An apparatus configured to lock an intrabody implant over a thread passing through the implant includes a lock body configured to advance to the implant over the thread and including at least one rotatable element, the lock body being configured to grip the thread proximally to the implant upon rotation of the rotatable element, and a rotation-maintaining element, configured to inhibit a reversal of the rotation of the rotatable element by engaging with the lock body. Other embodiments are also described.

Disclosed is a handle mechanism, including: a body, a first anchor delivery device provided to the body, a second anchor delivery device provided to the body, a tightening device provided to the body, and a locking and cutting device provided to the body. The first anchor delivery device is configured to control a first tissue anchor. The second anchor delivery device is configured to control a second tissue anchor. The tightening device is configured to pull a suture member.

Apparatus for manipulating and securing tissue are described herein. In creating tissue folds within the body of a patient, a tissue manipulation assembly may generally have an elongate tubular member, an engagement member slidably disposed through the tubular member and a distal end adapted to engage tissue via a helical member, tissue stabilizing members positioned at the tubular member distal end which are adapted to stabilize tissue therebetween, and a delivery tube pivotable about the tissue stabilizer. The stabilizing members can be adapted to become angled relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongate tubular member. Moreover, one or all the articulation controls and functions can be integrated into a singular handle assembly connectable to the tissue manipulation assembly via a rigid or flexible tubular body.

A method of anchoring soft tissue to a suitable bone site, using a soft suture anchor, includes steps of disposing the soft suture anchor on a shaft of an inserter, and securing a proximal end of a tensioning suture limb, extending proximally from the soft suture anchor, to structure in a handle of the inserter, so that it is maintained in place at a first level of holding tension (T.sub.hold). The inserter shaft is inserted into a hone hole at a desired procedural site, so that the soft suture anchor is positioned at a location where it is to be anchored. A further step involves actuating a control mechanism in the inserter handle to move the structure proximally to apply a second level of deployment tension (T.sub.load) to the tensioning suture limb.

A device for deploying a suture clip onto a suture can include a proximal handle portion that includes an actuation mechanism. The device can also include an outer shaft defining an inner lumen. A crimping assembly can be at least partially disposed within a distal end of the outer shaft. The crimping assembly can include a plurality of crimping members configured to receive and radially compress a suture clip. The actuating mechanism can be configured to move the plurality of crimping members radially inwardly from a first position, where the crimping members are configured to receive a suture clip, to a second position where the plurality of crimping members are configured to radially compress the suture clip, causing the suture clip to plastically deform and become secured around one or more sutures.

Apparatuses and systems are provided including a contracting member fastener. The contracting member fastener can surround the contracting member and include a clamping structure that is biased toward assuming a closed state to clamp onto the contracting member passed therethrough. A stop can be removably coupled to the fastener and maintain the fastener in an open state. A contracting-member-uptake tool can include static and dynamic cutting elements and graspers configured to pull stop proximally such that the stop pushes against and moves the dynamic cutting element with respect to the static cutting element in order to facilitate severing of the contracting member. Other applications are also provided.

A system and associated method for manipulating tissues and anatomical or other structures in medical applications for the purpose of treating diseases or disorders or other purposes. In one aspect, the system includes a delivery device configured to deploy and implant anchor devices for such purposes.

A device and method for application of a cervical cerclage suture to a patient's cervix is disclosed. The device includes a housing having a first end and a second end spaced from the first end and defining an internal passageway. The device includes a retractable claw having a shaft slidable in the passageway and comprising a plurality of spaced flexible fingers that hold and release the cerclage suture. Each flexible finger may have a through-hole for receiving the cerclage suture, and may have a radial slit in communication with the through-hole and through which the cerclage suture is releasable from each finger. The claw is movable in the housing between a retracted state and an extended state relative to the housing. The shaft is operatively connected to the claw to move the claw axially relative to the housing.

Syndesmosis fixation assemblies, systems, and methods thereof. A syndesmosis fixation assembly includes a suture retaining portion having a plurality of suture openings formed therein and a suture securing portion rotatably connected to the suture retaining portion. The suture securing portion is movable between a first position wherein a suture is moveable within the suture retaining portion and a second position wherein the suture is frictionally secured within the suture retaining portion. A bone insertion portion has a distal bone insertion end adapted for insertion into a bone, a proximal bone insertion end connected to the suture retaining portion, and a central longitudinal axis extending between the distal bone insertion end and the proximal bone insertion end.

The invention generally relates to devices for fastening a hernia mesh. The invention provides a surgical fastening device that includes a shaft with a fastener carrier disposed at least partially within the shaft, in which the carrier is configured to accept fasteners of a plurality of different sizes. Different sized fasteners can be preloaded in interchangeable carriers or even mixed together within a carrier in the fastening device. The device can deliver the fasteners to different depths in a patient's tissue.