. The above-described process is preferably repeated around the outer periphery 166″ of the surgical mesh 161″ for dispensing a plurality of fasteners around the outer periphery of the mesh.

[0095] Referring to FIGS. 11A-11C, in one embodiment, a pad 142 is adapted for being pivotally connected to the distal end 40 of the upper arm 36 of the clamping device 20 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The pad 142 desirably includes a pair of flanges 150A, 150B having aligned openings 152A, 152B passing therethrough that are adapted to receive a pivot pin for pivotally connecting the pad 142 with the distal end 40 of the upper arm 36 (FIG. 1).

[0096] Referring to FIG. 11B, the pad 142 preferably includes a bottom surface 154 adapted to abut against an outer surface of soft media, such as the patient's outer skin surface. Referring to FIG. 11C, in one embodiment, the pad 142 preferably includes an inner part 180 secured to the flange 150A, 150B. The inner part 180 includes a marker 182 provided at a lower end thereof. The marker 182 may be an ink marker adapted to form an ink marking on a patient's skin surface. The pad 142 preferably includes a lower part 184 that extends around the upper part 180. The lower part 184 includes the bottom surface 154 of the pad 142. The bottom surface 154 preferably includes an opening 185 formed therein that enables the marker 182 to pass therethrough. When compression forces are applied to the bottom surface 154 of the lower member 184, the bottom surface 154 of the lower member 184 preferably slides toward the top surface 156 of the upper member 180 so that the marker 182 projects through the opening 185 in the bottom surface 154 for marking a surface. The pad 142 preferably includes a stop 186 and halts further sliding movement of the bottom surface 154 toward the top surface 156.

[0097] When a surgical fastener is applied using the clamping device disclosed herein, the bottom surface 154 of the pad 142 desirably opposes the distal end of the cartridge body from which the surgical fastener is dispensed. The marker 182 is preferably aligned with the opening 84 provided at the distal end 82 of the cartridge body 76. The indicia provided on the patient's skin surface by the marker 182 provides an exact mirror image of where the surgical fastener has been inserted into soft media. Thus, surgical personnel are provided with an accurate methodology for keeping track of how many surgical fasteners have been dispensed and the exact location of each surgical fastener.

[0098] FIGS. 12A-12C show another pad 242 having a marker 282 that may be utilized for marking a patient's skin surface to indicate where a surgical fastener has been inserted into the patient's tissue. Referring to FIGS. 12A and 12B, the pad 242 preferably includes a pair of securing flanges 250A, 250B having aligned openings 252A, 252B, respectively, that are adapted to receive a pivot pin for securing the pad 242 to a distal end of the upper arm of the clamping device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The pad 242 preferably includes a tube 255 that is adapted to receive a marker 282.

[0099] FIG. 12C shows the marker 282 inserted into the tube 255 of the pad 242. The pad 242 has a bottom surface 254, a top surface 256 and an opening 285 that extends between the bottom and top surfaces 254, 256. The lower end of the marker 282 preferably extends into the opening 285 for making markings on a patient's skin surface when the pad 242 is compressed against the patient's skin surface. As noted above, the marker 282 provides an efficient and highly-accurate methodology for identifying where a surgical fastener has been inserted into a patient's tissue, and for indicating the total number of surgical fasteners inserted into the patient's tissue.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 13, in one embodiment, a clamping device 320 for dispensing surgical fasteners preferably includes a lower arm 322 that extends along a longitudinal axis A₄-A₄ and a surgical fastener dispenser 328 secured to the distal end of the lower arm 322. The surgical fastener dispenser 328 includes a support tray 368 having a distal end 372 including a fork 374 adapted for driving surgical fasteners into soft media. The insertion fork 374 preferably extends along an axis Y₁-Y₁ that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A₄-A₄ of the lower arm 322 and the support tray 368. The lower arm 322 is preferably coupled with a hand grip 332.

[0101] The clamping device 320 preferably includes an upper arm 336 that is pivotally connected with the lower arm 322. The upper arm 336 has a proximal end 338 pivotally coupled with the lower arm 322 and a distal end 340 remote therefrom. A pad 342 is pivotally connected with the distal end 340 of the upper arm 336. The upper arm 336 is desirably connected with a trigger 334.

[0102] In operation, the trigger 334 may be pulled toward the handle 332 for moving the distal end 340 of the upper arm 336 toward the distal end 372 of the support tray 368. The trigger 334 preferably includes an internal extension spring 362 that is installed under a load that is delivered via a cable system through the arms until sufficient compression of the arms has been attained. At that point, further pulling of the trigger 334 toward the handle 332 will not result in additional compression forces being exerted through the distal ends of the upper and lower arms. Instead, the internal extension spring 362 continues to extend.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 14A, in one embodiment, the surgical fastener dispenser 328 preferably includes a cartridge body 376 that is pivotally coupled with the support tray 368. The cartridge body 376 preferably has a spacer 386 at a distal end thereof that projects beyond the distal end 372 of the support tray 368. The cartridge body 376 preferably has a plurality of surgical fasteners (not shown) loaded therein. During a firing cycle, when the trigger 334 is pulled toward the hand grip 332, compression forces are applied between the pad 342 and the surgical fastener dispenser 328 until one of the surgical fasteners is dispensed from a dispenser opening at the distal end 382 of the cartridge body 376.

[0104] FIG. 14B shows the clamping device 320 in a closed position with the pivotally connected pad 342 opposing the dispenser opening 384 at the distal end 382 of the cartridge body 376. As soft media is compressed between the pad 342 and the cartridge body 376, the distal end 382 of the cartridge body 376 pivots in a downward direction toward the support tray 368 until the insertion fork at the distal end of the support tray 368 pushes a lead surgical fastener through the dispenser opening 384 for insertion into soft media.

[0105] Other embodiments of the present invention may include linkages that vary from the linear mechanism shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the present application. In these alternative embodiments, the handle elements pivot relative to one another while the upper and lower arms move toward and away from one another in a linear or parallel fashion. FIGS. 15-18 are schematic drawings that show only the linkages coupling the upper and lower arms and the pivoting handles. Although not shown, it is contemplated that the embodiments shown in FIGS. 15-18 may include one or more of the features shown and described above for FIGS. 1-10.

[0106] Referring to FIG. 15, in one embodiment, a clamping device 420 for dispensing surgical fasteners into soft media preferably includes a lower arm 422 and an upper arm 436 that are joined together with a scissor-jack linkage 455. The clamping device 420 has first and second handles 432, 434 that are in-line with the respective lower and upper arms 422, 436. As the first and second handles 432, 434 pivot toward one another for closing the clamping device 420, the scissor-jack linkage moves the lower and upper arms 422, 436 toward one another in a linear or parallel fashion for dispensing a lead surgical fastener (e.g., see FIG. 6B).

[0107] Referring to FIG. 16, in one embodiment, a clamping device 520 for dispensing surgical fasteners into soft media preferably includes a lower arm 522 and an upper arm 536 that are joined together with a scissor-jack linkage 555. The clamping device 520 has first and second handles 532, 534 that are offset from the lower and upper arms 522, 536, respectively. As the first and second handles 532, 534 pivot toward one another for closing the clamping device 520, the scissor-jack linkage moves the lower and upper arms 522, 536 toward one another in a linear (i.e., parallel) fashion for dispensing a lead surgical fastener (e.g., see FIG. 6B).

[0108] Referring to FIG. 17, in one embodiment, a clamping device 620 for dispensing surgical fasteners into soft media preferably includes a lower arm 622 and an upper arm 636 that are joined together with a parallel link arrangement 655. The clamping device 620 has first and second handles 632, 634 that are adapted to pivot relative to one another. As the first and second handles 632, 634 pivot toward one another for closing the clamping device 620, the parallel link arrangement 655t moves the lower and upper arms 622, 636 toward one another in a parallel fashion for dispensing a lead surgical fastener (e.g., see FIG. 6B).

[0109] Referring to FIG. 18, in one embodiment, a clamping device 720 for dispensing surgical fasteners into soft media preferably includes a lower arm 722 and an upper arm 736 that are joined together with a rack and pinion gear mechanism 755. The clamping device 720 has first and second handles 732, 734 that are adapted to pivot relative to one another. As the first and second handles 732, 734 pivot toward one another for closing the clamping device 720, the rack and pinion gear mechanism 755 moves the lower and upper arms 722, 736 toward one another in a parallel fashion for dispensing a lead surgical fastener (e.g., see FIG. 6B).

[0110] The linkages shown and described herein are not the only types of mechanisms that can be used to provide linear motion between the upper and lower arms of the clamping device. Other embodiments may have a scissor-jack mechanism with a plurality of linkages resembling an accordion-like system. In one embodiment, a worm gear mechanism may be employed. In these embodiments, the handle elements desirably pivot toward and away from one another as the upper and lower arms move in a linear/parallel fashion.

[0111] In one embodiment, sliding guides may be used to move an upper arm and an upper handle connected thereto toward a lower arm and a lower handle connected thereto, while maintaining linear/parallel movement between the upper and lower arms. In this embodiment, the upper arm/upper handle component moves in a linear/parallel fashion relative to the lower arm/lower handle.

[0112] While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, which is only limited by the scope of the claims that follow. For example, the present invention contemplates that any of the features shown in any of the embodiments described herein, or incorporated by reference herein, may be incorporated with any of the features shown in any of the other embodiments described herein, or incorporated by reference herein, and still fall within the scope of the present invention.