| abstract |
A surgical attachment member made of plastic or the like comprises an attachment member (100) and a retaining member (80) initially separated. The attachment member (100) has at least two parallel forks (104, 106), each of which fits respectively into one of at least two openings (84, 86) of the retaining member (80). The forks (104, 106) twist upon entering the openings (84, 86). The forks (104, 106) then resume their initial orientation in which they lock with the retaining member (80) to form a complete attachment member. The fastening member is applied by forcing the forks (014, 106) through the fabrics using metal points (50) contiguous to each fork (104, 106). The spikes (50) are automatically removed from the tissue after locking the forks (104, 106) with the retainer (80) and before the attached tissue is released from the applicator (12) of the attachment body. |