APPARATUS FOR ATTACHMENT AND REINFORCEMENT OF TISSUE, APPARATUS FOR REINFORCEMENT OF TISSUE, METHODS OF ATTACHING AND REINFORCING TISSUE, AND METHODS OF REINFORCING TISSUE

摘要

There are disclosed methods and apparatus for attachment and reinforcement of tissue, and methods and apparatus for reinforcement of tissue . In an embodiment, the apparatus includes an energy applicator configured to apply energy to generate heat within a target tissue to evaporate water to create dried tissue, and denature at least one of collagen and elastin to attach portions together, and a biopolymer applicator configured for to receive the heat generated to allow biopolymer material to change from solid to molten, and to allow the biopolymer to fill dried tissue to reinforce portions of the target tissue and provide a hermetic seal. In another embodiment, the method includes applying energy to tissue surfaces with an energy applicator, and applying a biopolymer material into the tissue surfaces with a biopolymer applicator disposed on a housing in connection with the energy applicator. Other embodiments are also disclosed.