US Patent 6913607 Self-closing surgical clip for tissue

A self-closing fastener is described that comprises a clip passable through a tissue opening. The fastener is adapted for holding by a mechanism in an open configuration for passing through the tissue, followed by releasing the fastener from the holding mechanism, allowing the clip to remain in the tissue in a shape that can clip two or more locations on the tissue. The fastener and delivery devices are particularly useful for tissue approximation, such as anastomosis. When used for anastomosis, the inventive clips provide intima-to-intima contact with a minimal amount of intraluminal exposure.