US Patent 7497864 Tissue fastener and methods for using same

In one embodiment, a hook fastener has a plurality of hooks and a loop fastener has a plurality of loops to secure tissues sections to one another. At least one of these fasteners has a porous surface to allow tissue ingrowth to secure the fastener to the tissue. In another embodiment, only a single fastener is used, with a section of tissue being treated to engage and mate with the fastener. The disclosed tissue fastening systems can be used for a number of applications. One such example includes fastening tissue sections by wrapping a tissue fastener around the tissue and securing the fastener on itself. A suture may also be secured with the tissue fastener.