U.S. patent application number 11/833676 was filed with the patent office on 2008-02-14 for devices, systems and methods for retracting, lifting, compressing, supporting or repositioning tissues or anatomical structures.
This patent application is currently assigned to NEOTRACT, INC.. Invention is credited to Joseph III Catanese, Michael Collinson, Theodore Charles Lamson, Joshua Makower, Amik Nagpurkar, Russell J. Redmond, Claude Vidal, Amrish Jayprakash Walke, Jacqueline Nerney Welch.
Application Number | 20080039894 11/833676 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39671426 |
Filed Date | 2008-02-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080039894 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Catanese; Joseph III ; et
al. |
February 14, 2008 |
DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RETRACTING, LIFTING, COMPRESSING,
SUPPORTING OR REPOSITIONING TISSUES OR ANATOMICAL STRUCTURES
Abstract
Devices, systems and methods for retracting, lifting,
compressing, supporting or repositioning tissues, organs,
anatomical structures, grafts or other structures within the body
of human or animal subjects for the purpose of treating a diseases
or disorders and/or for cosmetic or reconstructive purposes and/or
for research and development purposes or other purposes.
Inventors: |
Catanese; Joseph III; (San
Leandro, CA) ; Lamson; Theodore Charles; (Pleasanton,
CA) ; Makower; Joshua; (Los Altos, CA) ;
Nagpurkar; Amik; (San Francisco, CA) ; Walke; Amrish
Jayprakash; (Santa Clara, CA) ; Vidal; Claude;
(Santa Barbara, CA) ; Redmond; Russell J.;
(Goleta, CA) ; Collinson; Michael; (Goleta,
CA) ; Welch; Jacqueline Nerney; (Pacifica,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STEPTOE & JOHNSON LLP
2121 AVENUE OF THE STARS
SUITE 2800
LOS ANGELES
CA
90067
US
|
Assignee: |
NEOTRACT, INC.
2570 W. El Camino Real, Suite 310
Mountain View
CA
94040
|
Family ID: |
39671426 |
Appl. No.: |
11/833676 |
Filed: |
August 3, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11318246 |
Dec 22, 2005 |
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11833676 |
Aug 3, 2007 |
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11134870 |
May 20, 2005 |
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11833676 |
Aug 3, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
606/232 ;
606/228 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 2002/041 20130101;
A61B 2017/0417 20130101; A61B 2018/00547 20130101; A61B 17/00234
20130101; A61B 17/0625 20130101; A61B 2017/06176 20130101; A61B
17/0482 20130101; A61B 2017/0488 20130101; A61B 2017/00796
20130101; A61B 2017/0419 20130101; A61B 2017/00274 20130101; A61B
17/0401 20130101; A61B 17/0467 20130101; A61B 17/3478 20130101;
A61B 17/0487 20130101; A61B 17/3468 20130101; A61B 2017/0464
20130101; A61B 2017/0409 20130101; A61B 2017/0454 20130101; A61B
2017/042 20130101; A61B 2017/06052 20130101; A61B 17/0469 20130101;
A61B 17/0218 20130101; A61B 2017/0456 20130101; A61B 2017/0404
20130101; A61B 2017/0458 20130101; A61B 2017/00792 20130101; A61B
2017/00022 20130101; A61B 2017/00805 20130101; A61B 17/42 20130101;
A61B 2017/0451 20130101; A61B 2017/0462 20130101; A61B 17/06109
20130101; A61B 2017/0496 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
606/232 ;
606/228 |
International
Class: |
A61B 17/04 20060101
A61B017/04 |
Claims
1-63. (canceled)
64. A device useable to anchor an elongate member to tissue of a
human or animal subject, said anchor device comprising: an anchor
body having a hollow passage through which the filament may pass;
and a locking member that is initially positioned in a non-locked
position that allows the anchor body to advance over the filament
and a locked position where the locking member engages the filament
thereby holding the anchor body at a substantially fixed position
on the filament.
65. A device according to claim 64 wherein the elongate member is
selected from the group consisting of. connector members,
filaments, strands, threads, suture threads, string, wires,
semi-rigid members, flexible members, elastic members, non-elastic
members, resilient members and plastically deformable members.
66. A device according to claim 64 wherein the locking member
comprises a locking pin.
67. A device according to claim 64 wherein the locking member
comprises a wedging element that wedges between the filament and
the anchor body.
68. A device according to claim 67 wherein the wedging element
comprises an elongate shaft having branches or bristles extending
therefrom.
69. A device according to claim 64 wherein the second body anchor
body further comprises a locking member engagement surface that
engages the locking member after it has been advanced to its locked
position, thereby holding the locking member in its locked
position.
70. A device according to claim 64 wherein the locking member
engagement surface comprises a tab that extends into the hollow
channel and wherein a notch is formed in the locking member such
that when the locking member is advanced to its locked position the
tab will seat in the notch, thereby holding the locking member in
its locked position.
71. A system comprising a device according to claim 64 in
combination with an introducer that is insertable into the body and
useable to advance the anchor body over the filament to a desired
position on the filament and the then move the locking member from
its non-locked position to its locked position, thereby locking the
anchor body on the filament at the desired location.
72. A system according to claim 71 wherein the introducer further
comprises a cutter for cutting the filament at a site proximal to
the anchor body after the anchor body has been advanced to the
desired location.
73. A system according to claim 71 further comprising a handpiece
on the proximal end of the introducer, said handpiece comprising a
first actuator for advancing the anchor body over the filament and
a second actuator for moving the locking member from its non-locked
position to its locked position.
74. A system according to claim 72 further comprising a handpiece
on the proximal end of the introducer, said handpiece comprising a
first actuator for advancing the anchor body over the filament, a
second actuator for moving the locking member from its non-locked
position to its locked position and a third actuator for cutting
the filament.
75. A device according to claim 64 wherein the anchor body
comprises an elongate member having an open proximal end, a side
aperture and wherein the hollow passage extends at least from the
open proximal end to the side aperture such that an end of the
filament may be inserted into the side aperture and the anchor body
may then be advanced over the filament such that the filament
trails out of the open proximal end of the second anchor as the
second anchor is advanced over the filament.
76-137. (canceled)
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of copending U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 11/134,870 entitled Devices, Systems
and Methods for Treating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Other
Conditions, filed on May 20, 2005, the entire disclosure of which
is expressly incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to medical devices
and methods, and more particularly to systems and methods for
retracting, lifting, compressing, supporting or repositioning
tissues, organs, anatomical structures, grafts or other structures
within the body of human or animal subjects for the purpose of
treating a diseases or disorders and/or for cosmetic or
reconstructive purposes and/or for research and development
purposes or other purposes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] There are a wide variety of situations in which it is
desirable to lift, compress or otherwise reposition normal or
aberrant tissues or anatomical structures (e.g., organs, ligaments,
tendons, muscles, tumors, cysts, fat pads, etc.) within the body of
a human or animal subject. Such procedures are often carried out
for the purpose of treating or palliating the effects of diseases
or disorders (e.g., hyperplasic conditions, hypertrophic
conditions, neoplasias, prolapses, herniations, stenoses,
constrictions, compressions, transpositions, congenital
malformations, etc.) and/or for cosmetic purposes (e.g., face
lifts, breast lifts, brow lifts, etc.) and/or for research and
development purposes (e.g., to create animal models that mimic
various pathological conditions). In many of these procedures,
surgical incisions are made in the body and laborious surgical
dissection is performed to access and expose the affected tissues
or anatomical structures. Thereafter, in some cases, the affected
tissues or anatomical structures are removed or excised. In other
cases, various natural or man made materials are used to lift,
sling, reposition or compress the affected tissues.
[0004] Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
[0005] One example of a condition where it is desirable to lift,
compress or otherwise remove a pathologically enlarged tissue is
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is one of the most common
medical conditions that affect men, especially elderly men. It has
been reported that, in the United Sates, more than half of all men
have histopathologic evidence of BPH by age 60 and, by age 85,
approximately 9 out of 10 men suffer from the condition. Moreover,
the incidence and prevalence of BPH are expected to increase as the
average age of the population in developed countries increases.
[0006] The prostate gland enlarges throughout a man's life. In some
men, the prostatic capsule around the prostate gland may prevent
the prostate gland from enlarging further. This causes the inner
region of the prostate gland to squeeze the urethra. This pressure
on the urethra increases resistance to urine flow through the
region of the urethra enclosed by the prostate. Thus the urinary
bladder has to exert more pressure to force urine through the
increased resistance of the urethra. Chronic over-exertion causes
the muscular walls of the urinary bladder to remodel and become
stiffer. This combination of increased urethral resistance to urine
flow and stiffness and hypertrophy of urinary bladder walls leads
to a variety of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) that may
severely reduce the patient's quality of life. These symptoms
include weak or intermittent urine flow while urinating, straining
when urinating, hesitation before urine flow starts, feeling that
the bladder has not emptied completely even after urination,
dribbling at the end of urination or leakage afterward, increased
frequency of urination particularly at night, urgent need to
urinate etc.
[0007] In addition to patients with BPH, LUTS may also be present
in patients with prostate cancer, prostate infections, and chronic
use of certain medications (e.g. ephedrine, pseudoephedrine,
phenylpropanolamine, antihistamines such as diphenhydramine,
chlorpheniramine etc.) that cause urinary retention especially in
men with prostate enlargement.
[0008] Although BPH is rarely life threatening, it can lead to
numerous clinical conditions including urinary retention, renal
insufficiency, recurrent urinary tract infection, incontinence,
hematuria, and bladder stones.
[0009] In developed countries, a large percentage of the patient
population undergoes treatment for BPH symptoms. It has been
estimated that by the age of 80 years, approximately 25% of the
male population of the United States will have undergone some form
of BPH treatment. At present, the available treatment options for
BPH include watchful waiting, medications (phytotherapy and
prescription medications), surgery and minimally invasive
procedures.
[0010] For patients who choose the watchful waiting option, no
immediate treatment is provided to the patient, but the patient
undergoes regular exams to monitor progression of the disease. This
is usually done on patients that have minimal symptoms that are not
especially bothersome.
[0011] Medications for treating BPH symptoms include phytotherapy
and prescription medications. In phytotherapy, plant products such
as Saw Palmetto, African Pygeum, Serenoa Repens (sago palm) and
South African star grass are administered to the patient.
Prescription medications are prescribed as first line therapy in
patients with symptoms that are interfering with their daily
activities. Two main classes of prescription medications are
alpha-1a-adrenergic receptors blockers and 5-alpha-reductase
inhibitors. Alpha-1a-adrenergic receptors blockers block that
activity of alpha-1a-adrenergic receptors that are responsible for
causing constriction of smooth muscle cells in the prostate. Thus,
blocking the activity of alpha-1a-adrenergic receptors causes
prostatic smooth muscle relaxation. This in turn reduces urethral
resistance thereby reducing the severity of the symptoms.
5-alpha-reductase inhibitors block the conversion of testosterone
to dihydrotestosterone. Dihydrotestosterone causes growth of
epithelial cells in the prostate gland. Thus 5-alpha-reductase
inhibitors cause regression of epithelial cells in the prostate
gland and hence reduce the volume of the prostate gland which in
turn reduces the severity of the symptoms.
[0012] Surgical procedures for treating BPH symptoms include
Transurethral Resection of Prostate (TURP), Transurethral
Electrovaporization of Prostate (TVP), Transurethral Incision of
the Prostate (TUIP), Laser Prostatectomy and Open
Prostatectomy.
[0013] Transurethral Resection of Prostate (TURP) is the most
commonly practiced surgical procedure implemented for the treatment
of BPH. In this procedure, prostatic urethral obstruction is
reduced by removing most of the prostatic urethra and a sizeable
volume of the surrounding prostate gland. This is carried out under
general or spinal anesthesia. In this procedure, a urologist
visualizes the urethra by inserting a resectoscope, that houses an
optical lens in communication with a video camera, into the urethra
such that the distal region of the resectoscope is in the region of
the urethra surrounded by the prostate gland. The distal region of
the resectoscope consists of an electric cutting loop that can cut
prostatic tissue when an electric current is applied to the device.
An electric return pad is placed on the patient to close the
cutting circuit. The electric cutting loop is used to scrape away
tissue from the inside of the prostate gland. The tissue that is
scraped away is flushed out of the urinary system using an
irrigation fluid. Using a coagulation energy setting, the loop is
also used to cauterize transected vessels during the operation.
[0014] Another example of a surgical procedure for treating BPH
symptoms is Transurethral Electrovaporization of the Prostate
(TVP). In this procedure, a part of prostatic tissue squeezing the
urethra is desiccated or vaporized. This is carried out under
general or spinal anesthesia. In this procedure, a resectoscope is
inserted transurethrally such that the distal region of the
resectoscope is in the region of the urethra surrounded by the
prostate gland. The distal region of the resectoscope consists of a
rollerball or a grooved roller electrode. A controlled amount of
electric current is passed through the electrode. The surrounding
tissue is rapidly heated up and vaporized to create a vaporized
space. Thus the region of urethra that is blocked by the
surrounding prostate gland is opened up.
[0015] Another example of a surgical procedure for treating BPH
symptoms is Transurethral Incision of the Prostate (TUIP). In this
procedure, the resistance to urine flow is reduced by making one or
more incisions in the prostrate gland in the region where the
urethra meets the urinary bladder. This procedure is performed
under general or spinal anesthesia. In this procedure, one or more
incisions are made in the muscle of the bladder neck, which is the
region where the urethra meets the urinary bladder. The incisions
are in most cases are deep enough to cut the surrounding prostate
gland tissue including the prostatic capsule. This releases any
compression on the bladder neck and causes the bladder neck to
spring apart. The incisions can be made using a resectoscope, laser
beam etc.
[0016] Another example of a surgical procedure for treating BPH
symptoms is Laser Prostatectomy. Two common techniques used for
Laser Prostatectomy are Visual Laser Ablation of the Prostate
(VLAP) and the Holmium Laser Resection/Enucleation of the Prostate
(HoLEP). In VLAP, a neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG)
laser is used to ablate tissue by causing coagulation necrosis. The
procedure is performed under visual guidance. In HoLEP, a holmium:
Yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser is used for direct contact ablation
of tissue. Both these techniques are used to remove tissue
obstructing the urethral passage to reduce the severity of BPH
symptoms.
[0017] Another example of a surgical procedure for treating BPH
symptoms is Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate (PVP). In
this procedure, laser energy is used to vaporize prostatic tissue
to relieve obstruction to urine flow in the urethra. The type of
laser used is the Potassium-Titanyl-Phosphate (KTP) laser. The
wavelength of this laser is highly absorbed by oxyhemoglobin. This
laser vaporizes cellular water and hence is used to remove tissue
that is obstructing the urethra.
[0018] Another example of a surgical procedure for treating BPH
symptoms is Open Prostatectomy. In this procedure, the prostate
gland is surgically removed by an open surgery. This is done under
general anesthesia. The prostate gland is removed through an
incision in the lower abdomen or the perineum. The procedure is
used mostly in patients that have a large (greater than
approximately 100 grams) prostate gland.
[0019] Minimally invasive procedures for treating BPH symptoms
include Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy (TUMT), Transurethral
Needle Ablation (TUNA), Interstitial Laser Coagulation (ILC), and
Prostatic Stents.
[0020] In Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy (TUMT), microwave
energy is used to generate heat that destroys hyperplastic prostate
tissue. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia. In this
procedure, a microwave antenna is inserted in the urethra. A rectal
thermosensing unit is inserted into the rectum to measure rectal
temperature. Rectal temperature measurements are used to prevent
overheating of the anatomical region. The microwave antenna is then
used to deliver microwaves to lateral lobes of the prostate gland.
The microwaves are absorbed as they pass through prostate tissue.
This generates heat which in turn destroys the prostate tissue. The
destruction of prostate tissue reduces the degree of squeezing of
the urethra by the prostate gland thus reducing the severity of BPH
symptoms.
[0021] Another example of a minimally invasive procedure for
treating BPH symptoms is Transurethral Needle Ablation (TUNA). In
this procedure, heat induced coagulation necrosis of prostate
tissue regions causes the prostate gland to shrink. It is performed
using local anesthetic and intravenous or oral sedation. In this
procedure, a delivery catheter is inserted into the urethra. The
delivery catheter comprises two radiofrequency needles that emerge
at an angle of 90 degrees from the delivery catheter. The two
radiofrequency needles are aligned at an angle of 40 degrees to
each other so that they penetrate the lateral lobes of the
prostate. A radiofrequency current is delivered through the
radiofrequency needles to heat the tissue of the lateral lobes to
70-100 degree Celsius at a radiofrequency power of approximately
456 KHz for approximately 4 minutes per lesion. This creates
coagulation defects in the lateral lobes. The coagulation defects
cause shrinkage of prostatic tissue which in turn reduces the
degree of squeezing of the urethra by the prostate gland thus
reducing the severity of BPH symptoms.
[0022] Another example of a minimally invasive procedure for
treating BPH symptoms is Interstitial Laser Coagulation (ILC). In
this procedure, laser induced necrosis of prostate tissue regions
causes the prostate gland to shrink. It is performed using regional
anesthesia, spinal or epidural anesthesia or local anesthesia
(periprostatic block). In this procedure, a cystoscope sheath is
inserted into the urethra and the region of the urethra surrounded
by the prostate gland is inspected. A laser fiber is inserted into
the urethra. The laser fiber has a sharp distal tip to facilitate
the penetration of the laser scope into prostatic tissue. The
distal tip of the laser fiber has a distal-diffusing region that
distributes laser energy 360.degree. along the terminal 3 mm of the
laser fiber. The distal tip is inserted into the middle lobe of the
prostate gland and laser energy is delivered through the distal tip
for a desired time. This heats the middle lobe and causes laser
induced necrosis of the tissue around the distal tip. Thereafter,
the distal tip is withdrawn from the middle lobe. The same
procedure of inserting the distal tip into a lobe and delivering
laser energy is repeated with the lateral lobes. This causes tissue
necrosis in several regions of the prostate gland which in turn
causes the prostate gland to shrink. Shrinkage of the prostate
gland reduces the degree of squeezing of the urethra by the
prostate thus reducing the severity of BPH symptoms.
[0023] Another example of a minimally invasive procedure for
treating BPH symptoms is implanting Prostatic Stents. In this
procedure, the region of urethra surrounded by the prostate is
mechanically supported to reduce the constriction caused by an
enlarged prostate. Prostatic stents are flexible devices that are
expanded after their insertion in the urethra. They mechanically
support the urethra by pushing the obstructing prostatic tissue
away from the urethra. This reduces the constriction of the urethra
and improves urine flow past the prostate gland thereby reducing
the severity of BPH symptoms.
[0024] Although existing treatments provide some relief to the
patient from symptoms of BPH, they have disadvantages.
Alpha-1a-adrenergic receptors blockers have side effects such as
dizziness, postural hypotension, lightheadedness, asthenia and
nasal stuffiness. Retrograde ejaculation can also occur.
5-alpha-reductase inhibitors have minimal side effects, but only a
modest effect on BPH symptoms and the flow rate of urine. In
addition, anti-androgens, such as 5-alpha-reductase, require months
of therapy before LUTS improvements are observed. Surgical
treatments of BPH carry a risk of complications including erectile
dysfunction; retrograde ejaculation; urinary incontinence;
complications related to anesthesia; damage to the penis or
urethra, need for a repeat surgery etc. Even TURP, which is the
gold standard in treatment of BPH, carries a high risk of
complications. Adverse events associated with this procedure are
reported to include retrograde ejaculation (65% of patients),
post-operative irritation (15%), erectile dysfunction (10%), need
for transfusion (8%), bladder neck constriction (7%), infection
(6%), significant hematuria (6%), acute urinary retention (5%),
need for secondary procedure (5%), and incontinence (3%) Typical
recovery from TURP involves several days of inpatient hospital
treatment with an indwelling urethral catheter, followed by several
weeks in which obstructive symptoms are relieved but there is pain
or discomfort during micturition.
[0025] The reduction in the symptom score after minimally invasive
procedures is not as large as the reduction in symptom score after
TURP. Up to 25% of patients who receive these minimally invasive
procedures ultimately undergo a TURP within 2 years. The
improvement in the symptom score generally does not occur
immediately after the procedure. For example, it takes an average
of one month for a patient to notice improvement in symptoms after
TUMT and 1.5 months to notice improvement after ILC. In fact,
symptoms are typically worse for these therapies that heat or cook
tissue, because of the swelling and necrosis that occurs in the
initial weeks following the procedures. Prostatic stents often
offer more immediate relief from obstruction but are now rarely
used because of high adverse effect rates. Stents have the risk of
migration from the original implant site (up to 12.5% of patients),
encrustation (up to 27.5%), incontinence (up to 3%), and recurrent
pain and discomfort. In published studies, these adverse effects
necessitated 8% to 47% of stents to be explanted. Overgrowth of
tissue through the stent and complex stent geometries have made
their removal quite difficult and invasive.
[0026] Thus the most effective current methods of treating BPH
carry a high risk of adverse effects. These methods and devices
either require general or spinal anesthesia or have potential
adverse effects that dictate that the procedures be performed in a
surgical operating room, followed by a hospital stay for the
patient. The methods of treating BPH that carry a lower risk of
adverse effects are also associated with a lower reduction in the
symptom score. While several of these procedures can be conducted
with local analgesia in an office setting, the patient does not
experience immediate relief and in fact often experiences worse
symptoms for weeks after the procedure until the body begins to
heal. Additionally all device approaches require a urethral
catheter placed in the bladder, in some cases for weeks. In some
cases catheterization is indicated because the therapy actually
causes obstruction during a period of time post operatively, and in
other cases it is indicated because of post-operative bleeding and
potentially occlusive clot formation. While drug therapies are easy
to administer, the results are suboptimal, take significant time to
take effect, and often entail undesired side effects.
[0027] Urinary Incontinence (UI)
[0028] Many women experience loss of bladder control following
childbirth or in old age. This condition is broadly referred to as
urinary incontinence (UI). The severity of UI varies and, in severe
cases, the disorder can be totally debilitating, keeping the
patient largely homebound. It is usually associated with a
cystocele, which results from sagging of the neck of the urinary
bladder into or even outside the vagina
[0029] The treatments for UI include behavioral therapy, muscle
strengthening exercises (e.g., Kegel exercises), drug therapy,
electrical stimulation of the pelvic nerves, use of intravaginal
devices and surgery.
[0030] In severe cases of UI, surgery is generally the best
treatment option. In general, the surgical procedures used to treat
UI attempt to lift and support the bladder so that the bladder and
urethra are returned to their normal positions within the pelvic
cavity. The two most common ways of performing these surgeries is
through incisions formed in the abdominal wall or though the wall
of the vagina.
[0031] A number of different surgical procedures have been used to
treat UI. The names for these procedures include the Birch
Procedure, Marshall-Marchetti Operation, MMK, Pubo-Vaginal Sling,
Trans-Vaginal Tape Procedure, Urethral Suspension, Vesicourethral
Suspension. These procedures generally fall into two categories,
namely a) retropubic suspension procedures and b) sling
procedures.
[0032] In retropubic suspension procedures, an incision is
typically made in the abdominal wall a few inches below the navel
and a network of sutures are placed to support the bladder neck.
The sutures are anchored to the pubic bone and to other structures
within the pelvis, essentially forming a cradle which supports the
urinary bladder.
[0033] In sling procedures, an incision is typically made in the
wall of the vagina and a sling is crafted of either natural tissue
or synthetic (man-made) material to support the bladder neck. Both
ends of the sling may be attached to the pubic bone or tied in
front of the abdomen just above the pubic bone. In some sling
procedures a synthetic tape is used to form the sling and the ends
of the synthetic tape are not tied but rather pulled up above the
pubic bone.
[0034] The surgeries used to treat UI are generally associated with
significant discomfort as the incisions heal and may require a
Foley or supra-pubic urinary catheter to remain in place for at
least several days following the surgery. Thus, there exists a need
in the art for the development of minimally invasive (e.g.,
non-incisional) procedures for the treatment of UI with less
postoperative discomfort and less requirement for post-surgical
urinary catheterization.
[0035] Cosmetic or Reconstructive Tissue Lifting and
Repositioning
[0036] Many cosmetic or reconstructive surgical procedures involve
lifting, compressing or repositioning of natural tissue, natural
tissue or artificial grafts or aberrant tissue. For example,
surgical procedures such as face lifts, brow lifts, neck lifts,
tummy tucks, etc. have become commonplace. In many cases, these
procedures are performed by creating incisions through the skin,
dissecting to a plane beneath muscles and fascia, freeing the
muscles, fascia and overlying skin from underlying structures
(e.g., bone or other muscles), lifting or repositioning the freed
muscles, fascia and overlying skin and then attaching the
repositioned tissues to underlying or nearby structures (e.g.,
bone, periostium, other muscles) to hold the repositioned tissues
in their new (e.g., lifted) position. In some cases excess skin may
also be removed during the procedure.
[0037] There have been attempts to develop minimally invasive
devices and methods for cosmetic lifting and repositioning of
tissues. For example, suture suspension lifts have been developed
where one end of a standard or modified suture thread is attached
to muscle and the other end is anchored to bone, periostium or
another structure to lift and reposition the tissues as desired.
Some of these suture suspension techniques have been performed
through cannulas or needles inserted though relatively small
incisions of puncture wounds.
[0038] For example, barbed threads known as Aptos threads may be
inserted through a hollow trocar and used to lift tissues of the
face in a procedure that is performed commercially under the name
Featherlift.TM. (KMI, Inc. 2550 West Rowland Anaheim, Calif.
92804).
[0039] Another barbed thread that is useable for minimally invasive
cosmetic lifting procedures is marketed under the name Contour
Threads.TM. (Surgical Specialties Corporation, 100 Dennis Drive
Reading, Pa. 19606).
[0040] There remains a need for the development of new devices and
methods that may be used for various procedures where it is desired
to lift, compress, support or reposition tissues or organs within
the body with less intraoperative trauma, less post-operative
discomfort and/or shorter recovery times.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0041] The present invention provides systems and methods for
retracting, lifting, compressing, supporting or repositioning an
organ or tissue within the body of a human or animal subject. In
these systems and methods a first anchoring member (e.g., a distal
anchor) is positioned at a first location, a second anchoring
member (e.g., a proximal anchor) is positioned at a second location
and a connector (e.g., an elongate connector, tensioning member,
filament, strand, thread, suture thread, string, wire, semi-rigid
member, flexible member, elastic member, non-elastic member,
resilient member, plastically deformable member, etc.) extends
between the first and second anchoring members with a sufficient
distance or tension to bring about the desired retracting, lifting,
compressing, supporting or repositioning of the organ or tissue. In
some applications of the invention, the invention may be used to
facilitate volitional or non-volitional flow of a body fluid
through a body lumen, modify the size or shape of a body lumen or
cavity, treat prostate enlargement, treat urinary incontinence,
support or maintain positioning of a tissue, organ or graft,
perform a cosmetic lifting or repositioning procedure, form
anastomotic connections, and/or treat various other disorders where
a natural or pathologic tissue or organ is pressing on or
interfering with an adjacent anatomical structure. Also, the
invention has a myriad of other potential surgical, therapeutic,
cosmetic or reconstructive applications, such as where a tissue,
organ, graft or other material requires retracting, lifting,
repositioning, compression or support.
[0042] Further in accordance with the invention, in some
embodiments, a first (e.g., distal) anchor having the connector
attached thereto is implanted at a first location within the
subject's body. A second anchor (e.g., proximal) is then advanced
over the connector to a second location where it is affixed to the
connector such that the connector is under tension and thereby
retracts, lifts, compresses, supports or repositions said organ or
tissue. Any excess or residual portion of the connector may then be
cut and removed. This embodiment of the invention may be used, for
example, to treat enlargement of the prostate gland. When used to
treat enlargement of the prostate gland, a first introducer may be
inserted into the subject's urethra and a penetrator (e.g., a
needle) may be advanced from the first introducer, through the wall
of the urethra and into or through the prostate (e.g., at an
extracapsular location outside of the prostate's connective tissue
capsule, at an intracapsular location within the prostate capsule
or at a sub-capsular location within the paryenchyma of the
prostate). The first anchor (with the connector attached thereto)
is then deployed from the penetrator such that it becomes implanted
at the desired first location. The penetrator may be retracted into
the first introducer and the first introducer may be removed from
the subject's urethra, leaving the connector trailing from the
implanted first anchor, through the penetration tract created by
the penetrator and into (or all the way out of) the subject's
urethra. A second introducer bearing the second anchor may then be
advanced over the trailing portion of the connector to a second
location where it is affixed to the connector to compress prostate
tissue between the first and second anchors or otherwise reposition
the prostate tissue so as to decrease compression of the urethra,
thereby allowing normal or improved micturition while avoiding
substantial resection or cutting of the urethral wall or prostate
gland. In some applications, multiple sets of tissue anchors may be
placed at different locations to reposition the lobes of the
prostate. In other cases, more than two anchors may be attached to
a single connector such that more than two anchoring locations are
established on that connector.
[0043] Still further in accordance with the invention, there are
provided introducer-delivery devices useable to install the tissue
retracting, lifting, compressing, supporting or repositioning
systems of the foregoing character. In some embodiments, device for
delivering the first (e.g., distal) anchor may comprise an elongate
shaft that is insertable into a lumen or cavity of the subject's
body and a penetrator (e.g., a needle) that is advanceable from the
elongate shaft such that the penetrator penetrates into or through
tissue. After the penetrator has been advanced, the first (e.g.,
distal) anchor is deployed from the penetrator such that it becomes
implanted at the desired first location within the subject's body.
A handpiece may be provided on the proximal end of the elongate
shaft. Such handpiece may incorporate one or more actuators (e.g.,
triggers or other controls) for a) advancing/retracting the
penetrator and b) deploying the first (e.g., distal) anchor from
the penetrator. In some embodiments, a delivery device for
delivering the second (e.g., proximal) anchor may comprise an
elongate shaft with a mechanism that holds the second (e.g.,
proximal) anchor. After the free end of the connector has been
inserted into the passageway of the second anchor, the elongate
shaft bearing the second anchor is advanced into the body lumen or
cavity such that the second (e.g., proximal) anchor tracks over the
connector and becomes cinched up to the desired second position.
Then the second anchor is affixed to the connector at such second
position and released from the elongate shaft. Any residual or
protruding connector may be cut and the elongate shaft may then be
removed from the body lumen or cavity, leaving the first (e.g.,
distal) anchor, connector and second (e.g., proximal) anchor in
place. A handpiece may be provided on the proximal end of this
elongate member. Such handpiece may incorporate one or more
actuators (e.g., triggers or other controls) for a) affixing (e.g.,
locking) the second anchor into the connector, b) releasing the
second anchor from the elongate shaft and c) optionally cutting
away any residual portion of the connector.
[0044] Still further aspects and elements of the invention will
become apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading of the
detailed description and examples set forth herebelow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0045] FIG. 1A shows a coronal section through the lower abdomen of
a male human suffering from BPH showing a hypertrophied prostate
gland.
[0046] FIG. 1B shows a coronal section through the lower abdomen of
a male human suffering from BPH showing a hypertrophied prostate
gland treated with an embodiment of the device of the present
invention.
[0047] FIG. 1C shows a side view of an embodiment of the retractor
shown in FIG. 1B.
[0048] FIGS. 1D through 1J show the various steps of a method of
treating a prostate gland by the retractor shown in FIG. 1C.
[0049] FIG. 2A shows a sectional view through the embodiment of a
distal anchor shown in FIG. 1C.
[0050] FIG. 2B shows a first embodiment of a flat pattern that can
be used to design the distal anchor of FIG. 2A.
[0051] FIG. 2C shows a second embodiment of a flat pattern that can
be used to design the distal anchor of FIG. 2A.
[0052] FIG. 2D shows a longitudinal sectional view through an
embodiment of a distal anchor that is attached to a connector by a
crimped loop.
[0053] FIG. 2E shows a longitudinal sectional view through an
embodiment of a distal anchor that is attached to a connector by
multiple crimped loops.
[0054] FIG. 2F shows a perspective view through an embodiment of a
distal anchor that is attached to a connector by a buckle.
[0055] FIG. 2G shows a side view of the embodiment of a distal
anchor of FIG. 2F that is attached to a connector under
tension.
[0056] FIG. 2H shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a
distal anchor that is attached to a connector by a knot.
[0057] FIG. 2I shows a longitudinal sectional view through an
embodiment of a distal anchor that is attached to a connector by an
adhesive.
[0058] FIG. 3A shows a side view of a first embodiment of a distal
anchor delivery device.
[0059] FIG. 3B shows the distal anchor delivery device of FIG. 3A
with a portion of the distal region removed.
[0060] FIG. 3C shows an enlarged view of the distal region 3C of
FIG. 3B.
[0061] FIGS. 3D through 3K show various steps of a method of
deploying a distal anchor in the anatomy by the distal anchor
delivery device of FIG. 3A.
[0062] FIG. 3L shows a side view of a second embodiment of a distal
anchor delivery device.
[0063] FIGS. 3M through 3T show steps of an embodiment of a method
for deploying the anchor of FIG. 3L in an anatomical region.
[0064] FIG. 3U shows a first side view of the distal tip of an
embodiment of a needle that can be used to introduce one or more of
the distal anchors disclosed herein.
[0065] FIG. 3V shows a second side view of the distal tip of the
embodiment of the needle shown in FIG. 3U.
[0066] FIG. 3W shows a longitudinal section through the distal tip
of a distal anchor delivery device comprising a bushing to guide
the trajectory of a needle through the distal anchor delivery
device.
[0067] FIG. 3X shows a longitudinal section through the distal tip
of a distal anchor delivery device comprising a distal crimp or
dimple to guide the trajectory of a needle through the distal
anchor delivery device.
[0068] FIG. 3Y shows a perspective view of the distal tip of a
distal anchor delivery device comprising a bent, curved or angled
needle introducing lumen.
[0069] FIG. 3Z shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a first
elongate part that is used to construct the distal end of the
embodiment of the distal anchor delivery device of FIG. 3Y.
[0070] FIG. 3A' shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a
second elongate part that is used to construct the distal end of
the embodiment of the distal anchor delivery device of FIG. 3Y.
[0071] FIGS. 4A and 4B show longitudinal sections through a first
embodiment of a proximal anchor showing the steps of an embodiment
of a method of attaching the proximal anchor to a connector.
[0072] FIG. 4C shows a first embodiment of a flat pattern that can
be used to design the proximal anchor of FIG. 4A.
[0073] FIGS. 4D and 4E show longitudinal sections through a second
embodiment of a proximal anchor showing the steps of an embodiment
of a method of attaching the proximal anchor to a connector.
[0074] FIGS. 4F and 4G show longitudinal sections through a third
embodiment of a proximal anchor showing the steps of an embodiment
of a method of attaching the proximal anchor to a connector.
[0075] FIG. 4H shows an embodiment of a flat pattern that can be
used to design the proximal anchor of FIGS. 4F and 4G.
[0076] FIGS. 4I and 4J show longitudinal sections through a fourth
embodiment of a proximal anchor showing the steps of an embodiment
of a method of attaching the proximal anchor to a connector.
[0077] FIGS. 4K and 4L show longitudinal sections through a
proximal anchor showing the steps of an embodiment of a method of
anchoring a connector to a proximal anchor by an elongate wedging
device comprising multiple branches or bristles.
[0078] FIGS. 4M and 4N show longitudinal sections through an
embodiment of a proximal anchor showing the steps of an embodiment
of a method of anchoring a connector to a proximal anchor by a lock
pin pulled by a flexible pull shaft.
[0079] FIGS. 4O and 4P show longitudinal sections through an
embodiment of a proximal anchor showing the steps of an embodiment
of a method of anchoring a connector to the proximal anchor by a
hollow wedging element.
[0080] FIGS. 4Q and 4R show an embodiment of a method of using a
compression cutter for cutting the excess length of a connector and
a wedging element.
[0081] FIGS. 4S and 4T show longitudinal sections through a first
embodiment of a proximal anchor comprising a crimping zone showing
the steps of an embodiment of a method of anchoring a connector to
the proximal anchor.
[0082] FIGS. 4U and 4V show longitudinal sections through a second
embodiment of a proximal anchor comprising a crimping zone showing
the steps of an embodiment of a method of anchoring a connector to
the proximal anchor.
[0083] FIGS. 4W and 4X show a third embodiment of a proximal anchor
comprising multiple crimping zones showing the steps of an
embodiment of a method of anchoring a connector to the proximal
anchor.
[0084] FIG. 4Y shows a side view of an embodiment of a proximal
anchor comprising a tapering outer surface.
[0085] FIGS. 4Z through 4AB show side views of the embodiment of
the proximal anchor of FIG. 4Y showing the steps of an embodiment
of a method of anchoring a connector to the proximal anchor by an
anchoring ring.
[0086] FIG. 4AC shows a cross sectional view of an embodiment of
the cutting ring of FIGS. 4M and 4AB.
[0087] FIG. 4AD shows a side view of a first embodiment of a
proximal anchor made of a thermal shape memory alloy.
[0088] FIG. 4AE shows a cross section of the proximal anchor of
FIG. 4AD through the line 4AE-4AE when the shape memory material of
the proximal anchor is in the martensite phase.
[0089] FIG. 4AE' shows a cross section of the proximal anchor of
FIG. 4AD through the line 4AE-4AE when the shape memory material of
the proximal anchor is in the programmed shape.
[0090] FIG. 4AF shows a cross section of the proximal anchor of
FIG. 4AD through the line 4AF-4AF when the shape memory material of
the proximal anchor is in the martensite phase.
[0091] FIG. 4AF' shows a cross section of the proximal anchor of
FIG. 4AD through the line 4AF-4AF when the shape memory material of
the proximal anchor is in the programmed shape.
[0092] FIG. 4AG shows a side view of a second embodiment of a
proximal anchor made of a thermal shape memory alloy.
[0093] FIG. 4AH shows a cross section of the proximal anchor of
FIG. 4AG through the line 4AH-4AH when the shape memory material of
the proximal anchor is in the martensite phase.
[0094] FIG. 4AH' shows a cross section of the proximal anchor of
FIG. 4AG through the line 4AH-4AH when the shape memory material of
the proximal anchor is in the programmed shape.
[0095] FIGS. 4AI and 4AJ show longitudinal sections of an
embodiment of a proximal anchor showing the steps of an embodiment
of a method of anchoring a looped or folded region of the connector
to the proximal anchor.
[0096] FIG. 4AK shows a side view of an embodiment of a proximal
anchor made of a suitable elastic or super elastic or shape memory
material comprising one or more inwardly opening flaps.
[0097] FIG. 4AL shows a longitudinal section through the embodiment
of the proximal anchor of FIG. 4AK.
[0098] FIG. 5A shows a side view of a first embodiment of a
proximal anchor delivery device comprising one or more finger
activated triggers.
[0099] FIGS. 5B through 5D show longitudinal sections through the
distal tip of the proximal anchor delivery device of FIG. 5A
showing the steps of a method of deploying a proximal anchor in the
anatomy.
[0100] FIG. 5E shows a side view of a proximal anchor similar to
the proximal anchor in FIGS. 5B-5D having a undeployed lock pin
partially inserted into the proximal anchor.
[0101] FIGS. 5F through 5H show longitudinal sections through the
proximal anchor and the lock pin of FIG. 5E showing the steps of a
method of attaching the proximal anchor to a connector using the
lock pin.
[0102] FIG. 5I shows a side view of an embodiment of a lock pin
that can be used to lock a connector to a proximal anchor as shown
in the method of FIGS. 5B-5D.
[0103] FIG. 5J shows another side view of the lock pin of connector
shown in FIG. 5I.
[0104] FIG. 5K shows an isometric view of an embodiment of an
actuator that can be used to drive a lock pin into a proximal
anchor.
[0105] FIG. 5L shows a side view of the embodiment of the actuator
shown in FIG. 5K.
[0106] FIG. 5M shows a longitudinal section through the actuator of
FIG. 5L.
[0107] FIG. 5N shows a side view of a second embodiment of a
proximal anchor delivery device.
[0108] FIGS. 5O through 5S show the steps of an embodiment of a
method of deploying an anchor in an anatomical region using the
proximal anchor delivery device of FIG. 5N.
[0109] FIG. 5T shows the distal end of an embodiment of a proximal
anchor delivery device comprising an anchor tube with a bent,
curved or angled distal end.
[0110] FIG. 5U shows the step of deploying a proximal anchor in an
anatomical region by the proximal anchor delivery device of FIG.
5T.
[0111] FIG. 5V shows a cystoscopic view of a region of canine
urethra enclosed by the prostate gland that has been treated by a
procedure similar to the procedure shown in FIGS. 1D through
1J.
[0112] FIG. 6A shows a side view of an embodiment of a distal
anchor delivery device.
[0113] FIG. 6B shows an enlarged view of the distal region of the
distal anchor delivery device of FIG. 6A showing the step of
deploying a distal anchor by the distal anchor delivery device.
[0114] FIG. 6C shows a side view of an embodiment of a proximal
anchor delivery device.
[0115] FIG. 6D shows an enlarged view of the distal region of the
proximal anchor delivery device of FIG. 6C.
[0116] FIG. 6E shows the distal region of an embodiment of a
proximal anchor delivery device comprising a curved penetrating
distal tip.
[0117] FIG. 6F shows an embodiment of a retractor comprising a
proximal anchor buried within an anatomical tissue by the proximal
anchor delivery device of FIG. 6E.
[0118] FIG. 6G shows the distal region of an embodiment of a
proximal anchor delivery device comprising a straight penetrating
distal tip.
[0119] FIG. 6H shows an embodiment of a retractor comprising a
proximal anchor buried within an anatomical tissue by the proximal
anchor delivery device of FIG. 6G.
[0120] FIG. 6I shows a section through the distal tip of a first
embodiment of a combined device that can deliver a distal anchor
connected to a proximal anchor by a connector.
[0121] FIG. 6J shows a side view of a second embodiment of a
combined device that can deliver a distal anchor and a proximal
anchor connected to each other by a connector.
[0122] FIG. 6K shows another view of the embodiment of the combined
device shown in FIG. 6J that can deliver a distal anchor and a
proximal anchor connected to each other by a connector.
[0123] FIGS. 6L through 6Q show the steps of a method of
compressing an anatomical tissue by a combined device that delivers
a proximal anchor and a distal anchor in the anatomy.
[0124] FIGS. 6R through 6W show the distal region of an embodiment
of a combined device showing the steps of a method of delivering a
retractor comprising a proximal anchor and a distal anchor, wherein
the distal anchor is delivered through the proximal anchor.
[0125] FIGS. 7A through 7H show a longitudinal section of a tubular
organ showing the steps of a method of reducing the cross sectional
area of the lumen of the tubular organ.
[0126] FIG. 7I shows a schematic diagram of a tubular organ showing
the configuration of the tubular organ before performing the method
shown in FIGS. 7A through 7H.
[0127] FIG. 7J shows a schematic diagram of the tubular organ of
FIG. 7I showing a possible configuration obtained after performing
the method shown in FIGS. 7A through 7H.
[0128] FIG. 7K shows an embodiment of a distal anchor delivery
device comprising a helical needle.
[0129] FIGS. 7L through 7N show a cross section of a tubular organ
showing the steps of a method of reducing the cross sectional area
of the lumen of the tubular organ by creating one or more folds or
pleats in the walls of the tubular organ along the circumference of
the lumen.
[0130] FIG. 7O shows a cross section of a tubular organ showing a
first embodiment of a method of compressing a tissue adjacent to a
tubular organ to cause one or more regions of the tissue to
displace the walls of the tubular organ thereby reducing the cross
sectional area of the lumen of the tubular organ.
[0131] FIG. 7P shows a cross section of a tubular organ showing a
second embodiment of a method of compressing a tissue adjacent to a
tubular organ to cause one or more regions of the tissue to
displace the walls of the tubular organ thereby reducing the cross
sectional area of the lumen of the tubular organ.
[0132] FIGS. 7Q through 7V show longitudinal sections of a tubular
organ showing the steps of a method of reducing the cross sectional
area of the lumen of the tubular organ by creating one or more
folds or bulges in the walls of the tubular organ along the axis of
the tubular organ.
[0133] FIGS. 7W through 7Y shows cross sections of a tubular organ
showing the steps of a first embodiment of a method of reducing the
cross sectional area of the lumen of the tubular organ by
implanting a device that pinches the walls of the tubular organ to
create a recess.
[0134] FIGS. 7Z through 7AD show cross sections of a tubular organ
showing the steps of a second embodiment of a method of reducing
the cross sectional area of the lumen of the tubular organ by
implanting a device that pinches the walls of the tubular organ to
create a recess.
[0135] FIG. 7AE shows a cross section of a tubular organ showing
the steps of a first embodiment of a method of reducing the cross
sectional area of the lumen of the tubular organ by implanting
devices that pinch the walls of the tubular organ to create two
recesses.
[0136] FIG. 7AF shows a cross section of a tubular organ showing a
step of a second embodiment of a method of reducing the cross
sectional area of the lumen of the tubular organ by implanting
devices that pinch the walls of the tubular organ to create two
recesses.
[0137] FIG. 7AG shows a cross section of a tubular organ showing a
method of reducing the cross sectional area of the lumen of the
tubular organ by creating a recess in the walls of the tubular
organ and reinforcing the recessed region.
[0138] FIG. 8A shows an anchoring system implanted in a stomach to
reduce the volume of the stomach to treat obesity.
[0139] FIG. 8B shows a cross sectional view of a stomach before
implanting an anchoring system to reduce the volume of the
stomach.
[0140] FIG. 8C shows a cross sectional view of the stomach of FIG.
8B after implanting an anchoring system to reduce the volume of the
stomach.
[0141] FIG. 8D shows a section through wound edges closed by an
anchoring system in a first configuration.
[0142] FIG. 8E shows a section through wound edges closed by an
anchoring system in a second configuration.
[0143] FIG. 8F shows an anchoring device used to reconnect torn
tissues of the musculoskeletal system.
[0144] FIG. 8G shows a sagittal section through the head of a
patient suffering from sleep apnea.
[0145] FIG. 8H shows a sagittal section through the head of a
patient suffering from sleep apnea who has been treated with two
anchoring devices that displace the obstructing portions of the
soft palate SP and the tongue To.
[0146] FIG. 8I shows an anchoring system that is implanted to lift
loose skin in the face of a human.
[0147] FIG. 8J shows a view of a human face showing facial regions
that may be treated by a method similar to the method shown in FIG.
8I to improve the cosmetic appearance of the human.
[0148] FIG. 8K shows a sagittal section through the lower abdomen
of a human female showing an embodiment of a method of treating
female urinary incontinence by a sling attached to the anatomy by
anchoring devices.
[0149] FIG. 8L shows a cross section of a normal urethra UT.
[0150] FIG. 8M shows a cross section of the urethra UT in a human
female suffering from stress urinary incontinence.
[0151] FIG. 8N shows a cross section of the urethra UT in a human
female suffering from stress urinary incontinence where the urethra
UT has been supported with a sling.
[0152] FIG. 8O shows a section through the lower abdomen of a human
female suffering from stress urinary incontinence where the urethra
UT has been supported with a sling.
[0153] FIG. 8P shows a section through the lower abdomen showing an
embodiment of a colposuspension procedure wherein one or more
regions of the vaginal wall of a patient suffering from
incontinence are suspended to the Cooper's ligament by one or more
anchoring devices.
[0154] FIG. 8Q shows an anchoring device used to attach a seal to a
puncture site on a blood vessel BV to seal the puncture site.
[0155] FIG. 8R shows a view of the pectoral region of a human
female.
[0156] FIG. 8S shows the pectoral region of a human female wherein
mastopexy has been performed on one or more regions of the breasts
using the anchoring devices disclosed herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0157] The following detailed description and the accompanying
drawings are intended to describe some, but not necessarily all,
examples or embodiments encompassed by the present invention.
[0158] A number of the drawings in this patent application show
anatomical structures of the male reproductive and/or urinary
system. In general, these anatomical structures are labeled with
the following reference letters: TABLE-US-00001 Urethra UT Urinary
Bladder UB Prostate Gland PG Target Tissue TT Urethral Wall UW
Ligament Li Bone Bo Pubic Bone PB Soft Palate SP Tongue To Rectum R
Vagina V Blood Vessel BV
[0159] FIG. 1A shows a coronal section (i.e., a section cut
approximately in the plane of the coronal suture or parallel to it)
through the lower abdomen of a male human suffering from BPH
showing a hypertrophied prostate gland. As depicted in FIG. 1A, the
urinary bladder UB is a hollow muscular organ that temporarily
stores urine. It is situated behind the pubic bone PB. The lower
region of the urinary bladder has a narrow muscular opening called
the bladder neck which opens into a soft, flexible, tubular organ
called the urethra UT. The muscles around the bladder neck are
called the internal urethral sphincter. The internal urethral
sphincter is normally contracted to prevent urine leakage. The
urinary bladder gradually fills with urine until full capacity is
reached, at which point the sphincters relax. This causes the
bladder neck to open, thereby releasing the urine stored in the
urinary bladder into the urethra. The urethra conducts urine from
the urinary bladder to the exterior of the body. The urethra begins
at the bladder neck and terminates at the end of the penis. The
prostate gland PG is located around the urethra at the union of the
urethra and the urinary bladder. In FIG. 1A, the prostate gland is
hypertrophied (enlarged). This causes the prostate gland to press
on a region of the urethra. This in turn creates an undesired
obstruction to the flow of urine through the urethra.
[0160] FIG. 1B shows a coronal section through the lower abdomen of
a male human suffering from BPH showing a hypertrophied prostate
gland treated with an embodiment of the device of the present
invention. It has been discovered that the enlarged prostate gland
is compressible and can be retracted so as to relieve the pressure
from the urethra. In accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention, a retractor device can be placed through the prostate
gland in order to relieve the pressure on the urethra. In FIG. 1B,
a retractor 10 is implanted in the prostate gland. Retractor 10
comprises a distal anchor 12 and a proximal anchor 14. Distal
anchor 12 and a proximal anchor 14 are connected by a connector 16.
The radial distance from the urethra to distal anchor 12 is greater
than the radial distance from the urethra to proximal anchor 14.
The distance or tension between the anchors is sufficient to
compress, displace or change the orientation of an anatomical
region between distal anchor 12 and proximal anchor 14. The
connector 16 can be inelastic so as to maintain a constant force or
distance between the proximal and distal anchors or be elastic so
as to attempt to draw the proximal and distal anchors closer
together. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1B, distal anchor 12 is
located on the outer surface of the capsule of prostate gland CP
and acts as a capsular anchor. Alternatively, distal anchor 12 may
be embedded inside the tissue of prostate gland PG or in the
surrounding structures around the prostate such as periosteum of
the pelvic bones, within the bones themselves, pelvic fascia,
coopers ligament, muscles traversing the pelvis or bladder wall.
Also, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1B, proximal anchor 14 is
located on the inner wall of urethra UT and acts as a urethral
anchor. Alternatively, proximal anchor 14 may be embedded inside
the tissue of prostate gland PG or surrounding structures as
outlined above. Distal anchor 12 and proximal anchor 14 are
implanted in the anatomy such that a desired distance or tension is
created in connector 16. This causes distal anchor 12 and proximal
anchor 14 to retract or compress a region of prostate gland PG to
relieve the obstruction shown in FIG. 1A. In FIG. 1B, two
retractors 10 are implanted in prostate gland PG. Each retractor 10
is implanted in a lateral lobe (side lobe) of prostate gland PG.
The various methods and devices disclosed herein may be used to
treat a single lobe or multiple lobes of the prostate gland or
other anatomical structures. Similarly, two or more devices
disclosed herein may be used to treat a single anatomical
structure. For example, a lateral lobe of prostate gland PG may be
treated using two retractors 10. One or more retractors may be
deployed at particular angles to the axis of the urethra to target
one or more lateral lobes and/or middle lobe of the prostate gland.
In one embodiment, retractor 10 is deployed between the 1 o'clock
and 3 o'clock position relative to the axis of the urethra to
target the left lateral lobe of the prostate gland. In another
embodiment, retractor 10 is deployed between the 9 o'clock and 11
o'clock position relative to the axis of the urethra to target the
right lateral lobe of the prostate gland. In another embodiment,
retractor 10 is deployed between the 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock
position relative to the axis of the urethra to target the middle
lobe of the prostate gland.
[0161] FIG. 1C shows a side view of one embodiment of the retractor
shown in FIG. 1B. FIG. 1C shows retractor 10 comprising distal
anchor 12 and proximal anchor 14. Distal anchor 12 and proximal
anchor 14 are connected by connector 16. In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 1C, distal anchor 12 comprises a tube 18 having a lumen. Tube
18 can be made of suitable elastic or non-elastic materials
including, but not limited to metals, polymers, etc. Typical
examples of such materials include, but are not limited to
stainless steel 304, stainless steel 316, nickel-Titanium alloys,
titanium, Pebax, Polyimide, braided Polyimide, Polyurethane, Nylon,
PVC, Hytrel, HDPE, PEEK, PTFE, PFA, FEP, EPTFE, shape memory
polymers, such as polyesterurethane, polyetherurethane,
polyetherpolyesters, polyetherpolyamines or combinations of oligo
e-caprolactore diol and oligo p-dioxanone diol polymers, etc.
Connector 16 is attached to tube 18. In one embodiment, connector
16 is a USP size 0 polypropylene monofilament suture. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 1C, a distal region of connector 16 is
located in the lumen of tube 18 such that the distal tip of
connector 16 emerges out of one end of the lumen of tube 18. The
distal tip of connector 16 is enlarged, such that the diameter of
the enlarged distal tip of connector 16 is greater than the inner
diameter of tube 18. In one embodiment, the diameter of connector
16 is 0.014 inches and the diameter of the enlarged distal tip of
connector 16 is 0.025 inches. In one embodiment, the enlarged
distal tip of connector 16 is created by controlled melting of the
distal tip of connector 16. This attaches connector 16 to tube 18.
Tube 18 may comprise one or more additional attachment mechanisms
to attach a distal region of connector 16 to tube 18. In one
embodiment, the distal region of connector 16 is attached to tube
18 by a suitable biocompatible adhesive. In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 1C, the distal region of connector 16 is attached to tube 18
by one or more inwardly opening flaps 20 that are cut in the
material of tube 18. Flaps 20 grip connector 16 and thus prevent
the relative motion of connector 16 and tube 18. The angle between
one of flaps 20 and connector 16 may range from 1 degree to 90
degrees. Tube 18 further comprises a longitudinal slot 22.
Longitudinal slot 22 extends from one end to roughly the mid
section of tube 18. Connector 16 emerges out of this longitudinal
slot 22. Thus, when connector 16 is pulled in the proximal
direction, distal anchor 12 assumes a T-shape that helps to anchor
distal anchor 12 to an anatomical structure. Distal anchor 12 may
comprise a sharp edge to help penetrate distal anchor 12 through
the anatomy. In a preferred embodiment, distal anchor 12 is
constructed by laser cutting an electropolished nickel-titanium
alloy (e.g., nitinol) tube made of 50.8% nickel-49.2% titanium. In
the preferred embodiment, the outer diameter of tube 18 is 0.026
inches, the inner diameter of tube 18 is 0.015 inches, the length
of tube 18 is 0.315 inches and the length of longitudinal slot 22
is 0.170 inches.
[0162] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1C, proximal anchor 14
comprises a tube 24 comprising a lumen. Tube 24 can be made of
suitable elastic or non-elastic materials including, but not
limited to metals, polymers, etc. Typical examples of such
materials include, but are not limited to stainless steel 304,
stainless steel 316, nickel-Titanium alloys, titanium, Pebax,
Polyimide, braided Polyimide, Polyurethane, Nylon, PVC, Hytrel,
HDPE, PEEK, PTFE, PFA, FEP, ePTFE, such as polyesterurethane,
polyetherurethane, polyetherpolyesters, polyetherpolyamines or
combinations of oligo e-caprolactone diol and oligo p-dioxanone
diol polymers, etc. An outwardly opening flap 26 is cut through the
material of tube 24. Flap 26 is folded on the outer surface of tube
18 as shown in FIG. 1C. This creates an opening to the lumen of
tube 24 that is lined by the atraumatic edge of the folded flap 26.
Connector 16 enters tube 24 through this opening to the lumen of
tube 24. Proximal anchor 14 further comprises an attachment
mechanism to attach connector 16 to tube 24. Connector 16 can be
made of suitable elastic or non-elastic materials including, but
not limited to metals, polymers, etc. Typical examples of such
materials include, but are not limited to stainless steel 304,
stainless steel 316, nickel-Titanium alloys, suture materials,
titanium, silicone, nylon, polyamide, polyglycolic acid,
polypropylene, Pebax, PTFE, ePTFE, silk, gut, or any other braided
or mono-filament material. In a preferred embodiment, tube 24 has a
length of 0.236 inches and an outer diameter of 0.027 inches and an
inner diameter of 0.020 inches. The length of opening to the lumen
of tube 24 is approximately 0.055 inches. In the preferred
embodiment, the attachment mechanism comprises a lock pin that
frictionally attaches connector 16 to tube 24. The lock pin and
tube 24 are made of stainless steel 316L. In the preferred
embodiment, tube 24 is laser cut and then electropolished. Lock pin
is constructed using EDM (electrical discharge machining) and then
passivated.
[0163] FIGS. 1D through 1J show the various steps of a method of
treating a prostate gland by the retractor shown in FIG. 1C.
Similar methods may be also used to deploy retractor or compression
devices in other anatomical structures. In the step shown in FIG.
1D, a sheath 28 such as a standard resectoscope sheath is
introduced into the urethra (trans-urethrally). Sheath 28 is
advanced through urethra UT such that the distal end of sheath 28
is positioned near a region of urethra UT that is obstructed by a
hypertrophied prostate gland PG. Distal anchor delivery device 30
is introduced through sheath 28. Distal anchor delivery device 30
can be placed in the sheath 28 after the distal end of sheath 28 is
positioned near the region of the urethra UT that is obstructed or
the distal anchor delivery device 30 can be pre-loaded in the
sheath 28 before positioning of the sheath 28. Distal anchor
delivery device 30 is advanced through sheath 28 such that the
distal end of distal anchor delivery device 30 emerges out of the
distal end of sheath 28. Distal anchor delivery device 30 is
oriented such that a working channel opening of distal anchor
delivery device 30 points towards a lateral lobe of prostate gland
PG.
[0164] In the step shown in FIG. 1E, a needle 32 is introduced
through distal anchor delivery device 30. Needle 32 can be placed
in distal anchor delivery device after the distal anchor delivery
device 30 is advanced through sheath 28 or the needle 32 can be
pre-loaded in the distal anchor delivery device 30. In one
embodiment, needle 32 is a 20 gauge needle. Needle 32 is advanced
through distal anchor delivery device 30 such that it emerges
through the working channel opening. Needle 32 is further advanced
such that it penetrates through the tissue of prostate gland PG and
the distal end of needle 32 emerges out of the capsule of prostate
gland CP.
[0165] In the step shown in FIG. 1F, distal anchor 12 connected to
connector 16 is advanced through needle 32. Distal anchor 12 can be
pre-loaded in needle 32 or can be loaded in needle 32 after needle
32 has been advanced through distal anchor delivery device 30.
Distal anchor 12 is advanced through needle 32 such that it emerges
out of the distal end of needle 32.
[0166] In the step shown in FIG. 1G, needle 32 is removed from
distal anchor delivery device 30 by pulling needle 32 in the
proximal direction.
[0167] In the step shown in FIG. 1H, distal anchor delivery device
30 is removed from sheath 28 by pulling distal anchor delivery
device 30 in the proximal direction. Also, connector 16 is pulled
to orient distal anchor 12 perpendicularly to connector 16.
[0168] In the step shown in FIG. 1I, connector 16 is passed through
proximal anchor 14 located on a proximal anchor delivery device 34.
Proximal anchor delivery device 34 is advanced through sheath 28
such that the distal end of proximal anchor delivery device 34
emerges out of the distal end of sheath 28. A desired tension is
introduced in connector 16 such that distal anchor 12 is pulled by
connector 16 with a desired force. Alternatively, the proximal
anchor can be visualized through an endoscope or under fluoroscopy
and advanced along the connector until the desired retraction of
the tissue is achieved.
[0169] In the step shown in FIG. 1J, connector 16 is attached to
proximal anchor 14. Proximal anchor 14 is also released from
proximal anchor delivery device 34, thus deploying proximal anchor
14 in the anatomy. Proximal anchor delivery device 34 and sheath 28
are removed form the anatomy. Retractor 10 comprising distal anchor
12, proximal anchor 14 and connector 16 is used to retract, lift,
support, reposition or compress a region of prostate gland PG
located between distal anchor 12 and proximal anchor 14. This
method may be used to retract, lift, support, reposition or
compress multiple regions or lobes of the prostate gland PG. In the
method shown in FIGS. 1D through 1J, distal anchor 12 is deployed
on the outer surface of the capsule of prostate gland CP. Thus,
distal anchor 12 acts as a capsular anchor. Alternatively, distal
anchor 12 may be deployed inside the tissue of prostate gland PG or
beyond the prostate as outlined previously. Similarly, in the
method shown in FIGS. 1D through 1J, proximal anchor 14 is deployed
on the inner wall of urethra UT and acts as a urethral anchor.
Alternatively, proximal anchor 14 may be deployed inside the tissue
of prostate gland PG.
[0170] FIG. 2A shows a sectional view through the embodiment of a
distal anchor shown in FIG. 1C. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A,
distal anchor 12 comprises tube 18 comprising a lumen. Tube 18 is
attached to a connector 16. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, a
distal region of connector 16 is located in the lumen of tube 18
such that the distal tip of connector 16 emerges out of one end of
the lumen of tube 18. Distal anchor 12 and/or connector 16 comprise
one or more attachment mechanisms to attach distal anchor 12 to
connector 16. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, the attachment
mechanism comprises an enlarged distal tip of connector 16. In one
embodiment, the enlarged distal tip is created by controlled
melting of the distal tip of connector 16. The enlarged distal tip
anchors connector 16 to tube 18. In another embodiment, the
attachment mechanism comprises a suitable biocompatible adhesive
that attaches the distal region of connector 16 to tube 18. Other
examples of attachment mechanisms include, but are not limited to
one or more knots on connector 16, one or more turnbuckles on
connector 16, crimped regions of distal anchor 12, additional
crimping elements that crimp onto the outer surface of connector
16, or crimping elements that fit inside the tube, etc. Tube 18
further comprises longitudinal slot 22. Longitudinal slot extends
from one end to roughly the mid section of tube 18. Connector 16
emerges out of this longitudinal slot 22. Thus, when connector 16
is pulled in the proximal direction, distal anchor 12 assumes a
T-shape that helps to anchor distal anchor 12 to an anatomical
structure. Distal anchor 12 may comprise a sharp edge to help
penetrate distal anchor 12 through the anatomy. In one embodiment,
distal anchor 12 comprises a nickel-titanium alloy (e.g., nitinol)
tube and connector 16 comprises a polypropylene suture.
[0171] In one embodiment of a method of manufacturing distal anchor
12, a tube is laser cut with a radially aligned laser. The geometry
of the laser cut pattern is specified using a flat pattern drawing
which is mapped onto the outside circumference of the tube. FIG. 2B
shows a first embodiment of a flat pattern that can be used to
manufacture a distal anchor 12 of FIG. 2A. In FIG. 2B, flat pattern
36 comprises a rectangular region. The length of the rectangular
region represents the length of the tube. The width of the
rectangular region OC represents the outer circumference of the
tube. In one embodiment, the length of the rectangular region is
0.315+/-0.005 inches and the width of the rectangular region is
0.088+/-0.001 inches. Flat pattern 36 further comprises a U-shaped
slot 38 cut at the proximal end of flat pattern 36 as shown in FIG.
2B. The width of slot 38 is 0404+/-0.002 inches. The length of the
straight region of slot 38 is 0.174+/-0.005 inches. The distal end
of slot 38 comprises a semi-circular region as shown in FIG. 2B.
The proximal end of slot 38 comprises rounded edges with a radius
of 0.2+/-0.005 inches. The distal region of flat pattern 36 may
comprise one or more semicircular notches 40 that create inwardly
opening flaps 20. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2B, flat pattern
36 comprises three notches 40. In this embodiment, the width of
notches 40 is 0.010+/-0.001 inches. The length of the straight
region of notches 40 is 0.010+/-0.001 inches. The distal end of
notches 40 comprises a semi-circular region as shown in FIG. 2B. A
suitable connector 16 is passed through the lumen of the
nickel-titanium alloy (e.g., nitinol) tube. Connector 16 is
attached to the distal end of the nickel-titanium alloy (e.g.,
nitinol) tube. Inwardly opening flaps 20 are crimped onto the outer
surface of connector 16. This crimping produces additional
anchoring sites on the nickel-titanium alloy (e.g., nitinol) tube
to anchor connector 16 to the nickel-titanium alloy (e.g., nitinol)
tube. The nickel-titanium alloy (e.g., nitinol) tube then acts as
distal anchor 12. A region of connector 16 emerges out of distal
anchor through slot 38. The diameter of slot 38 may be designed to
allow the edges of slot 38 to accurately contact the outer surface
of connector 16.
[0172] FIG. 2C shows a second embodiment of a flat pattern that can
be used to design distal anchor 12 of FIG. 2A. In FIG. 2C, flat
pattern 42 comprises a rectangular region. In one embodiment, the
length of the rectangular region is 0.354+/-0.005 inches and the
width of the rectangular region OC is 0.88+/-0.001 inches. Flat
pattern 42 further comprises a W-shaped slot 44 cut at the proximal
end of flat pattern 42 as shown in FIG. 2C. The distal end of slot
44 comprises two semi-circular regions as shown in FIG. 2C. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 2C, the radius of the semicircular regions
is approximately 0.0015 inches. The length of slot 44 measured
along the length of flat pattern 42 from the proximal end of flat
pattern 42 to the proximal edges of the semicircular regions is
0.174+/-0.005 inches. Slot 44 encloses a central folding tab 46. In
the embodiment shown in FIG. 2C, folding tab 46 comprises a
straight proximal region and a tapering distal region. The length
of the straight proximal region of folding tab 46 is 0.11+/-0.010
inches. The length of the tapering distal region of folding tab 46
is 0.040+/-0.005 inches. The proximal end of slot 44 has rounded
edges with a radius of 0.020+/-0.005 inches. The distal region of
flat pattern 42 may comprise one or more semicircular notches 40.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2C, flat pattern 42 comprises three
notches 40 that create inwardly opening flaps 20. In this
embodiment, the width of notches 40 is 0.010+/-0.001X inches. The
length of the straight region of notches 40 is 0.010+/-0.001
inches. The distal end of notches 40 comprises a semi-circular
region as shown in FIG. 2C. A suitable connector 16 is passed
through the lumen of the nickel-titanium alloy (e.g., nitinol)
tube. Connector 16 is attached to the distal end of the
nickel-titanium alloy (e.g., nitinol) tube. Inwardly opening flaps
20 are crimped onto the outer surface of connector 16. This
crimping produces additional anchoring sites on the nickel-titanium
alloy (e.g., nitinol) tube to anchor connector 16 to the
nickel-titanium alloy (e.g., nitinol) tube. The nickel-titanium
alloy (e.g., nitinol) tube then acts as distal anchor 12. A region
of connector 16 emerges out of distal anchor through slot 44. To
prevent or reduce the scraping of connector 16 by the distal edge
of slot 44, a blunt edge is created at the distal edge of slot 44.
This blunt edge is created by folding or bending folding tab 46
along the length of distal anchor 12. Several alternate designs of
the blunt edge may be created using a variety of lengths of folding
tab 46 and/or a variety of methods of folding or bending.
[0173] In the example shown in FIG. 2A, distal anchor 12 is
attached to connector 16 by an attachment mechanism comprising an
enlarged distal tip of connector 16. Several alternate or
complementary attachment mechanisms are illustrated in FIGS.
2D-2J.
[0174] FIG. 2D shows a longitudinal sectional view through an
embodiment of a distal anchor that is attached to a connector by a
crimped loop. In FIG. 2D, the distal end of connector 16 is looped.
This looped distal end of connector 16 is inserted into distal
anchor 12. Distal anchor 12 is crimped to attach the looped distal
end of connector 16 to distal anchor 12.
[0175] FIG. 2E shows a longitudinal sectional view through an
embodiment of a distal anchor that is attached to a connector by
multiple crimped loops. In FIG. 2E, the distal end of connector 16
is folded multiple times to obtain multiple loops. These multiple
loops of connector 16 are inserted into distal anchor 12. Distal
anchor 12 is crimped to attach the multiple loops of connector 16
to distal anchor 12.
[0176] FIG. 2F shows a perspective view through an embodiment of a
distal anchor that is attached to a connector by a buckle. In FIG.
2F, the distal end of connector 16 is passed through distal anchor
12. The distal end of connector 16 is passed through a buckle 47
and is looped. The distal end of connector 16 is inserted back into
distal anchor 12. The distal end of connector 16 may be attached to
distal anchor 12 by one or more mechanisms disclosed herein. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 2F, the distal end of connector 16 is
attached to distal anchor 12 by a suitable biocompatible adhesive.
Distal anchor 12 may be crimped to attach connector 16 to distal
anchor 12.
[0177] FIG. 2G shows a side view of the embodiment of a distal
anchor of FIG. 2F that is attached to a connector under tension.
Buckle 47 prevents the looped distal end of connector 16 from
unraveling within distal anchor 12.
[0178] FIG. 2H shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a
distal anchor that is attached to a connector by a knot. In FIG.
2H, the distal end of connector 16 is passed through distal anchor
12. The distal end of connector 16 is knotted. This knot attaches
the distal end of connector 16 to distal anchor 12.
[0179] FIG. 2I shows a longitudinal sectional view through an
embodiment of a distal anchor that is attached to a connector by an
adhesive. In FIG. 2I, the distal end of connector 16 is passed
through distal anchor 12. This distal end of connector 16 is
attached to distal anchor 12 by a suitable biocompatible adhesive.
Examples of biocompatible adhesives that can be used to attach
connector 16 to proximal anchor 12 include, but are not limited to
epoxies, cyanoacrylates and thermoplasitics. The inner surface of
distal anchor 12 may be roughened or may be provided with one or
more projections or depressions to increase the strength of the
attachment between connector 16 to proximal anchor 12.
[0180] The various distal anchors disclosed herein may be delivered
by one or more distal anchor delivery devices. Such distal anchor
delivery devices may be introduced in the body of a human or animal
through a variety of access routes. For example, the prostate gland
of a patient with BPH may be treated by a distal anchor delivery
device introduced trans-urethrally.
[0181] FIG. 3A shows a side view of a first embodiment of a distal
anchor delivery device 30. Distal anchor delivery device 30
comprises an elongate endoscope introducing tube 48. The endoscope
introducing tube 48 may range in length from 8 inches to 13 inches.
In one embodiment, endoscope introducing tube 48 is made of
stainless steel. The proximal end of endoscope introducing tube 48
may comprise an endoscope hub 50 to lock an endoscope to endoscope
introducing tube 48. In the text the endoscope is used to mean any
telescope, camera or optical system that provides visualization. In
one embodiment, the endoscope is a 4 mm endoscope. A region of
endoscope introducing tube 48 is attached to a distal handle
assembly 52. In one embodiment, distal handle assembly 52 is made
of anodized aluminum, stainless steel and nickel-plated brass
components. The components may be fastened to each other by
soldering, braising, welding or stainless steel fasteners. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, distal handle assembly 52 comprises a
distal attachment 54 that encloses endoscope introducing tube 48.
Distal attachment 54 is further attached to a distal handle 56. A
region of endoscope introducing tube 48 proximal to distal handle
assembly 52 passes through a proximal handle assembly 58. In one
embodiment, proximal handle assembly 58 is made of machined acetal
resin engineering plastic (e.g., Delrin.RTM., E.I. du Pont de
Nemours and Company, Wilmington, Del.), polytetrafluoroethylene
(PTFE), and nickel-plated brass components. The components may be
fastened to each other by stainless steel fasteners. Proximal
handle assembly 58 can slide over the outer surface of endoscope
introducing tube 48. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, distal
anchor delivery device 30 further comprises one or more guide rails
60. The distal ends of guide rails 60 are attached to a proximal
surface of distal attachment 54. Guide rails 60 pass through
proximal handle assembly 58 such that proximal handle assembly 58
can slide over the outer surface of guide rails 60. Guide rails 60
help to stabilize the orientation of proximal handle assembly 58
relative to distal handle assembly 52 during the relative motion of
proximal handle assembly 58 relative to distal handle assembly 52.
Distal anchor delivery device 30 further comprises an elongate
needle introducing tube 62. Needle introducing tube 62 is attached
to endoscope introducing tube 48 as shown in FIG. 3A. In one
embodiment, needle introducing tube 62 is made of stainless steel.
Needle introducing tube 62 passes through distal handle assembly 52
and is attached to a region of distal handle assembly 52. The
distal tip of needle introducing tube 62 may comprise a curved
region. The curved distal tip of needle introducing tube 62 is used
to direct the exit trajectory of an elongate needle 32 that slides
through needle introducing tube 62. In one embodiment, needle 32 is
made of nickel-titanium allow (e.g., nickel-titanium alloy (e.g.,
nitinol)) and comprises a ground beveled tip. The proximal end of
needle 32 is attached to proximal handle assembly 58. Thus a user
can move needle 32 through needle introducing tube 62 by moving
proximal handle assembly 58 along endoscope introducing tube 48.
Distal anchor delivery device 30 may comprise a needle stop to
control the maximum movement of proximal handle assembly 58 along
endoscope introducing tube 48. This in turn controls the maximum
depth of penetration of needle 32 into a tissue. Needle 32
comprises a lumen through which a distal anchor deploying system is
introduced in the anatomy. The distal anchor deploying system is
used to deploy distal anchor 12 in the anatomy. The distal anchor
deploying system comprises a pusher 64 that pushes distal anchor 12
out of needle 32 and into the anatomy. In one embodiment, pusher 64
is made of nickel-titanium alloy (e.g., nitinol). In the embodiment
shown in FIG. 3A, the proximal end of pusher 64 is attached to a
trigger 66 that is attached to a proximal handpiece 68 of the
proximal handle assembly 58. Trigger 66 is attached to proximal
handpiece 68 by a pivot 70. Thus, a user can move pusher 64
relative to needle 32 by moving trigger 66. Proximal handle
assembly 58 further comprises a safety system 72 that prevents
unwanted motion of trigger 66. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A,
safety system 72 comprises a lock pin that locks trigger 66 to
proximal handpiece 68. In one embodiment, the components of the
safety system are made of stainless steel.
[0182] In one embodiment, distal anchor delivery device 30 is sized
to be introduced through a 25F cystoscope sheath. The length of
distal anchor delivery device 30 within the sheath ranges from 6 to
10 inches. In this embodiment, endoscope introducing tube 48 and
endoscope hub 50 are designed to fit a 4 mm telescope. In this
embodiment, the outer diameter of endoscope introducing tube 48
ranges from 0.174 to 0.200 inches and the inner diameter of
endoscope introducing tube 48 ranges from 0.160 to 0.180 inches. In
this embodiment, the outer diameter of needle introducing tube 62
ranges from 0.059 to 0.83 inches and the inner diameter of needle
introducing tube 62 ranges from 0.041 to 0.072 inches. In this
embodiment, the outer diameter of needle 32 ranges from 0.034 to
0.043 inches and the inner diameter of needle 32 ranges from 0.027
to 0.035 inches. In this embodiment, the outer diameter of pusher
64 ranges from 0.020 to 0.026 inches and the inner diameter of
pusher 64 ranges from 0.014 to 0.019 inches. In this embodiment,
the radius of the curved distal tip of needle introducing tube 62
ranges from 0.25 to 0.50 inches. In this embodiment, the maximum
distance through which proximal handle assembly 58 can slide over
the outer surface of endoscope introducing tube 48 ranges from 1 to
2 inches. In this embodiment, the maximum distance through which
pusher 64 travels relative to needle 32 ranges from 0.2 to 0.8
inches. In a preferred embodiment, distal anchor delivery device 30
is sized to be introduced through a 25F cystoscope sheath. The
length of distal anchor delivery device 30 within the sheath is 9.5
inches. In this preferred embodiment, endoscope introducing tube 48
and endoscope hub 50 are designed to fit a 4 mm telescope. In this
preferred embodiment, the outer diameter of endoscope introducing
tube 48 is 0.18 inches and the inner diameter of endoscope
introducing tube 48 is 0.16 inches. In this preferred embodiment,
the outer diameter of needle introducing tube 62 is 0.083 inches
and the inner diameter of needle introducing tube 62 is 0.072
inches. In this preferred embodiment, the outer diameter of needle
32 is 0.037 inches and the inner diameter of needle 32 is 0.030
inches. In this preferred embodiment, the outer diameter of pusher
64 is 0.025 inches and the inner diameter of pusher 64 is 0.020
inches. In this preferred embodiment, the radius of the curved
distal tip of needle introducing tube 62 is 0.3 inches. In this
preferred embodiment, the maximum distance through which proximal
handle assembly 58 can slide over the outer surface of endoscope
introducing tube 48 is 1.7 inches. In this preferred embodiment,
the maximum distance through which pusher 64 travels relative to
needle 32 is 0.4 inches.
[0183] FIG. 3B shows the distal anchor delivery device of FIG. 3A
with a portion of the distal region removed.
[0184] FIG. 3C shows an enlarged view of the distal region 3C of
FIG. 3B. FIG. 3C shows the distal end of distal anchor delivery
device 30 comprising elongate endoscope introducing tube 48 and
needle introducing tube 62.
[0185] FIGS. 3D through 3K show various steps of a method of
deploying distal anchor 12 in the anatomy by distal anchor delivery
device 30 of FIG. 3A. For the description below regarding FIGS. 3D
through 3K, the procedure is described as if applied to prostate
gland although other anatomical regions could be used. In FIG. 3D,
an elongate sheath 28 is introduced in the urethra. In one
embodiment, sheath 28 is a 25F cystoscope resectoscope sheath. The
position of sheath 28 is adjusted such that the distal tip of
sheath 28 is close to the region of the urethra enclosed by the
prostate gland. In FIG. 3E, distal anchor delivery device 30 is
introduced through sheath 28 into the urethra. This step may
performed under endoscopic visualization by an endoscope 74
inserted in the endoscope introducing tube 48 of distal anchor
delivery device 30. Distal anchor delivery device 30 may be rotated
to orient the distal tip of needle introducing tube 62 in a desired
orientation with respect to an anatomical organ such as the
prostate gland. In FIG. 3F, proximal handle assembly 58 is moved in
the distal direction over endoscope introducing tube 48 relative to
distal handle assembly 52. This in turn causes needle 32 to advance
through needle introducing tube 62. The distal tip of needle 32
emerges out of the distal tip of needle introducing tube 62. Needle
32 penetrates through one or more anatomical regions. In one method
embodiment, the distal tip of needle 32 emerges out of the capsule
of the prostate gland and enters the surrounding pelvic space. In
one method embodiment, the dimensions of the prostate gland are
measured. This information is then used to determine the distance
through which needle 32 is advanced through needle introducing tube
62. In FIG. 3G, safety system 72 is released. This step unlocks
trigger 66 from proximal handpiece 68. In FIG. 3H, trigger 66 is
lifted. This causes pusher 64 to advance in the distal direction
through needle 32. This in turn causes distal anchor 12 to emerge
out through the distal end of needle 32 and into the anatomy. In
one method embodiment, distal anchor 12 emerges out of needle 32
and enters the surrounding pelvic space. In FIG. 3I, connector 16
is pulled in the proximal direction. This causes distal anchor 12
to orient itself perpendicularly to connector 16. In FIG. 3J,
needle 32 is removed from the anatomy by pulling proximal handle
assembly 58 in the proximal direction over endoscope introducing
tube 48. In FIG. 3K, distal anchor delivery device 30 is removed
from the anatomy.
[0186] FIG. 3L shows a side view of a second embodiment of a distal
anchor delivery device 30. Distal anchor delivery device 30
comprises an endoscope introducing tube 48. The proximal end of
endoscope introducing tube 48 may comprise an endoscope hub 50 to
lock an endoscope 74 to endoscope introducing tube 48. Endoscope
introducing tube 48 encloses a lumen through which endoscope 74 may
be introduced into the anatomy. Distal anchor delivery device 30
comprises a needle introducing tube 62. Endoscope 74 is introduced
through endoscope introducing tube 48 such that the distal end of
needle introducing tube 62 is located near the distal end of
endoscope 74. Needle introducing tube 62 is used to introduce a
needle 32 into the anatomy. The distal end of needle introducing
tube 62 may comprise a curved, bent or tapered region to introduce
needle 32 into the anatomy at an angle to the axis of endoscope 74.
Needle introducing tube 62 is attached to endoscope introducing
tube 48 by a coupling element 76. Distal anchor delivery device 30
may be introduced into the anatomy through a suitable sheath. Such
as sheath may comprise a flushing or aspiration port. The flushing
or aspiration port may be in fluid communication with the lumen of
the sheath to allow a user to introduce fluids into or remove
fluids from an anatomical region.
[0187] FIGS. 3M through 3T show perspective views of distal anchor
delivery device 30 of FIG. 3L showing the steps of an embodiment of
a method of deploying an anchor in an anatomical region. Distal
anchor delivery device 30 comprises endoscope introducing tube 48
that encloses a lumen. An endoscope 74 is located in the lumen of
endoscope introducing tube 48. In the step shown in FIG. 3M, distal
anchor delivery device 30 is introduced in an anatomical region
such as the urethra through an elongate sheath 28. Distal anchor
delivery device 30 may be rotated to orient the distal tip of
needle introducing tube 62 in a desired orientation. A needle 32 is
introduced through needle introducing tube 62. In the step shown in
FIG. 3N, needle 32 is advanced through needle introducing tube 62
such that the distal end of needle 32 emerges out of the distal end
of needle introducing tube 62 and enters an anatomical region. In
one method embodiment, needle 32 is advanced such that the distal
end of needle 32 penetrates through the prostate gland and enters
the surrounding pelvic space. In this embodiment, the dimensions of
the prostate gland may be measured. This information may then be
used to determine the distance through which distal end of needle
32 penetrates through the prostate gland. In the step shown in FIG.
3O, distal anchor 12 attached to connector 16 is introduced into
needle 32. Distal anchor 12 is pushed in the distal direction
through needle 32 by pusher 64. In the step shown in FIG. 3P,
distal anchor 12 is further pushed in the distal direction through
needle 32 by pusher 64 such that distal anchor 12 emerges out of
the distal end of needle 32. In the step shown in FIG. 3Q,
connector 16 is pulled in the proximal direction. This causes
distal anchor 12 to orient itself perpendicularly to connector 16.
In the step shown in FIG. 3R, needle 32 and pusher 64 are pulled
along the proximal direction. This step reintroduces the distal tip
of needle 32 into needle introducing tube 62. In the step shown in
FIG. 3S, pusher 64 and needle 32 are pulled further along the
proximal direction such that pusher 64 and needle 32 are removed
from distal anchor delivery device 30. In the step shown in FIG.
3T, distal anchor delivery device 30 is pulled along the proximal
direction to remove distal anchor delivery device 30 from the
anatomy.
[0188] FIG. 3U shows a first side view of the distal tip of an
embodiment of a needle that can be used to introduce one or more of
the distal anchors disclosed herein. FIG. 3U shows a needle 32
comprising a sharp distal tip. Needle 32 may be made of suitable
biocompatible materials including, but not limited to
nickel-titanium alloy (e.g., nitinol), stainless steel, etc. Needle
32 may comprise one or more curved, bent or angled regions. The
outer diameter of needle 32 may range from 0.034 inches to 0.043
inches. Needle 32 encloses a lumen such that the inner diameter of
needle 32 ranges from 0.027 niches to 0.035 inches. In a preferred
embodiment, the outer diameter of needle 32 is approximately 0.0372
inches and the inner diameter is approximately 0.0295 inches. The
length of needle 32 may range from 10 to 15 inches. In a preferred
embodiment, length of needle 32 is 13+/-0.2 inches. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 3U, the distal tip of needle 32 has a
first bevel 78 and a second bevel 80. In a preferred embodiment,
the angle between first bevel 78 and the axis of needle 32 is 17
degrees. In this embodiment, the distance along the axis of needle
32 from the proximal end of first bevel 78 to the distal end of
needle 32 is approximately 0.12 inches. Second bevel 80 is curved
as shown in FIG. 3U. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3U, the
distance along the axis of needle 32 from the proximal end of
second bevel 80 to the distal end of needle 32 is approximately
0.07 inches.
[0189] FIG. 3V shows a second side view of the distal tip of the
embodiment of the needle shown in FIG. 3U. FIG. 3V shows a side
view of needle 32 showing first bevel 78 and second bevel 80.
[0190] In an alternate embodiment, the outer diameter of needle 32
is 0.050+/-0.008 inches. Needle 32 encloses a lumen such that the
inner diameter of needle 32 is 0.038+/-0.008 inches. The length of
needle 32 is 12+/-4 inches. The angle between first bevel 78 and
the axis of needle 32 may range from 20 to 24 degrees.
[0191] The distal tip of distal anchor delivery device 30 may
comprise one or more guiding mechanisms to accurately guide the
trajectory of needle 32 as needle 32 emerges from the distal tip of
distal anchor delivery device 30. Such guiding mechanisms may also
be used to prevent or reduce the scraping of the inner surface of
distal anchor delivery device 30 by the sharp distal end of needle
32. For example, FIG. 3W shows a longitudinal section through the
distal tip of distal anchor delivery device 30 comprising a bushing
82 to guide the trajectory of needle 32 through distal anchor
delivery device 30. Bushing 82 may be made of suitable
biocompatible materials including, but not limited to biocompatible
metals such as stainless steel, nickel-titanium alloy (e.g.,
nickel-titanium alloy (e.g., nitinol)), and/or polymers; etc. In
the example shown in FIG. 3W, bushing 82 is made of a curved
cylindrical member. Bushing 82 lines the inner surface of distal
anchor delivery device 30. In one embodiment, bushing 82 is
attached to the inner surface of distal anchor delivery device 30
by a suitable adhesive. The distal end of bushing 82 is located
proximal to the distal tip of distal anchor delivery device 30 as
shown. This enables the distal sharp tip of needle 32 to emerge
from the distal tip of distal anchor delivery device 30 without
substantially scraping the inner surface of distal anchor delivery
device 30.
[0192] FIG. 3X shows a longitudinal section through the distal tip
of distal anchor delivery device 30 comprising a distal crimp 84 or
dimple to guide the trajectory of needle 32 through distal anchor
delivery device 30. Distal crimp 84 may be by crimping or dimpling
the distal region of distal anchor delivery device 30 such that a
region of distal crimp 84 extends into the lumen of distal anchor
delivery device 30. Distal crimp 84 is located proximal to the
distal tip of distal anchor delivery device 30 as shown. Distal
crimp 84 acts as a ramp for needle 32. Thus needle 32 emerges from
the distal tip of distal anchor delivery device 30 without
substantially scraping the inner surface of distal anchor delivery
device 30. Distal anchor delivery device 30 may comprise one or
more distal crimps 84 or dimples.
[0193] The distal tip of distal anchor delivery device 30 may
comprise a bent, curved or angled tip. Such a bent, curved, or
angled tip may be designed to introduce one or more devices such as
needle 32 into the anatomy at an angle to the axis of distal anchor
delivery device 30. In an alternate embodiment, the distal tip of
distal anchor delivery device 30 comprises one or more bent, curved
or angled lumens. For example, FIG. 3Y shows a perspective view of
the distal tip of distal anchor delivery device 30 comprising a
bent, curved or angled needle introducing lumen 86. Needle
introducing lumen 86 may be used to introduce a needle 32 or other
devices into the anatomy. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3Y,
needle introducing lumen 86 comprises a straight proximal region
and a bent, curved or angled distal region. The distal most region
of needle introducing lumen 86 may be oriented to the longitudinal
axis of distal anchor delivery device 30 at an angle ranging from
30 degrees to 70 degrees. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3Y,
distal anchor delivery device 30 further comprises a bent, curved
or angled endoscope introducing lumen 88. Endoscope introducing
lumen 88 may be used to introduce an endoscope 74 or other devices
into the anatomy. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3Y, endoscope
introducing lumen 88 comprises a straight proximal region and a
bent, curved or angled distal region. The distal most region of
endoscope introducing lumen 88 may be oriented to the longitudinal
axis of distal anchor delivery device 30 at an angle. Thus, both
needle 32 and endoscope 74 may be introduced into the anatomy at
desired angles through distal anchor delivery device 30.
[0194] In one embodiment, needle introducing lumen 86 may be made
by drilling a lumen through the distal region of distal anchor
delivery device 30. In another embodiment, needle introducing lumen
86 is made of two grooved elongate parts that are attached to each
other such that the two grooved elongate parts enclose needle
introducing lumen 86. For example, the embodiment of the distal tip
of distal anchor delivery device 30 shown in FIG. 3Y is made of two
elongate parts: a first elongate part 90 and a second elongate part
92. FIG. 3Y' shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a first
elongate part 90 that is used to construct the distal end of an
embodiment of distal anchor delivery device 30. First elongate part
90 comprises a first groove 94. First groove 94 has a D-shaped
cross section. The diameter of the semi-circular region of first
groove 94 is approximately 0.045+/-0.005 inches. First elongate
part 90 further comprises a second groove 96. Second groove 96 also
has a D-shaped cross section. The diameter of the semi-circular
region of second groove 96 is approximately 0.172+/-0.010 inches.
FIG. 3Z shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a second
elongate part 92 that is used to construct the distal end of an
embodiment of distal anchor delivery device 30. Second elongate
part 92 comprises a third groove 98. Third groove 98 has a D-shaped
cross section. First elongate part 90 and second elongate part 92
are attached to each other such that second groove 96 and third
groove 98 form endoscope introducing lumen 88. Also, when first
elongate part 90 and second elongate part 92 are attached to each
other, first groove 94 and an outer surface of second elongate part
92 form a D-shaped needle introducing lumen 86.
[0195] FIGS. 4A and 4B show longitudinal sections through a first
embodiment of a proximal anchor showing the steps of an embodiment
of a method of attaching the proximal anchor to a connector. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 4A, proximal anchor 14 comprises a hollow
tube. The hollow tube comprises a connector opening 100 located
roughly midway between the ends of the tube. In the embodiment
shown in FIG. 4A, connector opening 100 is made by cutting
outwardly opening flap 26 in the material of the tube. Outwardly
opening flap 26 is folded as shown in FIG. 4A to create a blunt
edge to connector opening 100. Proximal anchor 14 further comprises
a locking tab 102. Locking tab 102 is made by cutting a flap in the
material of proximal anchor 14 and bending the flap into the lumen
of proximal anchor 14 as shown. Connector 16 enters proximal anchor
14 through connector opening 100. Connector 16 emerges out of
proximal anchor 14 through the distal end of proximal anchor 14.
Connector 16 can be attached to proximal anchor 14 by a lock pin
104. Lock pin 104 comprises an elongate body with a tapering distal
tip. Lock pin 104 comprises a locking slot 106. Locking slot 106 is
designed such that locking tab 102 fits into locking slot 106. This
temporarily locks lock pin 104 to proximal anchor 14 as shown in
FIG. 4A. In FIG. 4B, lock pin 104 is pushed in the distal direction
by a user. This releases locking tab 102 from locking slot 106.
This in turn releases lock pin 104 from proximal anchor 14. Lock
pin 104 then moves in the distal direction. The tapering distal tip
of lock pin 104 then wedges firmly between connector 16 and
proximal anchor 14. This attaches connector 16 to proximal anchor
14. Lock pin 104 and proximal anchor 14 may comprise further
mechanisms to prevent relative motion between lock pin and proximal
anchor 14 after connector 16 is attached to proximal anchor 14.
[0196] One or more edges of connector opening 100 may be
smoothened. In one method embodiment, the edges are smoothened by
applying a coating. In another method embodiment, the edges are
smoothened by polishing. In another embodiment, the edges are
smoothened by folding the material around connector opening
100.
[0197] In one embodiment of a method of manufacturing proximal
anchor 104, a tube is laser cut with a radially aligned laser. The
geometry of the laser cut pattern is specified using a flat pattern
drawing which is mapped onto the outside circumference of the tube.
FIG. 4C shows a first embodiment of a flat pattern that can be used
to manufacture proximal anchor 14 of FIG. 4A. The length of the
rectangular region represents the length of the tube. The width of
the rectangular region OC represents the outer circumference of the
tube. In FIG. 4C, third flat pattern 108 comprises a rectangular
region. In one embodiment, the length of the rectangular region is
0.236+/-0.005 inches and the width of the rectangular region OC is
0.088+/-0.002 inches. Third flat pattern 108 further comprises a
U-shaped slot 110 cut at the proximal end of third flat pattern 108
as shown in FIG. 4C. The largest width of slot 110 is 0.028+/-0.001
inches. The total length of slot 110 is 0.050+/-0.002 inches. The
proximal end of slot 110 encloses a rectangular region as shown in
FIG. 4C. The rectangular region is folded to create outwardly
opening flap 26. The distal end of slot 110 comprises rounded edges
with a radius of approximately 0.014 inches. The distal region of
third flat pattern 108 comprises a second U-shaped slot 112 as
shown in FIG. 4C. In one embodiment of a method of manufacturing
proximal anchor 14, a nickel-titanium alloy (e.g., nickel-titanium
alloy (e.g., nitinol)) or stainless steel tube is cut according to
third flat pattern 108. The rectangular region of slot 110 is bent
outwards to create outwardly opening flap 26. The region enclosed
by second U-shaped slot 112 is bent inwards to create locking tab
102.
[0198] FIGS. 4D and 4E show longitudinal sections through a second
embodiment of a proximal anchor showing the steps of an embodiment
of a method of attaching the proximal anchor to a connector. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 4D, proximal anchor 14 comprises a hollow
tube. The hollow tube comprises a connector opening 100 located
roughly midway between the ends of the tube. In the embodiment
shown in FIG. 4D, connector opening 100 is made by cutting
outwardly opening flap 26 in the material of the tube. Outwardly
opening flap 26 is folded as shown in FIG. 4D to create a blunt
edge to connector opening 100. Connector 16 enters proximal anchor
14 through connector opening 100. Connector 16 emerges out of
proximal anchor 14 through a first shearing opening 114 of proximal
anchor 14. Connector 16 can be attached to proximal anchor 14 by a
lock pin 104. Lock pin 104 comprises an elongate body with a
tapering proximal tip. Proximal anchor 14 further comprises a
securing mechanism to prevent lock pin 104 from separating from
proximal anchor 14. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4D, the
securing mechanism comprises a locking crimp 103. Locking crimp 103
is made by crimping a region of the wall of proximal anchor 14.
Locking crimp 103 prevents lock pin 104 from accidentally emerging
from the distal end of proximal anchor 14. In the embodiment shown
in FIG. 4D, proximal anchor further comprises a second securing
mechanism. The second securing mechanism comprises a locking tab
102. Locking tab 102 fits into a locking slot 106 present on lock
pin 104. This temporarily locks lock pin 104 to proximal anchor 14
as shown in FIG. 4D. Lock pin 104 further comprises a distal
locking notch 118 that is located distal to locking slot 106.
Connector 16 is attached to proximal anchor 14 by pulling an
actuator 120 located on a proximal anchor delivery device 34.
Actuator 120 comprises a distal bent region as shown in FIG. 4D.
The distal bent region of actuator 120 pulls the distal end of lock
pin 104 in the proximal direction. Actuator 120 further comprises a
second shearing opening 122, such that connector 16 passes through
second shearing opening 122. Proximal anchor is prevented from
moving in the proximal direction by a holder 124 located on a
proximal anchor delivery device 34.
[0199] In FIG. 4E, a user pulls actuator 120 in the proximal
direction. Actuator 120 in turn pulls lock pin 104 in the proximal
direction. This releases locking tab 102 from locking slot 106.
This in turn releases lock pin 104 from proximal anchor 14. Lock
pin 104 then moves in the proximal direction. The tapering proximal
tip of lock pin 104 then wedges firmly between connector 16 and
proximal anchor 14. This attaches connector 16 to proximal anchor
14. Also, locking tab 102 locks into distal locking notch 118
thereby further securing lock pin 104 to proximal anchor 14. The
movement of lock pin 104 in the proximal direction also shears
connector 16 between first shearing opening 114 and second shearing
opening 122. This cuts connector 16 thereby releasing proximal
anchor 14 from proximal anchor delivery device 34.
[0200] Connector 16 may enter or exit proximal anchor 14 through
one or more connector openings. The walls of such openings may
comprise one or more bent tabs. Such bent tabs may be bent inwards
into the proximal anchor and may be used to wedge lock pin 104 to
connector 16. For example, FIGS. 4F and 4G show longitudinal
sections through a third embodiment of a proximal anchor showing
the steps of an embodiment of a method of attaching the proximal
anchor to a connector. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4F, proximal
anchor 14 comprises a hollow tube. The hollow tube comprises a
connector opening 100 located roughly midway between the ends of
the tube. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4F, connector opening 100
is made by cutting an H-shaped slot in the material of the tube.
The H-shaped slot creates an outwardly opening flap 26. Outwardly
opening flap 26 is folded as shown in FIG. 4F to create a blunt
edge to connector opening 100. The H-shaped slot also creates an
inwardly opening wedging tab 126 as shown in FIG. 4F. Proximal
anchor 14 further comprises a locking tab 102. Locking tab 102 is
made by cutting a flap in the material of proximal anchor 14 and
bending the flap into the lumen of proximal anchor 14 as shown.
Connector 16 enters proximal anchor 14 through connector opening
100. Connector 16 emerges out of proximal anchor 14 through an end
of proximal anchor 14. Connector 16 can be attached to proximal
anchor 14 by a lock pin 104. Lock pin 104 comprises an elongate
body with a tapering tip. Lock pin 104 comprises a locking slot
106. Locking slot 106 is designed such that locking tab 102 fits
into locking slot 106. This temporarily locks lock pin 104 to
proximal anchor 14 as shown in FIG. 4F. In FIG. 4G, lock pin 104 is
moved by a user. This releases locking tab 102 from locking slot
106. This in turn releases lock pin 104 from proximal anchor 14.
Lock pin 104 then moves within proximal anchor 14 such that the
tapering tip of lock pin 104 wedges firmly between connector 16 and
proximal anchor 14. Further, wedging tab 126 gets wedged between
lock pin 104 and connector 16. This attaches connector 16 to
proximal anchor 14. Lock pin 104 and proximal anchor 14 may
comprise mechanisms to prevent relative motion between lock pin 104
and proximal anchor 14 after connector 16 is attached to proximal
anchor 14.
[0201] In one embodiment of a method of manufacturing proximal
anchors of FIGS. 4F and 4G, a tube is laser cut with a radially
aligned laser. The geometry of the laser cut pattern is specified
using a flat pattern drawing which is mapped onto the outside
circumference of the tube. FIG. 4H shows an embodiment of a flat
pattern that can be used to design proximal anchor 14 of FIGS. 4F
and 4G. In FIG. 4H, fourth flat pattern 128 comprises a rectangular
region. In one embodiment, the length of the rectangular region is
0.236+/-0.005 inches and the width of the rectangular region OC is
0.088+/-0.002 inches. The proximal region of fourth flat pattern
128 comprises a U-shaped slot 112 as shown in FIG. 4H. Fourth flat
pattern 128 further comprises an H-shaped slot 130 as shown in FIG.
4H. The largest width of slot 110 is 0.028+/-0.001 inches. The
total length of slot 110 is 0.050+/-0.002 inches. In one embodiment
of a method of manufacturing proximal anchor 14 of FIGS. 4F and 4G,
a nickel-titanium alloy (e.g., nickel-titanium alloy (e.g.,
nitinol)) or stainless steel tube is cut according to fourth flat
pattern 128. The proximal rectangular region created by H-shaped
slot 130 is bent outwards to create outwardly opening flap 26. The
distal rectangular region created by H-shaped slot 130 is bent
inwards to create wedging tab 126. The region created by U-shaped
slot 112 is bent inwards to create locking tab 102.
[0202] FIGS. 4I and 4J show longitudinal sections through a fourth
embodiment of a proximal anchor showing the steps of an embodiment
of a method of attaching the proximal anchor to a connector.
Proximal anchor 14 comprises a hollow tube. The tube comprises a
proximal opening and a distal opening. Proximal anchor 14 further
comprises multiple connector openings 198. Connector 16 is
introduced through one connector opening 100 and is weaved through
the multiple connector openings 198 as shown in FIGS. 4I and 4J.
The edges of connector openings 198 may be coated or polished to
facilitate smooth movement of proximal anchor 14 over connector 16.
Proximal anchor 14 further comprises lock pin 104 located in the
lumen of proximal anchor 14. Proximal anchor 14 may comprise one or
more restricting elements to restrict the movement of lock pin 104
within proximal anchor 14. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4I and
4J, proximal anchor 14 comprises two crimps 132 that act as
restricting elements. Crimps 132 prevent lock pin 104 from escaping
from the lumen of proximal anchor 14. In the step shown in FIG. 4I,
proximal anchor 14 is advanced over connector 16 to position
proximal anchor 14 in a desired location. In the step shown in FIG.
4J, lock pin 104 is advanced through proximal anchor 14. Lock pin
104 wedges between connector 16 and proximal anchor 14. This locks
connector 16 to proximal anchor 14. The excess length of connector
16 may be cut or trimmed.
[0203] Several embodiments of lock pin 104 may be used to lock
connector 16 to proximal anchor 14. Such lock pins 104 may comprise
one or more tapered regions that wedge between connector 16 and a
region of proximal anchor 14. In addition, several alternate
embodiments of wedging elements may be used to attach connector 16
to a region of proximal anchor 14. For example, FIGS. 4K and 4L
show longitudinal sections through a proximal anchor showing the
steps of an embodiment of a method of anchoring a connector to a
proximal anchor by an elongate wedging device comprising multiple
branches or bristles. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4K, proximal
anchor 14 comprises a connector opening 100 through which a
connector 16 passes. An elongate wedging element 134 also passes
through proximal anchor 14 such that one end of wedging element 134
can be pulled by a user. The embodiment of wedging element 134
shown in FIG. 4K comprises an elongate wedging shaft 136. One or
more branches or bristles 138 are connected to wedging shaft 136.
In one embodiment, wedging shaft 136 and bristles 138 are made of
suitable polymeric materials. Examples of such polymeric materials
include, but are not limited to polyester, polyimide, PEEK,
polyurethane, etc. In one embodiment, one or more bristles 138 are
connected to each other to form a web. The movement of proximal
anchor 14 is restricted by a stopper 140. In the step shown in FIG.
4K, proximal anchor 14 is advanced over connector 16 to position
proximal anchor 14 in a desired location. In the step shown in FIG.
4L, a user pulls wedging element 134. This causes a region of
wedging element 134 comprising one or more bristles 138 to wedge
between proximal anchor 14 and connector 16. This in turn locks
connector 16 to proximal anchor 14. The excess length of connector
16 and/or wedging element 134 may be cut or trimmed.
[0204] The various wedging elements, lock pins, etc. disclosed
herein may be deployed using one or more flexible pull shafts. For
example, FIGS. 4M and 4N show longitudinal sections through an
embodiment of a proximal anchor showing the steps of an embodiment
of a method of anchoring a connector to a proximal anchor by a lock
pin pulled by a flexible pull shaft. In FIG. 4M, proximal anchor 14
comprises a hollow elongate body comprising a connector opening 100
through which a connector 16 passes. Proximal anchor 14 encloses an
elongate lock pin 104 comprising a tapering proximal end. A user
can pull lock pin 104 in the proximal direction by pulling an
elongate flexible pull shaft 142. Flexible pull shaft 142 is
detachably attached to lock pin 104. The movement of proximal
anchor 14 is restricted by a stopper 140. In the step shown in FIG.
4M, proximal anchor 14 is advanced over connector 16 to position
proximal anchor 14 in a desired location. In the step shown in FIG.
4N, flexible pull shaft 142 is pulled in the proximal direction by
a user. This pulls lock pin 104 in the proximal direction. Lock pin
104 wedges between connector 16 and proximal anchor 14. This locks
connector 16 to proximal anchor 14. Flexible pull shaft 142 is
detached from lock pin 104. In one embodiment, the attachment
between flexible pull shaft 142 and lock pin 104 is designed to
break at a pre-defined high force. In this embodiment, after the
step of locking connector 16 to proximal anchor 14, flexible pull
shaft 142 is pulled in the proximal direction at the pre-defined
high force. This detaches flexible pull shaft 142 from lock pin
104. In another embodiment, the attachment between flexible pull
shaft 142 and lock pin 104 is electrolytically detachable. In this
embodiment, after the step of locking connector 16 to proximal
anchor 14, an electric current is passed through the attachment
between flexible pull shaft 142 and lock pin 104. This
electrolytically dissolves the attachment between flexible pull
shaft 142 and lock pin 104. This in turn detaches flexible pull
shaft 142 from lock pin 104.
[0205] FIGS. 4O and 4P show longitudinal sections through an
embodiment of a proximal anchor showing the steps of an embodiment
of a method of anchoring a connector to the proximal anchor by a
hollow wedging element. In FIG. 4O, proximal anchor 14 comprises a
hollow elongate body comprising a connector opening 100 through
which a connector 16 passes. Proximal anchor 14 encloses an
elongate hollow wedging element 144 comprising a tapering distal
end. Hollow wedging element 144 is made of suitable high tensile
strength materials such that hollow wedging element 144 can be
pushed over connector 16. Examples of such materials include, but
are not limited to high stiffness polyimide, or PEEK, etc. The
movement of proximal anchor 14 is restricted by a stopper 140. In
the step shown in FIG. 4O, proximal anchor 14 is advanced over
connector 16 to position proximal anchor 14 in a desired location.
Hollow wedging element 144 is advanced over connector 16 while
pulling connector 16 in the proximal direction. This causes hollow
wedging element 144 to wedge between connector 16 and proximal
anchor 14 as shown in FIG. 4P. This in turn attaches proximal
anchor 14 to connector 16. In one embodiment, the lumen of hollow
wedging element 144 is lined with one or more barbs or projections.
The one or more barbs or projections allow motion of connector 16
through the lumen of hollow wedging element 144 in one direction
and prevent or substantially resist motion of connector 16 through
the lumen of hollow wedging element 144 in the opposite direction.
In an alternate embodiment, wedging element 144 may be non-coaxial
with connector 16. In another alternate embodiment, wedging element
144 may be pulled in a proximal direction in order to wedge wedging
element 144 between connector 16 and proximal anchor 14.
[0206] The excess lengths of connector 16 and/or wedging elements
may be cut or trimmed using a variety of mechanisms. For example,
FIGS. 4Q and 4R show an embodiment of a method of using a
compression cutter for cutting the excess length of connector 16
and a wedging element. In the step shown in FIG. 4Q, a connector 16
is attached to proximal anchor 14 by hollow wedging element 144.
This may be done by the steps shown in FIGS. 4O-4P. A compression
cutter 146 is advanced over hollow wedging element 144. Compression
cutter 146 comprises two or more distal cutting edges. The outer
surface of the distal cutting edges comprises an enlarged region as
shown in FIG. 4Q. The enlarged region increases the radial profile
of compression cutter 146 near the distal cutting edges. A
compressing shaft 148 is advanced over compression cutter 146. In
the step shown in FIG. 4R, compressing shaft 148 is advanced over
the distal end of compression cutter 146. This exerts a radially
inward force on the distal cutting edges. This in turn compresses
the distal cutting edges causing them to cut the region of
connector 16 and hollow wedging element 144 enclosed by the distal
cutting edges. Thus excess lengths of connector 16 and hollow
wedging element 144 are removed from proximal anchor 14.
[0207] FIGS. 4S and 4T show longitudinal sections through a first
embodiment of a proximal anchor comprising a crimping zone showing
the steps of an embodiment of a method of anchoring a connector to
the proximal anchor. In FIG. 4S, proximal anchor 14 comprises a
hollow elongate body comprising a connector opening 100. A
connector 16 enters proximal anchor 14 through connector opening
100. Connector 16 exits proximal anchor 14 through one end of
proximal anchor 14. The proximal end of proximal anchor 14
comprises a crimping zone 150. Crimping zone 150 can be crimped by
a suitable radial compressive force. Crimping zone 150 is enclosed
by an elongate crimping device 152 as shown in FIG. 4S. The distal
end of crimping device 152 may be used to maintain the position of
proximal anchor 14. The distal end of crimping device 152 is
compressed by a compressing shaft 148. In the step shown in FIG.
4S, proximal anchor 14 is advanced over connector 16 to position
proximal anchor 14 in a desired location. In the step shown in FIG.
4T, compressing shaft 148 is advanced over crimping device 152 in
the distal direction till compression shaft 148 passes over the
enlarged distal end of crimping device 152. This exerts a radially
compressive force on the distal end of crimping device 152.
Crimping device 152 in turn exerts a compressive force on crimping
zone 150. This force compresses crimping zone 150 causing it to
crimp over connector 16. This in turn causes proximal anchor 14 to
attach to connector 16. The excess length of connector 16 may be
cut or trimmed using a variety of cutting or trimming
mechanisms.
[0208] FIGS. 4U and 4V show longitudinal sections through a second
embodiment of a proximal anchor comprising a crimping zone showing
the steps of an embodiment of a method of anchoring a connector to
the proximal anchor. Proximal anchor 14 comprises a hollow elongate
body comprising a connector opening 100. A connector 16 enters
proximal anchor 14 through connector opening 100. Connector 16
exits proximal anchor 14 through one end of proximal anchor 14. The
proximal end of proximal anchor 14 can be crimped by a suitable
radial compressive force. The proximal end of proximal anchor 14 is
enclosed by an elongate crimping shaft 154 as shown in FIG. 4U.
Crimping shaft 154 encloses a lumen. The distal end of the lumen of
crimping shaft 154 is tapered as shown in FIG. 4U, such that the
diameter of the lumen gradually decreases till a certain distance
along the proximal direction. Connector 16 passes through the lumen
of crimping shaft 154 as shown in FIG. 4U. The distal end of
crimping shaft 154 and a region of proximal anchor delivery device
34 may be used to maintain the position of proximal anchor 14. In
the step shown in FIG. 4U, proximal anchor 14 is advanced over
connector 16 to position proximal anchor 14 in a desired location.
In the step shown in FIG. 4V, crimping shaft 154 is advanced in the
distal direction. The proximal end of proximal anchor 14 is forced
into the lumen of crimping shaft 154. The tapering lumen of
crimping shaft 154 exerts a radially compressive force on the
proximal end of proximal anchor 14. This force compresses the
proximal end of proximal anchor 14 causing it to crimp over
connector 16. This in turn causes proximal anchor 14 to attach to
connector 16. The excess length of connector 16 may be cut or
trimmed using a variety of cutting or trimming mechanisms.
[0209] Compression shaft 148 and crimping shaft 154 may be
connected to a trigger mechanism to allow a user to controllably
move compression shaft 148 and crimping shaft 154.
[0210] FIGS. 4W and 4X show a third embodiment of a proximal anchor
comprising multiple crimping zones showing the steps of an
embodiment of a method of anchoring a connector to the proximal
anchor. In FIG. 4W, proximal anchor 14 comprises a hollow elongate
body comprising a connector opening. A connector 16 enters proximal
anchor 14 through the connector opening. Connector 16 exits
proximal anchor 14 through one end of proximal anchor 14. Proximal
anchor 14 comprises multiple crimping zones 150. Crimping zones 150
can be crimped by a suitable radial compressive force. In the
embodiment of proximal anchor shown in FIG. 4W, proximal anchor 14
comprises three crimping zones 150. The crimping zones 150 are
created in the material of proximal anchor 14 by creating U-shaped
laser cuts. Each U-shaped cut encloses a flap that acts as a
crimping zone 150. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4W, the U-shaped
laser cuts are aligned circumferentially. In an alternate
embodiment, the U-shaped laser cuts are aligned along the axis of
proximal anchor 14. The region of proximal anchor 14 comprising
crimping zones 150 is enclosed by an elongate crimping device 152
as shown in FIG. 4W. The lumen of crimping device 152 may comprise
one or more projections that coincide with crimping zones 150. The
distal end of crimping device 152 comprises a tapering region as
shown in FIG. 4W such that the outer diameter of crimping device
152 increases along the distal direction. The distal end of
crimping device 152 is compressed by a compressing shaft 148. In
the step shown in FIG. 4W, proximal anchor 14 is advanced over
connector 16 to position proximal anchor 14 in a desired location.
In the step shown in FIG. 4X, compressing shaft 148 is advanced
over crimping device 152 in the distal direction till compression
shaft 148 passes over the tapering distal end of crimping device
152. This exerts a radially compressive force on the distal end of
crimping device 152. Crimping device 152 in turn exerts a
compressive force on crimping zones 150. This force compresses
crimping zones 150 causing them to crimp over connector 16. This in
turn causes proximal anchor 14 to attach to connector 16. The
excess length of connector 16 may be cut or trimmed using a variety
of cutting or trimming mechanisms.
[0211] FIG. 4Y shows a side view of an embodiment of a proximal
anchor comprising a tapering outer surface. In the embodiment shown
in FIG. 4Y, proximal anchor 14 comprises an elongate tapering body
with effective diameter "d" at one end smaller than effective
diameter "D" at the other end. Proximal anchor 14 further comprises
an external groove or slot 156 on the outer surface of the elongate
tapering body. Examples of suitable biocompatible materials that
may be used to construct proximal anchor 14 include, but are not
limited to metals e.g. nickel-titanium alloy (e.g., nickel-titanium
alloy (e.g., nitinol)), stainless steel, titanium, polymers (e.g.
polyester, polyimide, PEEK, polyurethane, etc.
[0212] FIGS. 4Z through 4AB show side views of the embodiment of
the proximal anchor of FIG. 4Y showing the steps of an embodiment
of a method of anchoring a connector to the proximal anchor by an
anchoring ring. In the step shown in FIG. 4Z, proximal anchor 14 is
positioned at a desired location in the anatomy along a connector
16 such that a portion of connector 16 passes through slot 156. An
anchoring ring 158 is advanced over proximal anchor 14. Examples of
suitable biocompatible materials that may be used to construct
anchoring ring 158 include, but are not limited to metals e.g.
nickel-titanium alloy (e.g., nitinol), stainless steel, titanium,
etc.; polymers e.g. polyester, polyimide, PEEK, polyurethane, etc.
Anchoring ring 158 is advanced over proximal anchor 14 by a
suitable pushing device. In one embodiment, the pushing device is a
hollow, elongate pushing rod. As anchoring ring 158 is advanced
over proximal anchor 14, the diameter of the region of proximal
anchor 14 enclosed by anchoring ring 158 increases. After anchoring
ring 158 is advanced to a certain distance along proximal anchor
14, anchoring ring 158 firmly grips the outer surface of proximal
anchor 14. This causes a region of connector 16 to be compressed
between a region of anchoring ring 158 and a region of proximal
anchor 14. This in turn causes proximal anchor 14 to attach to
connector 16. The excess length of connector 16 may be cut or
trimmed using a variety of cutting or trimming mechanisms. In one
embodiment of a method of cutting or trimming connector 16, a
cutting ring 160 is advanced over proximal anchor 14 as shown in
FIG. 4AA. Examples of suitable biocompatible materials that may be
used to construct cutting ring 160 include, but are not limited to
metals e.g. nickel-titanium alloy (e.g., nitinol), stainless steel,
titanium, etc.; polymers e.g. polyester, polyimide, PEEK,
polyurethane, etc. Cutting ring 160 comprises a circular body that
is attached to a cutting blade 162. As cutting ring 160 is advanced
over proximal anchor 14, the diameter of the region of proximal
anchor 14 enclosed by cutting ring 160 increases. After cutting
ring 160 is advanced to a certain distance along proximal anchor
14, cutting blade 162 comes into contact with a region of connector
16. Cutting ring 160 is advanced further to cut connector 16 by
cutting blade 162 as shown in FIG. 4AB.
[0213] FIG. 4AC shows a cross sectional view of an embodiment of
the cutting ring of FIGS. 4AA and 4AB. In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 4AC, cutting ring 160 comprises a circular body that is
attached to a cutting blade 162 that projects radially inwards.
[0214] FIG. 4AD shows a side view of a first embodiment of a
proximal anchor made of a thermal shape memory alloy. In FIG. 4AD,
proximal anchor 14 comprises a hollow elongate body made of a
suitable shape memory material. Examples of such shape memory
materials include, but are not limited to nickel-titanium alloys
(nickel-titanium alloy (e.g., nitinol)), copper-aluminum-nickel
alloys, copper-zinc-aluminum alloys, iron-manganese-silicon alloys,
etc. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4AD, proximal anchor 14 is
made of nickel-titanium alloy (e.g., nitinol). Proximal anchor 14
encloses a lumen. One end of proximal anchor 14 may be plugged by a
lumen plug 164. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4AD, proximal
anchor 14 also comprises a longitudinal slit. The longitudinal slit
creates a fluid communication between the lumen of proximal anchor
14 and the exterior of proximal anchor 14. Proximal anchor 14
comprises a connector opening 100. A connector 16 enters proximal
anchor 14 through connector opening 100. Connector 16 exits
proximal anchor 14 through one end of proximal anchor 14. A user
can control the diameter of the lumen of proximal anchor 14 by
changing the temperature of proximal anchor 14. In one embodiment
of a method of anchoring proximal anchor 14 to connector 16,
proximal anchor 14 is introduced in the anatomy in the martensite
phase of the shape memory material of proximal anchor 14. The
diameter of the lumen of proximal anchor 14 in the martensite state
is sufficiently large to allow proximal anchor 14 to be advanced
over connector 16. The martensite phase may be achieved for
example, by cooling proximal anchor 14 and introducing the cooled
proximal anchor 14 in the anatomy. After proximal anchor 14 warms
up to the body temperature, the shape memory material recovers a
programmed shape and becomes super-elastic. In the programmed
shape, the diameter of the lumen of proximal anchor 14 is
sufficiently small to allow proximal anchor 14 to attach to
connector 16. The excess length of connector 16 may be cut or
trimmed using a variety of cutting or trimming mechanisms. In one
method embodiment, the temperature of proximal anchor 14 is
maintained or changed by controlling the temperature of a liquid
such as saline that is brought into contact with proximal anchor 14
by a user. In one embodiment, the lumen of proximal anchor 14 is
lined with one or more barbs or projections. The one or more barbs
or projections allow motion of connector 16 through the lumen of
proximal anchor 14 in one direction and prevent or substantially
resist motion of connector 16 through the lumen of proximal anchor
14 in the opposite direction.
[0215] FIG. 4AE shows a cross section of the proximal anchor of
FIG. 4AD through the line 4AE-4AE when the shape memory material of
the proximal anchor is in the martensite phase. In FIG. 4AE, the
diameter of the lumen of proximal anchor 14 is larger than the
outer diameter of proximal anchor 14. This allows a user to advance
proximal anchor 14 over connector 16. FIG. 4AE' shows a cross
section of the proximal anchor of FIG. 4AD through the line 4AE-4AE
when the shape memory material of the proximal anchor is in the
programmed shape. In FIG. 4AE', the diameter of the lumen of
proximal anchor 14 is smaller than the outer diameter of proximal
anchor 14. This causes a region of proximal anchor 14 to compress a
region of connector 16. This in turn causes proximal anchor 14 to
attach to connector 16.
[0216] FIG. 4AF shows a cross section of the proximal anchor of
FIG. 4AD through the line 4AF-4AF when the shape memory material of
the proximal anchor is in the martensite phase. In FIG. 4AF, the
diameter of the lumen of proximal anchor 14 is larger than the
outer diameter of lumen plug 164. FIG. 4AF' shows a cross section
of the proximal anchor of FIG. 4AD through the line 4AF-4AF when
the shape memory material of the proximal anchor is in the
programmed shape. In FIG. 4AF', the diameter of the lumen of
proximal anchor 14 is smaller than the outer diameter of lumen plug
164. This causes lumen plug 164 to substantially plug one end of
the lumen of proximal anchor 14.
[0217] FIG. 4AG shows a side view of a second embodiment of a
proximal anchor made of a thermal shape memory alloy. In FIG. 4AG,
proximal anchor 14 comprises a hollow elongate body made of a
suitable shape memory material. Examples of such shape memory
materials include, but are not limited to nickel-titanium alloys
(nickel-titanium alloy (e.g., nitinol)), copper-aluminum-nickel
alloys, copper-zinc-aluminum alloys, iron-manganese-silicon alloys,
etc. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4AG, proximal anchor 14 is
made of nickel-titanium alloy (e.g., nitinol). Proximal anchor 14
encloses a lumen. One end of proximal anchor 14 may be plugged. In
the embodiment shown in FIG. 4AG, proximal anchor 14 comprises two
or more shape memory arms 166. Proximal anchor 14 comprises a
connector opening 100. A connector 16 enters proximal anchor 14
through connector opening 100. Connector 16 exits proximal anchor
14 through the region enclosed by shape memory arms 166. A user can
control the size of the region enclosed by shape memory arms 166 by
changing the temperature of proximal anchor 14. In one embodiment
of a method of anchoring proximal anchor 14 to connector 16,
proximal anchor 14 is introduced in the anatomy in the martensite
phase of the shape memory material of shape memory arms 166. The
size of the region enclosed by shape memory arms 166 in the
martensite state is sufficiently large to allow proximal anchor 14
to be advanced over connector 16. The martensite phase may be
achieved for example, by cooling proximal anchor 14 and introducing
the cooled proximal anchor 14 in the anatomy. After proximal anchor
14 warms up to the body temperature, the shape memory material
recovers a programmed shape and becomes super-elastic. In the
programmed shape, the size of the region enclosed by shape memory
arms 166 is sufficiently small to cause shape memory arms 166 to
compress a region of connector 16. This causes proximal anchor 14
to attach to connector 16. The excess length of connector 16 may be
cut or trimmed using a variety of cutting or trimming mechanisms.
In one method embodiment, the temperature of proximal anchor 14 is
maintained or changed by controlling the temperature of a liquid
such as saline that is brought into contact with proximal anchor 14
by a user. In one embodiment, the lumen of proximal anchor 14 is
lined with one or more barbs or projections. The one or more barbs
or projections allow motion of connector 16 through the lumen of
proximal anchor 14 in one direction and prevent or substantially
resist motion of connector 16 through the lumen of proximal anchor
14 in the opposite direction.
[0218] FIG. 4AH shows a cross section of the proximal anchor of
FIG. 4AG through the line 4AH-4AH when the shape memory material of
the proximal anchor is in the martensite phase. In FIG. 4AH, the
size of the region enclosed by shape memory arms 166 is larger than
the outer diameter of proximal anchor 14. This allows a user to
advance proximal anchor 14 over connector 16. FIG. 4AH' shows a
cross section of the proximal anchor of FIG. 4AG through the line
4AH-4AH when the shape memory material of the proximal anchor is in
the programmed shape. In FIG. 4AH', the size of the region enclosed
by shape memory arms 166 is smaller than the outer diameter of
proximal anchor 14. This causes the region enclosed by shape memory
arms 166 to compress a region of connector 16. This in turn causes
proximal anchor 14 to attach to connector 16.
[0219] FIGS. 4AI and 4AJ show longitudinal sections of an
embodiment of a proximal anchor showing the steps of an embodiment
of a method of anchoring a looped or folded region of the connector
to the proximal anchor. Proximal anchor 14 comprises a hollow
elongate body. A pull wire 168 passes through the hollow proximal
anchor 14. Pull wire 168 loops around connector 16 and reenters
proximal anchor 14 as shown in FIG. 4AI. Thus, the loop of pull
wire 168 pulls connector 16 towards proximal anchor 14. In FIG.
4AI, the loop of pull wire 168 is advanced over connector 16. This
causes proximal anchor 14 to be advanced over connector 16.
Proximal anchor 14 is advanced to position proximal anchor 14 in a
desired location. In the step shown in FIG. 4V, pull wire 168 is
pulled by a user. This pulls a loop of connector 16 inside proximal
anchor 14. The loop of connector 16 pulled inside proximal anchor
14 wedges inside the lumen of proximal anchor 14. This in turn
causes connector 16 to attach to proximal anchor 14. The excess
length of connector 16 and/or pull wire 168 may be cut or trimmed
using a variety of cutting or trimming mechanisms.
[0220] FIG. 4AK shows a side view of an embodiment of a proximal
anchor made of a suitable elastic or super elastic or shape memory
material comprising one or more inwardly opening flaps. In FIG.
4AK, proximal anchor 14 comprises a hollow tubular body. The hollow
tubular body is made of a suitable elastic or super elastic or
shape memory material. Examples of such materials include, but are
not limited to metals such as nickel-titanium alloy (e.g.,
nitinol), stainless steel, titanium, etc. and polymers such as
shape memory polymers, etc. The tubular body comprises one or more
inwardly opening flaps 20. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4AK,
inwardly opening flaps 20 are oriented along the axis of proximal
anchor 14. Inwardly opening flaps 20 allow the motion of a
connector 16 that passes through proximal anchor 14 along the
direction of orientation of inwardly opening flaps 20. Also,
inwardly opening flaps 20 prevent the motion of connector 16 that
passes through proximal anchor 14 along the direction opposite to
the direction of orientation of inwardly opening flaps 20. This
enables proximal anchor 14 to be advanced over connector 16 along
one direction. In one embodiment, proximal anchor 14 is made of an
elastic or super elastic material. In this embodiment, proximal
anchor 14 is introduced in the anatomy by sliding proximal anchor
14 over connector 16 in the direction of orientation of inwardly
opening flaps 106. Proximal anchor 14 is advanced over connector 16
till proximal anchor 14 is located in a desired location. Inwarldy
opening flaps 106 prevent the motion of proximal anchor 106
connector 16 in the direction opposite to the direction of
orientation of inwardly opening flaps 106. In another embodiment,
proximal anchor 14 is made of a shape memory material such as
nickel-titanium alloy (e.g., nitinol). In this embodiment, proximal
anchor 14 is introduced in the anatomy in the martensite phase of
nickel-titanium alloy (e.g., nitinol). In this state, inwardly
opening flaps 20 are aligned substantially parallel to the surface
of proximal anchor 14. This allows proximal anchor 14 to be
advanced over connector 16. The martensite phase may be achieved,
for example, by cooling proximal anchor 14 and introducing the
cooled proximal anchor 14 in the anatomy. After proximal anchor 14
warms up to the body temperature, the nickel-titanium alloy (e.g.,
nitinol) recovers a programmed shape and becomes super-elastic. In
the programmed shape, inwardly opening flaps 20 are bent inwards
into the lumen of proximal anchor 14. This attaches proximal anchor
14 to connector 16.
[0221] FIG. 4AL shows a longitudinal section through the embodiment
of the proximal anchor of FIG. 4AK. Proximal anchor 14 comprises a
hollow tubular body comprising one or more inwardly opening flaps
20. Inwardly opening flaps 20 prevent the motion of connector 16
along the direction opposite to the direction of orientation of
inwardly opening flaps 20.
[0222] In an alternate embodiment, proximal anchor 14 is attached
to connector 16 using a biocompatible adhesive. The biocompatible
adhesive may be introduced by a suitable proximal anchor delivery
device 34 that comprises an adhesive injecting tube. In one
embodiment of a method of attaching proximal anchor 14 to connector
16, proximal anchor 14 is positioned at a desired location relative
to connector 16. A suitable biocompatible adhesive is introduced
such that the adhesive attaches proximal anchor 14 to a location on
connector 16. In one embodiment, the adhesive is introduced through
a lumen in actuator 120.
[0223] FIG. 5A shows a side view of a first embodiment of a
proximal anchor delivery device comprising one or more finger
activated triggers. The embodiment of proximal anchor delivery
device 34 shown in FIG. 5A comprises an elongate endoscope channel
170. Elongate endoscope channel 170 may be made of suitable
biocompatible materials. Examples of such materials include, but
not limited to polymers e.g. polyester, polyimide, PEEK,
polyurethane, polysulfone, polyetherimides, polycarbonate, and may
be filled with glass or reinforcing fiber, etc; metals e.g.
stainless steel, titanium, etc. In one embodiment, endoscope
channel 170 is made of 316 stainless steel. The proximal end of
endoscope channel 170 comprises an endoscope adapter hub 172.
Endoscope adapter hub 172 allows a user to introduce an endoscope
through the proximal end of endoscope channel 170. The proximal
region of endoscope channel 170 is attached to a handle 174.
Proximal anchor delivery device 34 further comprises an elongate
anchor tube 176. Anchor tube 176 may be made of suitable
biocompatible materials. Examples of such materials include, but
not limited to polymers e.g. polyester, polyimide, PEEK,
polyurethane, polysulfone, polyetherimides, polycarbonate, and may
be filled with glass or reinforcing fiber, etc. metals e.g.
stainless steel, titanium, nickel-titanium alloy (e.g., nitinol),
etc. In one embodiment, anchor tube 176 is made of 316 stainless
steel. The distal end of anchor tube 176 may comprise a blunt or
atraumatic tip. Anchor tube 176 is attached to endoscope channel
170 such that anchor tube 176 is substantially parallel to
endoscope channel 170 as shown in FIG. 5A. Anchor tube 176
comprises a lumen that encloses proximal anchor 14. Proximal anchor
14 is deployed in the anatomy through the distal region of anchor
tube 176. The distal region of anchor tube 176 may comprise a bent,
curved or angled region. Proximal anchor delivery device 34 is used
to attach a proximal anchor 14 to a desired location on a connector
16. A suitable tension may be introduced into connector 16 before
the step of attaching proximal anchor 14 to connector 16. In order
to introduce this desired tension, proximal anchor delivery device
34 further comprises a tensioning mechanism. In the embodiment
shown in FIG. 5A, the tensioning mechanism comprises a pulling
mechanism. The pulling mechanism pulls connector 16 between a
sliding rack 178 and a suture trap 180. Suture trap 180 is hinged
to sliding rack 178 as shown in FIG. 5A. Sliding rack 178 moves on
a sliding slot 182 located on handle 174. In one embodiment,
various components of the pulling mechanism are constructed from
stainless steel 304 and nickel-titanium alloy (e.g., nitinol). The
step of moving sliding rack 178 on sliding slot 182 is performed by
pulling a first trigger 184 attached to handle 174. Handle 174 may
comprise a first trigger safety 186 to prevent unwanted movement of
first trigger 184. After a desired tension has been created in
connector 16, proximal anchor 14 may be deployed in the anatomy by
a second trigger 188. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A, second
trigger 188 comprises an elongate lever. One end of the elongate
lever is hinged to handle 174. The other end of elongate lever is
pivotally attached to an actuator block 190. Actuator block 190
slides over the outer surface of endoscope channel 170. Actuator
block 190 is connected to an elongate actuator. The movement of the
elongate actuator cuts connector 16 and also attaches proximal
anchor 14 to connector 16. Handle 174 may comprise a second trigger
safety 192 to prevent unwanted movement of second trigger 188.
[0224] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A, a portion of connector
16 passes through anchor tube 176. In an alternate embodiment,
proximal anchor delivery device 34 further comprises an elongate
suture tube. The suture tube is attached to the outer surface of
endoscope channel 170. The distal end of the suture tube is
attached to anchor tube 176 around second anchor tube opening 196
such that connector 16 emerges out of second anchor tube opening
196 and passes through the suture tube. Connector 16 emerges out of
the proximal end of the suture tube and further passes through the
tensioning mechanism.
[0225] In one embodiment, proximal anchor delivery device 34 is
sized to be introduced through a 25F cystoscope sheath. The length
of proximal anchor delivery device 34 within the sheath ranges from
6 to 14 inches. In this embodiment, endoscope channel 170 and
endoscope adapter hub 172 are designed to fit a 4 mm telescope. In
this embodiment, the outer diameter of endoscope channel 170 ranges
from 0.174 to 0.200 inches and the inner diameter of endoscope
channel 170 ranges from 0.160 to 0.180 inches. In this embodiment,
the outer diameter of anchor tube 176 ranges from 0.050 to 0.072
inches and the inner diameter of anchor tube 176 ranges from 0.030
to 0.063 inches. In this embodiment, the maximum distance through
which the actuator travels ranges from 0.060 to 0.300 inches. In a
preferred embodiment, proximal anchor delivery device 34 is sized
to be introduced through a 25F cystoscope sheath. The length of
proximal anchor delivery device 34 within the sheath ranges from is
approximately 10 inches. In this preferred embodiment, endoscope
channel 170 and endoscope adapter hub 172 are designed to fit a
Storz 4 mm telescope. In this preferred embodiment, the outer
diameter of endoscope channel 170 is approximately 0.180 inches and
the inner diameter of endoscope channel 170 is approximately 0.160
inches. In this preferred embodiment, the outer diameter of anchor
tube 176 is approximately 0.059 inches and the inner diameter of
anchor tube 176 is approximately 0.046 inches. In this preferred
embodiment, the maximum distance through which the actuator travels
is approximately 0.240 inches.
[0226] FIGS. 5B through 5D show longitudinal sections through the
distal tip of the proximal anchor delivery device of FIG. 5A
showing the steps of a method of deploying a proximal anchor in the
anatomy. In the step shown in FIG. 5B, proximal anchor 14 is
enclosed in the distal region of anchor tube 176. In the embodiment
shown in FIG. 5B, anchor tube 176 comprises a first anchor tube
opening 194 and a second anchor tube opening 196. Connector 16
enters anchor tube 176 through first anchor tube opening 194.
Connector 16 passes through proximal anchor 14 and emerges out of
anchor tube 176 through second anchor tube opening 196. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 5B, proximal anchor 14 comprises a hollow
tube. Proximal anchor 14 comprises a locking crimp 103. The hollow
tube further comprises a connector opening 100 located roughly
midway between the ends of the tube. One edge of connector opening
100 is lined with an outwardly opening flap 26. Outwardly opening
flap 26 is folded as shown in FIG. 5B to create a blunt edge to
connector opening 100. The opposite edge of connector opening
comprises a second locking tab 198. Second locking tab 198 is made
by cutting a flap in the material of proximal anchor 14 and bending
the flap into the lumen of proximal anchor 14 as shown. Connector
16 is locked to proximal anchor 14 by driving a lock pin 104 into
proximal anchor 14. In FIG. 5B, lock pin 104 is partially inserted
into proximal anchor 14 such that the length of the combination of
lock pin 104 and proximal anchor 14 is more than the length of
first anchor tube opening 194. This prevents unwanted separation of
proximal anchor 14 from anchor tube 176 through second anchor tube
opening 196. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5B, lock pin 104
comprises a locking slot 106. Locking slot 106 allows lock pin 104
to lock to proximal anchor 14 by locking crimp 103. Lock pin 104
further comprises a second locking slot 200. In one embodiment, the
distance from locking slot 106 to second locking slot 200 along the
length of lock pin 104 is the same as the distance from second
locking tab 198 to locking crimp 103 along the length of proximal
anchor 14. In another embodiment, the distance from locking slot
106 to second locking slot 200 along the length of lock pin 104 is
slightly more than the distance from second locking tab 198 to
locking crimp 103 along the length of proximal anchor 14. In a
preferred embodiment, proximal anchor 14 and lock pin 104 are made
of stainless steel 316L. In the preferred embodiment, tube 24 is
laser cut and then electropolished. Lock pin 104 is constructed
using EDM (electrical discharge machining) and then passivated. The
geometries of proximal anchor 14, connector 16 and lock pin 104
enable lock pin 104 to lock connector 16 to proximal anchor 14. In
a preferred embodiment, the length of proximal anchor 14 is 0.236
inches, the outer diameter of proximal anchor 14 is 0.027 inches,
the inner diameter of proximal anchor 14 is 0.020 inches, the
length of lock pin 104 is 0.236 inches and the outer diameter of
lock pin 104 is 0.019 inches.
[0227] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5B, lock pin 104 is driven
into proximal anchor 14 by an actuator 120. In the embodiment shown
in FIG. 5B, actuator 120 comprises a bent distal tip. The bent
distal tip forms a distal edge that is in contact with the distal
end of lock pin 104. Actuator 120 further comprises an actuator
opening 202. The distal edge of actuator opening 202 may be
sharpened. Actuator opening 202 is located near second anchor tube
opening 196 such that connector 16 passes through both actuator
opening 202 and second anchor tube opening 196. In the step shown
in FIG. 5B, a desired tension is created in connector 16.
[0228] In the step shown in FIG. 5C, actuator 120 is pulled in the
proximal direction by a user. This causes the bent distal tip of
actuator 120 to drive lock pin 104 towards proximal anchor 14. This
in turn causes locking crimp 103 to unlock from locking slot 106.
Lock pin 104 then moves in the proximal direction till locking
crimp 103 locks into second locking slot 200 and second locking tab
198 locks into locking slot 106. This causes lock pin 104 to lock
to proximal anchor 14. In this configuration, lock pin is inserted
into proximal anchor 14 such that the length of the combination of
lock pin 104 and proximal anchor 14 is smaller than the length of
first anchor tube opening 194. The movement of lock pin 104 along
the proximal direction further causes the proximal tapering end of
lock pin 104 to wedge between proximal anchor 14 and connector 16.
Thus, proximal anchor 14 is locked to connector 16. Further,
pulling actuator 120 in the proximal direction causes connector 16
to get sheared between the edges of actuator opening 202 and second
anchor tube opening 196. This cuts connector 16.
[0229] In the step shown in FIG. 5D, proximal anchor 14 is pulled
by the tension in connector 16. Since the length of the combination
of lock pin 104 and proximal anchor 14 is less than the length of
first anchor tube opening 194, proximal anchor 14 emerges out of
anchor tube 176 through first anchor tube opening 194. Thus,
proximal anchor 14 is deployed in the anatomy.
[0230] FIG. 5E shows a side view of a proximal anchor similar to
the proximal anchor in FIGS. 5B-5D having an undeployed lock pin
partially inserted into the proximal anchor.
[0231] FIGS. 5F through 5H show longitudinal sections through the
proximal anchor and the lock pin of FIG. 5E showing the steps of a
method of attaching the proximal anchor to a connector using the
lock pin. In FIG. 5E, proximal anchor 14 comprises locking tab 102
and second locking tab 198. Lock pin 104 comprises locking slot 106
and second locking slot 200. In FIG. 5E, locking tab 102 of
proximal anchor 14 locks into locking slot 106 on lock pin 104.
Thus lock pin 104 is temporarily locked to proximal anchor 14 in an
undeployed configuration. In the step shown in FIG. 5G, connector
16 is passed through proximal anchor 14. In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 5G, connector 16 enters proximal anchor 14 through connector
opening 100 and exits proximal anchor 14 through the proximal end
of proximal anchor 14. In the step shown in FIG. 5H, lock pin 104
is moved by a user along the proximal direction into proximal
anchor 14. Lock pin 104 is moved until locking tab 102 locks into
second locking slot 200 and second locking tab 198 locks into
locking slot 106. This causes lock pin 104 to lock to proximal
anchor 14. Also, the proximal tapering end of lock pin 104 wedges
between proximal anchor 14 and connector 16. Thus, proximal anchor
14 is attached to connector 16. The excess length of connector 16
may be cut or trimmed.
[0232] Several embodiments of lock pin 104 may be used to lock
connector 16 to proximal anchor 14. FIG. 5I shows a side view of an
embodiment of a lock pin that can be used to lock connector 16 to
proximal anchor 14 as shown in the method of FIGS. 5B-5D. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 5I, lock pin 104 is made from a cylinder
of suitable biocompatible material. Examples of such biocompatible
materials include, but are not limited to metals e.g.
nickel-titanium alloy (e.g., nitinol), stainless steel, titanium,
etc. or polymers e.g. EXAMPLES, etc. Lock pin 104 comprises a
locking slot 106. Locking slot 106 allows lock pin 104 to lock to
locking tab 102 of proximal anchor 14. Lock pin 104 further
comprises a second locking slot 200 distal to locking slot 106.
Lock pin 104 further comprises a tapering region proximal to
locking slot 106. The tapering region acts as a wedge between the
internal surface of proximal anchor 14 and connector 16, thereby
locking connector 16 to proximal anchor 14. In one embodiment, the
total length of lock pin 104 is about 0.236 inches. In this
embodiment, lock pin 104 is made from a cylinder of stainless steel
316L of a diameter about 0.019 inches. In this embodiment, the
length from the proximal tip of lock pin 104 to the proximal edge
of locking slot 106 is about 0.122 inches. In this embodiment, the
length from the proximal tip of lock pin 104 to the proximal edge
of second locking slot 200 is about 0.206 inches. In one embodiment
of a method for manufacturing lock pin 104, lock pin 104 is made by
laser cutting a cylinder of a suitable biocompatible material.
[0233] FIG. 5J shows another side view of the lock pin of connector
shown in FIG. 5I.
[0234] Several embodiments of actuator 120 may be used to drive
lock pin 104 into proximal anchor 14 to lock connector 16 to
proximal anchor 14. FIG. 5K shows an isometric view of an
embodiment of an actuator 120 that can be used to drive lock pin
104 into proximal anchor 14. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5K,
actuator 120 comprises an elongate cylindrical or flattened pull
rod 203. The proximal region of pull rod 203 is enlarged as shown
in FIG. 5K. The distal region of actuator 120 comprises two
projections: a proximal projection 204 and a distal projection 206.
Proximal projection 204 and distal projection 206 are used to
temporarily hold proximal anchor 14 between them. The region of
actuator 120 between proximal projection 204 and a distal
projection 206 comprises actuator opening 202.
[0235] FIG. 5L shows a side view of the embodiment of the actuator
shown in FIG. 5K. FIG. 5L shows actuator 120 comprising proximal
projection 204 and distal projection 206. The region of actuator
120 between proximal anchor 14 and a distal projection 206
comprises actuator opening 202.
[0236] FIG. 5M shows a longitudinal section through the actuator of
FIG. 5L. The distal edge of actuator opening 202 is sharpened to
form an actuator cutting edge 208. In the embodiment shown in FIG.
5M, the angle between actuator cutting edge 208 and the
longitudinal axis of actuator 120 is about 45 degrees. In one
embodiment, the total length of actuator 120 is 14 inches. The
distance between the proximal edge of distal projection 206 and the
distalmost region of proximal projection 204 is about 0.373 inches.
In this embodiment, the length from the distal end of the enlarged
proximal region of pull rod 203 to the distal end of actuator 120
is about 1.49 inches.
[0237] FIG. 5N shows a side view of a second embodiment of a
proximal anchor delivery device 34. Proximal anchor delivery device
34 comprises an endoscope introducing tube 48. The proximal end of
endoscope introducing tube 48 may comprise an endoscope hub 50 to
lock an endoscope 74 to endoscope introducing tube 48. Endoscope
introducing tube 48 encloses a lumen through which a suitable
endoscope 74 may be introduced into the anatomy. Proximal anchor
delivery device 34 comprises an anchor tube 176. The distal end of
the anchor tube 176 comprises first anchor tube opening 194 and
second anchor tube opening 196 such as shown in FIG. 5B. The lumen
of anchor tube 176 encloses a proximal anchor 14 held by an
actuator 120. Actuator 120 is used to deploy proximal anchor 14 out
of the distal region of anchor tube 176 and into the anatomy by a
method similar to the method shown in FIGS. 5B-5D. Deployment of
proximal anchor 14 in the anatomy is visualized by an endoscope 74
that is introduced through endoscope introducing tube 48 such that
the distal end of anchor tube 176 is located near the distal end of
endoscope 74. The distal end of anchor tube 176 may comprise a
curved, bent or tapered region. Anchor tube 176 is attached to
endoscope introducing tube 48 by a coupling element 76. Proximal
anchor delivery device 34 may be introduced into the anatomy
through a suitable sheath. Such as sheath may comprise a flushing
or aspiration port. The flushing or aspiration port may be in fluid
communication with the lumen of the sheath to allow a user to
introduce fluids into or remove fluids from an anatomical
region.
[0238] The embodiment of proximal anchor delivery device 34 shown
in FIG. 5N may be used to introduce a proximal anchor 14 over a
connector 16 into the anatomy. Proximal anchor 14 is attached to
connector 16 and the excess length of connector is trimmed. For
example, FIGS. 5O through 5S show the steps of an embodiment of a
method of deploying an anchor in an anatomical region using
proximal anchor delivery device 34 of FIG. 5N. In the step shown in
FIG. 5O, a distal anchor 12 attached to a connector 16 has been
anchored in the anatomy. In one method embodiment, distal anchor 12
is anchored transurethrally near the prostate gland capsule by the
method shown in FIGS. 3M through 3T. In this embodiment, distal
anchor 12 is anchored by one or more devices inserted through a
sheath 28 inserted in the urethra. After performing this step, the
one or more devices are removed leaving sheath 28 in the
urethra.
[0239] In the step shown in FIG. 5P, connector 16 is inserted into
an opening in the distal region of anchor tube 176. Connector 16 is
passed through proximal anchor 14 enclosed by anchor tube 176.
Connector 16 is removed from the proximal region of anchor tube
176. Proximal anchor delivery device 34 is inserted in sheath 28
over connector 16 such that the distal end of anchor tube 176
emerges out of the distal end of sheath 28.
[0240] In the step shown in FIG. 5Q, proximal anchor 14 is attached
to connector 16. Also, the excess length of connector 16 is
trimmed. This may be done for example, by a mechanism similar to
the mechanism shown in FIGS. 5B through 5D. Thus, proximal anchor
14 is released from anchor tube 168 and is deployed in the anatomy
as shown in FIG. 5Q. In one method embodiment, proximal anchor 14
is deployed in the region of the urethra enclosed by the prostate
gland.
[0241] In the step shown in FIG. 5R, proximal anchor delivery
device 34 and endoscope 74 are removed from sheath 28.
[0242] In the step shown in FIG. 5S, sheath 28 is removed from the
anatomy leaving behind proximal anchor 14 and distal anchor 12
connected by connector 16.
[0243] The distal ends of the various proximal anchor delivery
devices 34 may be bent, curved, angled, or shaped to deliver a
proximal anchor 14 at an angle to the axis of proximal anchor
delivery device 34. For example, FIG. 5T shows the distal end of an
embodiment of a proximal anchor delivery device comprising an
anchor tube with a bent, curved or angled distal end. Proximal
anchor delivery device 34 in FIG. 5T is introduced in the anatomy
through a sheath 28. Proximal anchor delivery device 34 comprises
anchor tube 176 with a bent, curved or angled distal end. The bent,
curved or angled distal end of anchor tube 176 enables a user to
deploy a proximal anchor 14 in the anatomy at an angle to the axis
of proximal anchor delivery device 34.
[0244] FIG. 5U shows the step of deploying a proximal anchor in an
anatomical region by the proximal anchor delivery device of FIG.
5T. In the step shown in FIG. 5U, proximal anchor 14 is being
deployed in the anatomy at an angle to the axis of proximal anchor
delivery device 34.
[0245] The various mechanisms of deploying proximal or distal
anchor disclosed herein may be used to design various embodiments
of proximal and distal anchor delivery devices. For example,
mechanisms of deploying a distal anchor similar to the mechanism
shown in FIGS. 3D through 3K may be used to design several
embodiments of distal anchor deploying devices. Similarly,
mechanisms of deploying a proximal anchor similar to the mechanism
shown in FIGS. 5B through 5D may be used to design several
embodiments of proximal anchor deploying devices.
[0246] Pre-Clinical Testing:
[0247] Pre-clinical testing of an embodiment of a method of
compressing a region of the prostate gland was done to evaluate the
safety aspects of the method. The devices shown in FIGS. 3A and 5A
were used to deploy the retractor 10 shown in FIG. 1C in the
prostate gland of the dogs. Six mongrel dogs of 27 to 35 kg
underwent a transurethral procedure for luminal restoration of the
urethral region enclosed by the prostate gland. In each animal a
single retractor 10 was deployed. All procedures were successful
with no adverse events. The total procedure time from the time
sheath 28 was introduced transurethrally until the time the sheath
28 was removed ranged from 27 to 55 minutes. All the animals were
followed up cystoscopically. Typical acute results are shown in
FIG. 5V. FIG. 5V shows a cystoscopic view of a region of canine
urethra enclosed by the prostate gland that has been treated by a
procedure similar to the procedure shown in FIGS. 1D through 1J.
FIG. 5V shows a proximal anchor 14 of a retractor 10 shown in FIG.
1C. Retractor 10 is used to compress a region of the prostate
gland.
[0248] FIG. 6A shows a side view of an embodiment of a distal
anchor delivery device. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6A, distal
anchor delivery device 30 comprises an elongate puncturing element
e.g. a needle 32 that comprises a lumen. The proximal end of needle
32 is connected to a handle 174. In the embodiment shown in FIG.
6A, handle 174 comprises a curved handpiece that can be gripped by
a user with one hand. An elongate pusher 64 slides through the
lumen of needle 32. The proximal end of pusher 64 may be enlarged
to allow the user to push pusher 64 with the other hand. When
pusher 64 is pushed by the user, a distal anchor 12 attached to a
connector 16 is pushed out of the distal end of needle 32.
[0249] FIG. 6B shows an enlarged view of the distal region of the
distal anchor delivery device of FIG. 6A showing the step of
deploying a distal anchor by the distal anchor delivery device. In
one method embodiment of deploying a distal anchor 12, distal
anchor delivery device 30 is pushed into the anatomy until the
distal tip of needle 32 is in a desired location. Pusher 64 is
pushed by a user. This causes the distal tip of pusher 64 to push a
distal anchor 12 attached to a connector 16 out of the distal end
of needle 32. Distal anchor delivery device 30 is removed from the
anatomy by sliding distal anchor delivery device 30 over connector
16. A desired tension may be generated in connector 16 and a
proximal anchor 14 attached to connector 16 to hold and/or compress
an anatomical region between proximal anchor 14 and distal anchor
12.
[0250] FIG. 6C shows a side view of an embodiment of a proximal
anchor delivery device. The embodiment of proximal anchor delivery
device 34 shown in FIG. 6C may be used to generate a desired
tension in connector 16 and attach a proximal anchor 14 to
connector 16 after the step shown in FIG. 6B. In the embodiment
shown in FIG. 6C, proximal anchor delivery device 34 comprises an
elongate anchor tube 176 that comprises a lumen. In the embodiment
shown, the distal tip of anchor tube 176 comprises a bent, curved
or angled region. The proximal end of anchor tube 176 is connected
to a handle 174. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6C, handle 174
comprises a curved handpiece that can be gripped by a user with one
hand. An elongate actuator 120 slides through the lumen of anchor
tube 176. The proximal end of actuator 120 may be enlarged to allow
the user to pull actuator 120 with the other hand. When actuator
120 is pulled by the user, a proximal anchor 14 is attached to a
connector 16. Also, when actuator 120 is pulled by the user, the
excess length of connector 16 may be cut or trimmed by a mechanism
similar to the mechanism shown in FIGS. 5B through 5D.
[0251] FIG. 6D shows an enlarged view of the distal region of the
proximal anchor delivery device of FIG. 6C. In one embodiment of a
method of deploying a proximal anchor 14, proximal anchor delivery
device 34 of FIG. 6C is inserted in the anatomy over connector 16.
This is done such that connector 16 passes through a proximal
anchor 14 located in anchor tube 176. Proximal anchor delivery
device 34 is advanced in the anatomy until the distal tip of anchor
tube 176 is in a desired location. Connector 16 is pulled by a user
to introduce a desired tension in connector 16. Actuator 120 is
pulled by a user. This attaches proximal anchor 14 to connector 16
by a mechanism similar to the mechanism shown in FIGS. 5B through
5D. Also, the excess length of connector 16 may be cut or trimmed
by a mechanism similar to the mechanism shown in FIGS. 5B through
5D. Distal anchor delivery device 30 is removed from the anatomy.
This step leaves behind proximal anchor 14 and distal anchor 12
connected to each other by connector 16.
[0252] The anchor delivery devices disclosed herein may be used to
bury an anchor within an anatomical tissue. For example, FIG. 6E
shows the distal region of an embodiment of a proximal anchor
delivery device comprising a curved penetrating distal tip. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 6E, proximal anchor delivery device 34
comprises an anchor tube 176 with a curved penetrating distal tip.
The penetrating distal tip is used to penetrate an anatomical
tissue. A proximal anchor 14 is deployed within the anatomical
tissue, thereby burying proximal anchor 14 within the anatomical
tissue.
[0253] FIG. 6F shows an embodiment of a retractor comprising a
proximal anchor buried within an anatomical tissue by the proximal
anchor delivery device of FIG. 6E. In one method embodiment, a
distal anchor 12 attached to a connector 16 is deployed in the
anatomy. Proximal anchor delivery device 34 is inserted in the
anatomy over connector 16. This is done such that connector 16
passes through a proximal anchor 14 located in anchor tube 176.
Proximal anchor delivery device 34 is advanced in the anatomy such
that the curved distal tip of anchor tube 176 tangentially
penetrates a wall of an anatomical tissue. Proximal anchor delivery
device 34 is advanced until the curved distal tip of anchor tube
176 is in a desired location. Connector 16 is pulled by a user to
introduce a desired tension in connector 16. Proximal anchor 14 is
attached to connector 16. This may be done by a mechanism on
proximal anchor delivery device 34 similar to the mechanism shown
in FIGS. 5B through 5D. Also, the excess length of connector 16 may
be cut or trimmed. This may be done by a mechanism on proximal
anchor delivery device 34 similar to the mechanism shown in FIGS.
5B through 5D. Distal anchor delivery device 30 is removed from the
anatomy. This step leaves behind proximal anchor 14 buried within
the anatomical tissue connected to distal anchor 12 by connector
16.
[0254] FIG. 6G shows the distal region of an embodiment of a
proximal anchor delivery device comprising a straight penetrating
distal tip. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6G, proximal anchor
delivery device 34 comprises an anchor tube 176 with a straight
penetrating distal tip. The penetrating tip is used to penetrate an
anatomical tissue. A proximal anchor 14 is deployed within the
anatomical tissue, thereby burying proximal anchor 14 within the
anatomical tissue.
[0255] FIG. 6H shows an embodiment of a retractor comprising a
proximal anchor buried within an anatomical tissue by the proximal
anchor delivery device of FIG. 6G. In one method embodiment, a
distal anchor 12 attached to a connector 16 is deployed in the
anatomy. Proximal anchor delivery device 34 is inserted in the
anatomy over connector 16. This is done such that connector 16
passes through a proximal anchor 14 located in anchor tube 176.
Proximal anchor delivery device 34 is advanced in the anatomy such
that the straight distal tip of anchor tube 176 penetrates a wall
of an anatomical tissue roughly perpendicular to the wall of an
anatomical tissue. Proximal anchor delivery device 34 is advanced
until the straight distal tip of anchor tube 176 is in a desired
location. Connector 16 is pulled by a user to introduce a desired
tension in connector 16. Proximal anchor 14 is attached to
connector 16. This may be done by a mechanism on proximal anchor
delivery device 34 similar to the mechanism shown in FIGS. 5B
through 5D. Also, the excess length of connector 16 may be cut or
trimmed. This may be done by a mechanism on proximal anchor
delivery device 34 similar to the mechanism shown in FIGS. 5B
through 5D. Distal anchor delivery device 30 is removed from the
anatomy. This step leaves behind proximal anchor 14 buried within
the anatomical tissue connected to distal anchor 12 by connector
16. The tension in connector 16 may cause proximal anchor 14 to
flip and orient perpendicularly to connector 16.
[0256] Various embodiments of distal anchor delivery device 30 and
various embodiments of proximal anchor delivery device 34 may be
combined into a single device that delivers both distal anchor 12
and proximal anchor 14. For example, FIG. 6I shows a section
through the distal tip of a first embodiment of a combined device
that can deliver a distal anchor connected to a proximal anchor by
a connector. In FIG. 6I, a combined device 210 is introduced in the
anatomy through an elongate sheath 28. The distal tip of combined
device 210 comprises an arrangement to hold a proximal anchor 14.
Proximal anchor 14 may be controllably delivered from combined
device 210 by a user into the anatomy by a releasing mechanism.
Proximal anchor 14 is connected to a connector 16. Connector 16 is
further connected to a distal anchor 12. Distal anchor 12 is
attached to a distal region of combined device 210 by an
arrangement to hold distal anchor 12. Distal anchor 12 may be
controllably delivered from combined device 210 by the user into
the anatomy by a releasing mechanism. The step of delivering
proximal anchor 14 and/or the step of delivering distal anchor 12
may be visualized by an endoscope 74.
[0257] FIG. 6J shows a side view of a second embodiment of a
combined device that can deliver a distal anchor and a proximal
anchor connected to each other by a connector. In FIG. 6J, combined
device 210 comprises an elongate anchor tube 176 through which
proximal anchor 14 and distal anchor 12 are delivered. Combined
device 210 further comprises an arrangement for introducing an
endoscope 74. The step of delivering proximal anchor 14 and/or the
step of delivering distal anchor 12 may be visualized by endoscope
74. Combined device 210 further comprises a handle 174 to enable a
user to hold combined device 210. Proximal anchor 14 and distal
anchor 12 are delivered in the anatomy by moving an anchor delivery
trigger 216 connected to handle 174. In a distal anchor delivery
mode, anchor delivery trigger 216 is used to deliver distal anchor
12. In a proximal anchor delivery mode, anchor delivery trigger 216
is used to deliver proximal anchor 14. In one embodiment, movement
of anchor delivery trigger 216 causes movement of a needle in the
distal anchor delivery mode. A distal anchor 12 is delivered
through the needle in the anatomy. In one embodiment, movement of
anchor delivery trigger 216 locks a proximal anchor 14 connector
106. Also, movement of anchor delivery trigger 216 cuts excess
length of a connector 16 attached to proximal anchor 14. This
delivers proximal anchor 14 in the anatomy. Anchor delivery trigger
216 is switched between distal anchor delivery mode and proximal
anchor delivery mode by a mode selecting switch 218.
[0258] FIG. 6K shows a side view of a third embodiment of a
combined device that can deliver a distal anchor and a proximal
anchor connected to each other by a connector. In this embodiment,
combined device 210 further comprises a deflecting lever 212 that
can be used to controllably bend or deflect the distal region of
combined device 210.
[0259] In one method embodiment, a combined device is used to
deliver a first anchor to a region distal to a tissue and deliver a
second anchor to a region proximal to the tissue. In another method
embodiment, a combined device is used to deliver a first anchor to
a region proximal to a tissue and deliver a second anchor to a
region distal to the tissue. For example, FIGS. 6L through 6Q show
the steps of a method of compressing an anatomical tissue by a
combined device that delivers proximal anchor 14 and distal anchor
12 in the anatomy. In the step shown in FIG. 6L, a combined device
210 is introduced in the anatomy. Combined device 210 comprises a
sharp distal end to penetrate anatomical tissue. Combined device
210 is advanced through the anatomy until the distal tip of
combined device 210 is located in a desired location proximal to a
tissue. Distal anchor 12 is delivered by combined device 210 to the
desired location proximal to a tissue. In the step shown in FIG.
6M, combined device 210 is advanced such that the sharp distal tip
of combined device 210 penetrates through the tissue. Combined
device 210 is advanced through the tissue until the distal tip of
combined device 210 is located in a desired location distal to the
tissue. In the step shown in FIG. 6N, a proximal anchor 14 is
delivered by combined device 210 to the desired location distal to
the tissue. Proximal anchor 14 is connected to distal anchor 12 by
a connector 16 that is attached to distal anchor 12 and passes
through proximal anchor 14. Proximal anchor 14 comprises a
unidirectional mechanism to allow the motion of connector 16
through proximal anchor 14 only in one direction. The
unidirectional mechanism prevents the motion of connector 16
through proximal anchor 14 in the opposite direction. In the step
shown in FIG. 6O, combined device 210 is pulled in the proximal
direction to partially withdraw combined device 210 from the
tissue. In the step shown in FIG. 6P, connector 16 is pulled with a
sufficient force to move connector 16 through proximal anchor 14.
This step pulls distal anchor 12 towards proximal anchor 14 thereby
compressing the tissue between proximal anchor 14 and distal anchor
12. In the step shown in FIG. 6Q, connector 16 is cut. This step
may be performed by a cutting mechanism in combined device 210 or
by a separate cutter device disclosed elsewhere in this patent
application or in the documents incorporated herein by reference.
After connector 16 is cut, the unidirectional mechanism on proximal
anchor 14 prevents motion of connector 16 through proximal anchor
14. This in turn maintains the tension in connector 16 between
proximal anchor 14 and distal anchor 12.
[0260] FIGS. 6R through 6W show the distal region of an embodiment
of a combined device showing the steps of a method of delivering a
retractor comprising a proximal anchor and a distal anchor, wherein
the distal anchor is delivered through the proximal anchor. In the
step shown in FIG. 6R, a combined device 210 is introduced in the
anatomy. In one method embodiment, combined device 210 is inserted
trans-urethrally into the region of the urethra enclosed by the
prostate gland. In other alternate method embodiments, combined
device 210 may be introduced into anatomical regions including, but
not limited to large intestines, stomach, esophagus, trachea, a
bronchus, bronchial passageways, veins, arteries, lymph vessels, a
ureter, bladder, cardiac atria or ventricles, etc. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 6R, the distal region of combined device
210 encloses an elongate actuator 120. A surface of actuator 120
can be used to drive a lock pin 104 into a proximal anchor 14. The
movement of proximal anchor 14 along the proximal direction is
restricted by a stopper 140. A needle 32 passes through proximal
anchor 14. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6R, needle 32 enters
proximal anchor 14 through the proximal end of proximal anchor 14.
Needle 32 exits proximal anchor 14 through a side opening in
proximal anchor 14. In the step shown in FIG. 6S, needle 32 is
advanced through proximal anchor 14 such that the distal tip of
needle 32 exits combined device 210. Needle 32 is advanced further
such that needle 32 penetrates through a target tissue TT. In the
step shown in FIG. 6T, a distal anchor 12 is delivered through
needle 32. Distal anchor 12 is connected to a connector 16 that
passes through needle 32. In the step shown in FIG. 6U, needle 32
is withdrawn from combined device 210. This step leaves behind
distal anchor 12 connected to connector 16. Connector 16 is pulled
in the proximal direction. This step orients distal anchor 12
perpendicular to connector 16. Also, this step causes a region of
the target tissue to be compressed between combined device 210 and
distal anchor 12. In the step shown in FIG. 6V, actuator 120 is
pulled in the proximal direction by a user. This causes actuator
120 to drive lock pin 104 into proximal anchor 14. Lock pin 104
compresses a region of connector 16 between a surface of proximal
anchor 14 and lock pin 104. This locks proximal anchor 14 to
connector 16. Combined device 210 may further comprise a mechanism
to cut or trim the excess length of connector 16. In one
embodiment, the mechanism is similar to the cutting mechanism shown
in FIGS. 5B-5D. In the step shown in FIG. 6W, combined device 210
is withdrawn from the anatomy. This step leaves behind retractor 10
comprising distal anchor 12 connected to proximal anchor 14 by
connector 16.
[0261] The various devices and methods disclosed herein or
modifications thereof may be used to retract, lift, support,
reposition or compress a region of a tubular anatomical organ such
as the urethra. Such methods may also be used, for example, to
reduce the cross sectional area of the lumen of a tubular
anatomical organ. For example, the various devices and methods
disclosed herein or modifications thereof may be used to reduce the
cross sectional area of the lumen of the urethra to treat
incontinence, especially urinary stress incontinence. This may be
done by various devices that may be introduced in the urethra
through a variety of approaches. Some examples of such approaches
include, but are not limited to transurethral approach,
transvaginal approach, transperineal approach, etc.
[0262] FIGS. 7A through 7H show a longitudinal section of a tubular
organ showing the steps of a method of reducing the cross sectional
area of the lumen of the tubular organ. In the step shown in FIG.
7A, an elongate distal anchor delivery device 30 is introduced in
the tubular organ such as the urethra. In one particular
embodiment, distal anchor delivery device 30 is introduced
transurethrally into the urethra. A needle 32 is introduced through
distal anchor delivery device 30. The distal region of needle 32
may comprise a curved region. Needle 32 may exit distal anchor
delivery device 30 at an exit angle ranging from 0 degrees to 180
degrees to the axis of distal anchor delivery device 30. Needle 32
is advanced through the tubular organ such that needle 32
penetrates through a wall of the tubular organ. In the step shown
in FIG. 7B, distal anchor delivery device 30 is rotated. This
causes needle 32 to pull the tissue surrounding the wall of the
tubular organ along the direction of rotation of distal anchor
delivery device 30. In the step shown in FIG. 7C, distal anchor
delivery device 30 is rotated further. This causes a region of the
tissue surrounding the tubular organ to fold around the tubular
organ as shown in FIG. 7C. In the step shown in FIG. 7D, a distal
anchor 12 is delivered in the anatomy through needle 32. In the
step shown in FIG. 7E, needle 32 is withdrawn from the anatomy
through distal anchor delivery device 30. As shown in FIG. 7E,
distal anchor 12 is attached to an elongate connector 16 that
passes through distal anchor delivery device 30. In the step shown
in FIG. 7F, distal anchor delivery device 30 is removed from the
tubular organ over connector 16. An elongate proximal anchor
delivery device 34 is introduced in the tubular organ over
connector 16. This is done such that connector 16 passes through a
proximal anchor 14 located on proximal anchor delivery device 34.
Proximal anchor delivery device 34 is advanced through the tubular
organ such that the distal tip of proximal anchor delivery device
34 is located near the site where needle 32 punctured the wall of
the tubular organ. In the step shown in FIG. 7G, connector 16 is
pulled by a user to introduce a desired tension in connector 16. In
the step shown in FIG. 7H, proximal anchor 14 is attached to
connector 16. This may be done by a mechanism on proximal anchor
delivery device 34 similar to the mechanism shown in FIGS. 5B
through 5D. Also, the excess length of connector 16 may be cut or
trimmed. This may be done by a mechanism on proximal anchor
delivery device 34 similar to the mechanism shown in FIGS. 5B
through 5D. Distal anchor delivery device 30 is removed from the
anatomy. This step leaves behind proximal anchor 14 connected to
distal anchor 12 by connector 16. The tension in connector 16
causes the tissue between proximal anchor 14 and distal anchor 12
to fold as shown in FIG. 7H. This in turn reduces the cross
sectional area of the lumen of the tubular organ.
[0263] FIG. 7I shows a schematic diagram of a tubular organ showing
the configuration of the tubular organ before performing the method
shown in FIGS. 7A through 7H. Examples of tubular organs that may
be treated by the method shown in FIGS. 7A through 7H include, but
are not limited to urethra, bowel, stomach, esophagus, trachea,
bronchii, bronchial passageways, veins, arteries, lymphatic
vessels, ureters, bladder, cardiac atria or ventricles, uterus,
fallopian tubes, etc. FIG. 7J shows a schematic diagram of the
tubular organ of FIG. 7I showing a possible configuration obtained
after performing the method shown in FIGS. 7A through 7H. In FIG.
7J, the tension in connector 16 causes the tissue between proximal
anchor 14 and distal anchor 12 to twist. This in turn reduces the
cross sectional area of the lumen of the tubular organ.
[0264] The method shown in FIGS. 7A through 7H may also be
performed using a distal anchor delivery device comprising a
helical needle. For example, FIG. 7K shows an embodiment of a
distal anchor delivery device 30 comprising a helical needle 32. In
one method embodiment, distal anchor delivery device 30 is inserted
into a tubular organ. Helical needle 32 is advanced through distal
anchor delivery device 30 such that the distal region on needle 32
emerges out of distal anchor delivery device 30. Needle 32 emerges
out of distal anchor delivery device 30 and penetrates the wall of
the tubular organ. In one embodiment, the tubular organ is the
urethra UT comprising a urethral wall UW. The helical shape of
needle 32 causes at least a portion of helical needle 32 to curve
around the lumen of the tubular organ. Also, the helical shape of
needle 32 causes the distal tip of needle 32 to be axially spaced
apart from the site where needle 32 penetrates into the wall of the
tubular organ. A distal anchor 12 may be delivered into the anatomy
from the distal tip of needle 32. Thus, distal anchor 12 may be
delivered at a location that is axially spaced apart from the
penetration site of needle 32. A proximal anchor 14 may be attached
to connector 16 by a method similar to the method shown in FIGS.
7F-7H.
[0265] FIGS. 7L through 7N show a cross section of a tubular organ
showing the steps of a method of reducing the cross sectional area
of the lumen of the tubular organ by creating one or more folds or
pleats in the walls of the tubular organ along the circumference of
the lumen. FIG. 7L shows a cross section of a tubular organ.
Examples of tubular organs that may be treated by the method shown
in FIGS. 7L through 7N include, but are not limited to urethra UT,
bowel, stomach, esophagus, trachea, bronchii, bronchial
passageways, veins, arteries, lymphatic vessels, ureters, bladder,
cardiac atria or ventricles, uterus, fallopian tubes, etc. In the
step shown in FIG. 7M, an anchor delivery device comprising a
curved needle 32 is introduced in the lumen of the tubular organ.
Needle 32 is advanced through the anchor delivery device such that
the distal tip of needle 32 penetrates the wall of the tubular
organ. Distal anchor 12 is advanced through needle 32 and is
delivered through the distal tip of needle 32 into the surrounding
tissue. A desired tension is created in connector 16 attached to
distal anchor 12. A proximal anchor 14 is attached to a desired
location on connector 16 to compress the tissue between proximal
anchor 14 and distal anchor 12 as shown in FIG. 7N. This
compression creates one or more folds or pleats in the walls of the
tubular organ as shown in FIG. 7N. This in turn reduces the cross
sectional area of the lumen of the tubular organ. In one
embodiment, distal anchor delivery device 30 comprising a curved
needle 32 is introduced trans-urethrally in the urethra of a
patient suffering from urinary incontinence. Distal anchor 12 is
deployed in the tissue surrounding the urethra by distal anchor
delivery device 30. Distal anchor delivery device 30 is removed
from the urethra. Proximal anchor delivery device 34 is introduced
trans-urethrally in the urethra over connector 16. Proximal anchor
14 is attached to connector 16 by proximal anchor delivery device
34 such that proximal anchor 14 is located in the lumen of the
urethra. Throughout this document wherever an anchor is said to be
placed within a body lumen, it is to be understood that such anchor
could be positioned within the lumen itself or at some sub-luminal
or peri-luminal location, unless specified otherwise. A suitable
tension in connector 16 causes proximal anchor 14 and distal anchor
12 to compress the tissue between them. This compression creates
one or more folds or pleats in the walls of the urethra as shown in
FIG. 7N. The one or more folds or pleats are preferably created in
the region of the urethra adjacent to a urinary sphincter. This
enables the urinary sphincter to close more efficiently. This in
turn reduces the undesired leakage of urine through the urethra of
the patient, thereby reducing the severity of incontinence.
[0266] FIG. 7O shows a cross section of a tubular organ showing a
first embodiment of a method of compressing a tissue adjacent to a
tubular organ to cause one or more regions of the tissue to
displace the walls of the tubular organ thereby reducing the cross
sectional area of the lumen of the tubular organ. In FIG. 7O, the
urethra is used as an example of a tubular organ that may be
treated using the method. Other examples of tubular organs that may
be treated by the method shown in FIG. 7O include, but are not
limited to bowel, stomach, esophagus, trachea, bronchii, bronchial
passageways, veins, arteries, lymphatic vessels, ureters, bladder,
cardiac atria or ventricles, uterus, fallopian tubes, etc. In the
method shown in FIG. 7O, proximal anchor 14 is located in a lumen
of the tubular organ. Proximal anchor 14 is connected to one end of
a connector 16 that is under a desired tension. The other end of
connector 16 is connected to a distal anchor 12. Distal anchor 12
is implanted outside the lumen of the tubular organ. In one
embodiment, distal anchor 12 is implanted within a tissue located
adjacent to the tubular organ. In another embodiment, distal anchor
12 is implanted beyond a tissue located adjacent to the tubular
organ. The tension in connector 16 causes proximal anchor 14 and
distal anchor 12 to compress a region of the tissue located
adjacent to the tubular organ. This causes one or more regions of
the tissue located adjacent to the tubular organ to bulge and
displace one or more regions of the wall of the tubular organ. This
in turn reduces the cross sectional area of the lumen of the
tubular organ.
[0267] FIG. 7P shows a cross section of a tubular organ showing a
second embodiment of a method of compressing a tissue adjacent to a
tubular organ to cause one or more regions of the tissue to
displace the walls of the tubular organ thereby reducing the cross
sectional area of the lumen of the tubular organ. In FIG. 7P, the
urethra is used as an example of a tubular organ that may be
treated using the method. Other examples of tubular organs that may
be treated by the method shown in FIG. 7P include, but are not
limited to bowel, stomach, esophagus, trachea, bronchii, bronchial
passageways, veins, arteries, lymphatic vessels, ureters, bladder,
cardiac atria or ventricles, uterus, fallopian tubes, etc. In the
method shown in FIG. 7P, proximal anchor 14 is located on one side
of a tissue located adjacent to the tubular organ. Proximal anchor
14 is connected to one end of a connector 16 that is under a
desired tension. The other end of connector 16 is connected to a
distal anchor 12. Distal anchor 12 is implanted on the opposite
side of the tissue located adjacent to the tubular organ. The
tension in connector 16 causes proximal anchor 14 and distal anchor
12 to compress a region of the tissue. This in turn causes one or
more regions of the tissue located adjacent to the tubular organ to
bulge and displace one or more regions of the wall of the tubular
organ as shown in FIG. 7P. This in turn reduces the cross sectional
area of the lumen of the tubular organ.
[0268] FIGS. 7Q through 7V show longitudinal sections of a tubular
organ showing the steps of a method of reducing the cross sectional
area of the lumen of the tubular organ by creating one or more
folds or bulges in the walls of the tubular organ along the axis of
the tubular organ. In the step shown in FIG. 7Q, a distal anchor
delivery device 30 is introduced in a tubular organ. In FIGS.
7Q-7V, the urethra is used as an example of a tubular organ that
may be treated using the method. Other examples of tubular organs
that may be treated by the method shown in FIGS. 7Q to 7V include,
but are not limited to bowel, stomach, esophagus, trachea,
bronchii, bronchial passageways, veins, arteries, lymphatic
vessels, ureters, bladder, cardiac atria or ventricles, uterus,
fallopian tubes, etc. Distal anchor delivery device 30 comprises a
bendable distal tip. The bendable distal tip can be controllably
bent by a user. Distal anchor delivery device 30 is advanced
through the tubular organ and positioned in a desired location. In
the step shown in FIG. 7R, the distal tip of distal anchor delivery
device 30 is controllably bent by the user. In the step shown in
FIG. 7S, a needle 32 is advanced through distal anchor delivery
device 30. Needle 32 emerges out of distal anchor delivery device
30 at an angle to the axis of distal anchor delivery device 30 as
shown in FIG. 7S. Needle 32 is advanced such that it penetrates
through a region of the wall of the tubular organ at a penetration
site. Needle 32 is further advanced such that it reenters the lumen
of the tubular organ. This step may be visualized by an endoscope
located in the lumen of the tubular organ. In the step shown in
FIG. 7T, a distal anchor 12 is deployed through the distal tip of
needle 32. Distal anchor delivery device 30 is withdrawn from the
tubular organ leaving distal anchor 12 connected to a connector 16.
In the step shown in FIG. 7U, a proximal anchor delivery device 34
is advanced over connector 16. Proximal anchor delivery device 34
is advanced until the distal region of proximal anchor delivery
device 34 is adjacent to the penetration site of needle 32.
Connector 16 is pulled to create a desired tension in connector 16.
Proximal anchor 14 is attached to connector 16 in the lumen of the
tubular organ. The tension in connector 16 causes proximal anchor
14 and distal anchor 12 to compress the region of the wall of the
tubular organ located between proximal anchor 14 and distal anchor
12. This in turn causes one or more regions of the wall of the
tubular organ to fold or bulge into the lumen of the tubular organ
as shown in FIG. 7V. This in turn creates one or more folds or
bulges in the walls of the tubular organ along the axis of the
tubular organ. The one or more folds or bulges reduce the cross
sectional area of the lumen of the tubular organ. This method can
be repeated to compress multiple regions of the wall of the tubular
organ to create multiple bulges in the wall of the tubular organ.
In one method embodiment, the one or more folds or bulges are
preferably created in the region of the urethra adjacent to a
urinary sphincter of a patient suffering from incontinence. This
enables the urinary sphincter to close more efficiently. This in
turn reduces the undesired leakage of urine through the urethra of
the patient, thereby reducing the severity of incontinence.
[0269] FIGS. 7W through 7Y shows cross sections of a tubular organ
showing the steps of a first embodiment of a method of reducing the
cross sectional area of the lumen of the tubular organ by
implanting a device that pinches the walls of the tubular organ to
create a recess. In FIGS. 7W-7Y, the urethra is used as an example
of a tubular organ that may be treated using this method. Other
examples of tubular organs that may be treated by the method shown
in FIGS. 7W-7Y include, but are not limited to urethra, blood
vessels, bowel, stomach, esophagus, trachea, bronchii, bronchial
passageways, veins, arteries, lymphatic vessels, ureters, bladder,
cardiac atria or ventricles, uterus, fallopian tubes, etc. A distal
anchor delivery device is introduced in the anatomy. The distal
anchor delivery device is used to penetrate through the lumen of a
tubular organ and deploy a distal anchor 12 in the walls of the
tubular organ or in the surrounding anatomy as shown in FIG. 7W.
Distal anchor 12 is connected to a connector 16 that passes through
the lumen of the tubular organ. In the step shown in FIG. 7X, a
proximal anchor 14 is advanced over connector 16. Proximal anchor
14 is advanced over connector 16 such that proximal anchor 14 is
proximal to the lumen of the tubular organ. Proximal anchor 14 may
be located in the walls of the tubular organ or in the surrounding
anatomy. Connector 16 is pulled to create a desired tension in
connector 16. The tension in connector 16 causes proximal anchor 14
and distal anchor 12 to pinch a region of the tubular organ located
between them. This in turn creates a recess or fold in the wall of
the tubular organ as shown in FIG. 7Y. Proximal anchor 14 is
attached to connector 16 in the lumen of the tubular organ. The
excess length of connector 16 may be cut or trimmed. The recess or
fold in the wall of the tubular organ reduces the cross sectional
area of the lumen of the tubular organ. The steps shown in FIGS.
7W-7Y may be repeated to create multiple recesses or folds in the
walls of the tubular organ. Such a method may be used to treat a
variety of diseases including, but not limited to incontinence,
emphysema, obesity, vaginal prolapse, aneurysms, diverticuli,
etc.
[0270] FIGS. 7Z through 7AD show cross sections of a tubular organ
showing the steps of a second embodiment of a method of reducing
the cross sectional area of the lumen of the tubular organ by
implanting a device that pinches the walls of the tubular organ to
create a recess. In FIGS. 7Z-7AD, the urethra is used as an example
of a tubular organ that may be treated using this method. Other
examples of organs that may be treated by the method shown in FIGS.
7Z-7AD include, but are not limited to bowel, stomach, esophagus,
trachea, bronchii, bronchial passageways, veins, arteries,
lymphatic vessels, ureters, bladder, cardiac atria or ventricles,
uterus, fallopian tubes, etc. A distal anchor delivery device is
introduced in the anatomy. The distal anchor delivery device may be
introduced, for example, transluminally through the lumen of the
tubular organ. The distal anchor delivery device is used to
penetrate through a wall of the tubular organ. The distal anchor
delivery device is used to deploy a distal anchor 12 in the wall of
the tubular organ or in the surrounding anatomy as shown in FIG.
7Z. Distal anchor 12 is connected to a connector 16 that passes
through the lumen of the tubular organ. Similarly, in the step
shown in FIG. 7AA, a second distal anchor 12 is deployed in the
wall of the tubular organ or in the surrounding anatomy. The second
distal anchor 12 is also connected to a second connector 16 that
passes through the lumen of the tubular organ. In the step shown in
FIG. 7AB, a connecting device 214 is introduced in the lumen of the
tubular organ over the two connectors 106. Connecting device 214
may be introduced, for example, transluminally through the lumen of
the tubular organ. The two connectors 106 are pulled to create a
desired tension in the two connectors 106. The tensions in the two
connectors 106 cause the two distal anchors 102 to pinch a region
of the tubular organ located between them. This in turn creates a
recess or fold in the wall of the tubular organ as shown in FIG.
7AC. A desired region of the first connector is connected to a
desired region of the second connector 16 by connecting device 214.
This connection is created in the lumen of the tubular organ as
shown in FIG. 7AD. The excess length of connectors 106 may be cut
or trimmed. The recess or fold in the wall of the tubular organ
reduces the cross sectional area of the lumen of the tubular organ.
The steps shown in FIGS. 7Z-7AD may be repeated to create multiple
recesses or folds in the walls of the tubular organ. Such a method
may be used to treat a variety of diseases including, but not
limited to incontinence, emphysema, obesity, vaginal prolapse,
aneurysms, diverticuli, etc.
[0271] The methods and devices disclosed herein may be used to
create multiple folds, bulges or recesses in the walls of a tubular
organ to reduce the cross sectional area of the lumen of the
tubular organ. For example, FIG. 7AE shows a cross section of a
tubular organ showing a first embodiment of a method of reducing
the cross sectional area of the lumen of the tubular organ by
implanting devices that pinch the walls of the tubular organ to
create two recesses. In FIG. 7AE, a first anchoring system
comprising a proximal anchor 14 and a distal anchor 12 connected by
a connector 16 is deployed as shown. The tension in connector 16
causes distal anchor 12 and proximal anchor 14 to pinch a region of
the tubular organ located between them. This in turn creates a
first recess or fold in the wall of the tubular organ as shown.
Proximal anchor 14, distal anchor 12 and connector 16 may be
deployed in the anatomy, for example, by the method shown in FIGS.
7W-7Y. Alternatively, proximal anchor 14, distal anchor 12 and
connector 16 may be deployed in the anatomy by the method shown in
FIGS. 7Z-7AD. A second anchoring system comprising a proximal
anchor 14 and a distal anchor 12 connected by a connector 16 is
also deployed as shown. The second anchoring system creates a
second recess or fold in the wall of the tubular organ as shown. In
the embodiment shown in FIG. 7AE, the second recess or fold is
created at a location that is roughly diametrically opposite to the
first recess or fold.
[0272] FIG. 7AF shows a cross section of a tubular organ showing a
second embodiment of a method of reducing the cross sectional area
of the lumen of the tubular organ by implanting devices that pinch
the walls of the tubular organ to create two recesses. In FIG. 7AF,
a first anchoring system comprising a proximal anchor 14 and a
distal anchor 12 connected by a connector 16 is deployed as shown.
The tension in connector 16 causes distal anchor 12 and proximal
anchor 14 to pinch a region of the tubular organ located between
them. This in turn creates a first recess or fold in the wall of
the tubular organ as shown. Proximal anchor 14, distal anchor 12
and connector 16 may be deployed in the anatomy, for example, by
the method shown in FIGS. 7W-7Y. Alternatively, proximal anchor 14,
distal anchor 12 and connector 16 may be deployed in the anatomy by
the method shown in FIGS. 7Z-7AD. A second anchoring system
comprising a proximal anchor 14 and a distal anchor 12 connected by
a connector 16 is also deployed as shown. The second anchoring
system creates a second recess or fold in the wall of the tubular
organ as shown. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7AF, the second
recess or fold is created at a location that is not diametrically
opposite to the first recess or fold.
[0273] The methods and devices disclosed herein may be used to
reinforce a fold, bulge or recess in the walls of a tubular organ
to further reduce the cross sectional area of the lumen of the
tubular organ. For example, FIG. 7AG shows a cross section of a
tubular organ showing a method of reducing the cross sectional area
of the lumen of the tubular organ by creating a recess in the walls
of the tubular organ and reinforcing the recessed region. In FIG.
7AG, a first anchoring system comprising a proximal anchor 14 and a
distal anchor 12 connected by a connector 16 is deployed in a
tubular organ. The tension in connector 16 causes distal anchor 12
and proximal anchor 14 to pinch a region of the tubular organ
located between them. This in turn creates a recess or fold in the
wall of the tubular organ as shown. Proximal anchor 14, distal
anchor 12 and connector 16 may be deployed in the anatomy, for
example, by the method shown in FIGS. 7W-7Y. Alternatively,
proximal anchor 14, distal anchor 12 and connector 16 may be
deployed in the anatomy by the method shown in FIGS. 7Z-7AD. A
second anchoring system comprising a proximal anchor 14 and a
distal anchor 12 connected by a connector 16 is also deployed as
shown. The second anchoring system is deployed in the recess or
fold created by the first anchoring system in the wall of the
tubular organ. The second anchoring system reinforces the recess or
fold created by the first anchoring system. The second anchoring
system may also increase the size of the recess or fold created by
the first anchoring system. This in turn may further reduce the
cross sectional area of the lumen of the tubular organ. It should
also be understood that variations in the procedure may be usable
to subtly alter the shape of the lumen of the tubular organ or may
be usable to remove deformities or pockets in the lumen, for
example, closing or compressing diverticuli or aneurysmic
morphologies.
[0274] The various devices and methods disclosed herein may be used
to prevent or treat a variety of diseases or disorders of a variety
of anatomical systems. Examples of such anatomical systems include,
but are not limited to the musculoskeletal system, the
gastrointestinal system, the urinary system, etc. For example, FIG.
8A shows an anchoring system implanted in a stomach to reduce the
volume of the stomach to treat obesity. The anchoring system
comprises a proximal anchor 14 connected to a distal anchor 12 by a
connector 16. Proximal anchor 14 is located on the outer surface or
within the wall of the stomach of an obese patient. Similarly,
distal anchor 12 is located on the outer surface or within the wall
of the stomach of the obese patient. Connector 16 passes through
the lumen of the stomach. The tension in connector 16 causes
proximal anchor 14 and distal anchor 12 to compress a region of
stomach located between them. This in turn reduces the volume of
the stomach. This in turn restricts the volume of intake of food by
the patient, thereby causing weight loss.
[0275] FIG. 8B shows a cross sectional view of a stomach before
implanting an anchoring system to reduce the volume of the stomach.
FIG. 8C shows a cross sectional view of the stomach of FIG. 8B
after implanting an anchoring system to reduce the volume of the
stomach. In FIG. 8C, the volume of the stomach is reduced by
implanting an anchoring system. The anchoring system comprises a
proximal anchor 14 connected to a distal anchor 12 by a connector
16.
[0276] The various devices and methods disclosed herein may be used
to close or repair wounds. For example, FIG. 8D shows a section
through wound edges closed by an anchoring system in a first
configuration. In FIG. 8D, a wound comprising two wound edges is
closed by an anchoring system comprising a proximal anchor 14
connected to a distal anchor 12 by a connector 16. The tension in
connector 16 causes proximal anchor 14 and distal anchor 12 to
compress the wound edges. This in turn brings the wound edges close
to each other, thereby closing the wound. In the embodiment shown
in FIG. 8D, the wound edges are closed in a side-to-side
configuration. The anchoring system shown in FIG. 8D may be
deployed, for example, by distal anchor delivery device 30 and
proximal anchor delivery device 34 of FIGS. 6A and 6C respectively.
Connector 16 may be fully or partially biodegradable or
bioabsorbable.
[0277] FIG. 8E shows a section through wound edges closed by an
anchoring system in a second configuration. In FIG. 8E, a wound
comprising two wound edges is closed by an anchoring system
comprising a proximal anchor 14 connected to a distal anchor 12 by
a connector 16. The tension in connector 16 causes proximal anchor
14 and distal anchor 12 to compress the wound edges. This in turn
brings the wound edges close to each other, thereby closing the
wound. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8D, the wound edges are
closed in an end-to-end configuration. The anchoring system shown
in FIG. 8D may be deployed, for example, by distal anchor delivery
device 30 and proximal anchor delivery device 34 of FIGS. 6A and 6C
respectively. Distal anchor delivery device 30 may comprise a
curved distal tip. Connector 16 may be fully or partially
biodegradable or bioabsorbable.
[0278] FIG. 8F shows an anchoring device used to reconnect torn
tissues of the musculoskeletal system. In FIG. 8F, an anchoring
system is used to reconnect a torn ligament Li. In the normal
anatomy, one piece of the ligament Li is connected to bone Bo, and
the other piece of ligament Li is connected to a muscle. The
anchoring system comprises a proximal anchor 14 connected to a
distal anchor 12 by a connector 16. The tension in connector 16
causes proximal anchor 14 and distal anchor 12 to compress the ends
of the two pieces of ligament Li. This in turn brings the two
pieces of ligament Li close to each other, thereby joining the torn
ligament Li as shown in FIG. 8F. Similarly, other torn tissues of
the musculoskeletal system such as torn muscles may be reconnected
by an anchoring system.
[0279] FIG. 8G shows a sagittal section through the head of a
patient suffering from sleep apnea. In FIG. 8G, the soft palate SP
of the patient is blocking the flow of air from the nostrils to the
lungs. Also, in FIG. 8G, the tongue TO of the patient is
obstructing the fluid path from the mouth to the pharynx. Thus, the
patient is unable to breathe normally.
[0280] FIG. 8H shows a sagittal section through the head of a
patient suffering from sleep apnea who has been treated with two
anchoring devices that displace the obstructing portions of the
soft palate SP and the tongue To. In FIG. 8H, an anchoring system
comprising a proximal anchor 14 connected to a distal anchor 12 by
a connector 16 is implanted in the posterior region of the soft
palate SP. The tension in connector 16 causes proximal anchor 14
and distal anchor 12 to compress a region of the soft palate SP.
This in turn displaces the obstructing region of the soft palate SP
as shown. Thus, the flow of air from the nostrils to the lungs is
not blocked by the soft palate SP. In addition, or alternatively, a
region of the tongue TO may also be displaced by an anchoring
system. In FIG. 8F, the anchoring system comprises a proximal
anchor 14 connected to a distal anchor 12 by a connector 16. The
tension in connector 16 causes proximal anchor 14 and distal anchor
12 to compress a posterior region of the tongue TO. This in turn
displaces the obstructing region of the tongue TO as shown. Thus,
the fluid path from the mouth to the lungs is not blocked by the
tongue TO. Multiple anchoring systems may be used to displace
obstructing regions of the soft palate SP and/or obstructing
regions of the tongue TO.
[0281] The devices and systems disclosed herein may be used for a
variety of cosmetic procedures. For example, FIG. 8I shows an
anchoring system that is implanted to lift loose skin in the face
of a human. Such an anchoring system may be used, for example, to
lift wrinkled skin to smoothen wrinkles. In FIG. 8I, an anchoring
system comprising a proximal anchor 14 connected to a distal anchor
12 by a connector 16 is implanted in the tissues of the face as
shown. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8I, distal anchor is
implanted behind an ear of the patient. Proximal anchor 14 is
implanted in a region of the cheek of the patient having wrinkled
facial skin. The tension in connector 16 causes proximal anchor 14
and distal anchor 12 to displace the region of the cheek having
wrinkled facial skin. This in turn stretches the wrinkled facial
skin to improve the cosmetic appearance of the human. Similar
methods may be used to lift sagging facial skin to improve the
cosmetic appearance of a human.
[0282] Various regions of the face may be treated by methods
similar to the method shown in FIG. 8J. For example, FIG. 8J shows
a view of a human face showing facial regions that may be treated
by a method similar to the method shown in FIG. 8I to improve the
cosmetic appearance of the human. One example of a facial region
that can be treated by a method similar to the method shown in FIG.
8I is the eyebrow zone. A proximal anchor 14 may be implanted in
the region EB and a distal anchor 12 may be implanted in a region
EB'. Proximal anchor 14 is connected to distal anchor 12 by a
connector 16 that passes through the line joining region EB to
region EB'. In an alternate embodiment, proximal anchor 14 may be
implanted in the region EB' and a distal anchor 12 may be implanted
in a region EB. Another example of a facial region that can be
treated by a method similar to the method shown in FIG. 8I is the
temporal zone. A proximal anchor 14 may be implanted in the region
TE and a distal anchor 12 may be implanted in a region TE'.
Proximal anchor 14 is connected to distal anchor 12 by a connector
16 that passes through the line joining region TE to region TE'. In
an alternate embodiment, proximal anchor 14 may be implanted in the
region TE' and a distal anchor 12 may be implanted in a region TE.
Another example of a facial region that can be treated by a method
similar to the method shown in FIG. 8I is the malar zone. A
proximal anchor 14 may be implanted in the region MA and a distal
anchor 12 may be implanted in a region MA'. Proximal anchor 14 is
connected to distal anchor 12 by a connector 16 that passes through
the line joining region MA to region MA'. In an alternate
embodiment, proximal anchor 14 may be implanted in the region MA'
and a distal anchor 12 may be implanted in a region MA. Another
example of a facial region that can be treated by a method similar
to the method shown in FIG. 8I is the mandibular zone. A proximal
anchor 14 may be implanted in the region MD and a distal anchor 12
may be implanted in a region MD'. Proximal anchor 14 is connected
to distal anchor 12 by a connector 16 that passes through the line
joining region MD to region MD'. In an alternate embodiment,
proximal anchor 14 may be implanted in the region MD' and a distal
anchor 12 may be implanted in a region MD. Another example of a
facial region that can be treated by a method similar to the method
shown in FIG. 8I is the neckerchief zone. A proximal anchor 14 may
be implanted in the region NK and a distal anchor 12 may be
implanted in a region NK'. Proximal anchor 14 is connected to
distal anchor 12 by a connector 16 that passes through the line
joining region NK to region NK'. In an alternate embodiment,
proximal anchor 14 may be implanted in the region NK' and a distal
anchor 12 may be implanted in a region NK. The facial regions shown
in FIG. 8J may be treated, for example, to improve the cosmetic
appearance of a human with wrinkled or sagging facial skin.
[0283] FIG. 8K shows a sagittal section through the lower abdomen
of a human female showing an embodiment of a method of treating
female urinary incontinence by a sling attached to the anatomy by
anchoring devices. FIG. 8K shows the lower abdomen of a human
female showing the urinary bladder UB, uterus U and rectum R. The
method shown in FIG. 8K is especially suited to treat stress
incontinence caused due to physical changes because of pregnancy,
childbirth, menopause, etc. The physical changes prevent the
urethral sphincter from closing tightly. This in turn causes urine
to leak during moments of physical stress. The method shown in FIG.
8K is similar to the Tension-Free Vaginal Tape (TVT) Procedure. In
the method shown in FIG. 8K, a sling 220 is inserted around the
urethra UT. Sling 220 may be inserted around the urethra UT by a
retropubic or transvaginal approach. Sling 220 is made of suitable
biocompatible materials. Examples of such materials include,
autologous graft tissue such as muscles, ligaments, tendons, etc.;
animal graft tissue from animals such as pigs, etc.; synthetic
biodegradable or non-biodegradable polymers, etc. The two ends of
sling 220 are anchored to surrounding anatomical regions such as
the pubic bone, periostial membrane of the pubic bone, Cooper's
ligament, abdominal wall, lateral pelvic wall, outer bladder wall,
pelvic fascia by anchoring devices. In the embodiment shown in FIG.
8K, the two ends of sling 220 are attached to the surrounding
anatomical structures by two anchoring devices. Each anchoring
device comprises a proximal anchor 14 and a distal anchor 12
connected to proximal anchor 14 by a connector. Connector 16 passes
through an end of sling 220 such that proximal anchor 14 is
anchored in the material of sling 220. Distal anchor 12 anchors
into the surrounding anatomical structures, thereby attaching the
end of sling 220 to the surrounding anatomical structures. Sling
220 supports the urethra UT and partially compresses the urethra
UT. Sling 220 cause a sufficient compression of the urethra UT to
enable urethral sphincter to close tightly. It should be noted that
the intent of these procedures is not in all cases to create
compression on the urethra but in other situations is used to
support surrounding structures or prevent the movement of certain
structures under certain conditions, such as in the case of
hypermobility. In this circumstance, the devices would normally be
"tension-free" and would only be brought into tension when there is
movement of the tissue with respect to the anchor/tensioning-member
assembly.
[0284] FIG. 8L shows a cross section of a normal urethra UT. FIG.
8M shows a cross section of the urethra UT in a human female
suffering from stress urinary incontinence. In FIG. 8M, the urethra
UT has reduced support from surrounding anatomical structures. This
prevents the urethral sphincter from closing tightly causing
incontinence. FIG. 8N shows a cross section of the urethra UT in a
human female suffering from stress urinary incontinence where the
urethra UT has been supported with a sling. In FIG. 8N, sling 220
supports the urethra UT and partially compresses the urethra UT.
Sling 220 causes a sufficient compression of the urethra UT to
enable urethral sphincter to close tightly. This in turn reduces
the severity of the incontinence.
[0285] FIG. 8O shows a coronal section through the lower abdomen of
a human female suffering from stress urinary incontinence. Two
anchoring devices have been implanted in order to tether together
separate tissue planes. The tethering of these planes reduces their
relative movement; thus reducing hypermobility. Each anchoring
device comprises a proximal anchor 14 and a distal anchor 12
connected to proximal anchor 14 by a connector that passes through
separate tissue planes. Tissue planes supports the urethra UT and
may partially compresses the urethra UT. With this supportive
tissue plane now fixed in place, forces which would otherwise have
caused the involuntary descent of the bladder resulting in
incontinence are now apposed.
[0286] One or more anchoring or tensioning devices disclosed herein
may be used to anchor a first anatomical region to a second
anatomical region. For example, one or more anchoring or tensioning
devices disclosed herein may be used to perform various embodiments
or modifications of colposuspension procedures. In the standard
colposuspension procedure (Burch colposuspension) a surgeon sutures
a region of the vaginal wall to the Cooper's ligament. This is
performed by placing two non-absorbable sutures on each side of the
urethra, partially through the segment of the vaginal wall located
under the junction where the bladder joins the urethra. The two
sutures on each side (four total) are then attached to the Cooper's
ligament. A key difficulty in performing this procedure is the step
of tying a knot, especially when the procedure is performed
laparoscopically. The need to synch and tie sutures sequentially
through a laparoscope is very time consuming using standard
techniques and it is often difficult to achieve the desired suture
tension. For example, FIG. 8P shows a section through the lower
abdomen showing an embodiment of a colposuspension procedure
wherein one or more regions of the vaginal wall of a patient
suffering from incontinence are suspended to the Cooper's ligament
by one or more anchoring devices. In the embodiment shown in FIG.
8P, one or more distal anchors 102 are deployed in a desired region
of the Cooper's ligament by a device introduced through the vagina
V. The one or more distal anchors 102 may be deployed through a
needle that emerges through the device introduced through the
vagina and penetrate through the vaginal wall to reach the desired
location. The one or more distal anchors 102 are deployed on each
side of the urethra as shown in FIG. 8P. Each distal anchor 12 is
connected to a connector 16. A proximal anchor 106 is attached to a
desired region of each connector 16 located in the vagina. Each
proximal anchor 14 anchors one end of each connector 16 to the
vaginal wall. The tension in connector 16 causes the vaginal wall
to be suspended by Cooper's ligament. The suspension of the vaginal
wall to the Cooper's ligament reduces the severity of the
incontinence. The abovementioned method may be visualized by a
laparoscope inserted in the pelvic area.
[0287] In an alternate embodiment, the devices for deploying
proximal anchor 14 and/or distal anchor 12 are inserted
laparoscopically into the pelvic area. A laparoscope may be used to
visualize the instruments. In one embodiment, the laparoscope is
introduced through the navel. The devices for deploying proximal
anchor 14 and/or distal anchor 12 are introduced through two other
incisions in the lower abdomen.
[0288] One or more devices or methods disclosed herein may be used
to attach a plugging element to a tubular organ to seal an opening
or a puncture site of the tubular organ. For example, FIG. 8Q shows
an anchoring device used to attach a seal to a puncture site on a
blood vessel BV to seal the puncture site. In FIG. 8Q, the puncture
site on the blood vessel is plugged by a seal 222. Seal 222 is made
of suitable biocompatible materials. Examples of such materials
include, but are not limited to collagen, gelfoam, other
bioabsorbable polymer matrices, etc. Seal 222 is attached to the
puncture site by an anchoring device that passes through seal 222.
The anchoring device comprises a distal anchor 12, a proximal
anchor 14 and a connector 16 that connects distal anchor 12 to
proximal anchor 14. Distal anchor 12 is located in the lumen of the
blood vessel. Proximal anchor 14 is located outside the blood
vessel, such that connector 16 passes through the puncture site. A
sufficient tension is created in connector 16 such that distal
anchor 12 and proximal anchor 14 compress the edges of the puncture
site to seal 222. This in turn securely attaches seal 222 to the
edges of the puncture site, thereby sealing the puncture site.
[0289] One or more anchoring or tensioning devices disclosed herein
may be used to suspend a first anatomical region to a second
anatomical region. For example, one or more anchoring or tensioning
devices disclosed herein may be used to suspend a breast region to
an anatomical region superior anatomical region such as a muscle,
subcutaneous fatty tissue, a ligament, etc. This may be used to
achieve cosmetic modification of the breasts. In a particular
embodiment, a subcutaneous fatty tissue of a breast is suspended to
an anatomical region superior to the fatty tissue such as a muscle,
a subcutaneous fatty tissue, a ligament, etc. In another particular
embodiment, a breast tissue is suspended to an anatomical region
superior to the breast tissue such as a muscle, a subcutaneous
fatty tissue, a ligament, etc. The anchor delivery devices may be
introduced in the anatomy through a cannula. Alternatively the
anchor delivery device may comprise a sharp distal tip to penetrate
through tissue. For example, FIG. 8R shows a view of the pectoral
region of a human female. A region of a breast may be suspended to
an anatomical region superior to the region of the breast using the
anchoring devices disclosed herein. This may be used, for example,
for cosmetic mastopexy. The anchoring devices may be deployed such
that the connectors of the anchoring devices pass through the
dashed lines shown in FIG. 8R. FIG. 8S shows the pectoral region of
a human female wherein mastopexy has been performed on one or more
regions of the breasts using the anchoring devices disclosed
herein.
[0290] Any of the anchors disclosed herein may be made of suitable
elastic or non-elastic biocompatible materials. Examples of such
materials include, but are not limited to metals such as stainless
steel 304, stainless steel 316, nickel-Titanium alloys, titanium,
etc. and polymers such as Pebax, Polyimide, braided Polyimide,
Polyurethane, Nylon, PVC, Hytrel, HDPE, PEEK, PTFE, PFA, FEP,
EPTFE, shape memory polymers, etc.
[0291] Connector 16 described herein may be made from several
biocompatible materials. For example, connector 16 may be made from
synthetic fibers e.g. various grades of Nylon, polyethylene,
polypropylene, polyester, Aramid, shape memory polymers, etc.;
metals e.g. various grades of stainless steel, titanium,
nickel-titanium alloys, cobalt-chromium alloys, tantalum etc.;
natural fibers e.g. cotton, silk etc.; rubber materials e.g.
various grades of silicone rubber, etc. In a particular embodiment,
connector is made of elastic suture materials. Connector 16 may
comprise one or more serrations or notches. The serrations or
notches may be aligned in a particular direction to allow
relatively easy movement of an outer body along connector 16 in one
direction and offer significant resistance to movement of the outer
body along the connector 16 in the opposite direction. Connector 16
may comprise a single filament or multiple filaments of one or more
materials. For example, connector 16 may comprise a composite
braided structure in a plastic/metal or plastic/plastic
configuration to reduce profile and increase strength. Such
composite materials could have preset levels of elasticity.
Connector 16 may be coated with a coating. Examples of such
coatings include, but are not limited to lubricious coatings,
antibiotic coatings, etc.
[0292] One or more of the devices disclosed herein may comprise a
variety of markers. In one embodiment, the markers are visual
markers located on the surface of the one or more devices. Such
markers may enable a user to determine the absolute of relative
location of the one or more devices visually or by an instrument
such as a cystoscope. In another embodiment the markers may be
radiographic markers. Similarly, one or more of the devices
disclosed herein may comprise a variety of electromagnetic or
ultrasonic or MRI or multimodality markers.
[0293] A suitable urinary catheter may be inserted into the urethra
for a desired period of time after completion of one or more of the
procedures described herein. The urinary catheter may be used, for
example, if the patient is at risk of bleeding or acute urethral
obstruction.
[0294] The one or more anchoring devices disclosed herein may be
designed to allow a user to reverse the anatomical changes caused
by the anchoring devices if needed. In one method embodiment the
anatomical changes may be reversed by cutting connector 16 near
proximal anchor 14. In another method embodiment the anatomical
changes may be reversed by cutting connector 16 near distal anchor
12.
[0295] One or more components such as distal anchor 12, proximal
anchor 14, connector 16, etc. of the one or more anchoring devices
disclosed herein may be designed to be completely or partially
biodegradable or biofragmentable.
[0296] The devices and methods disclosed herein may be used to
treat a variety of pathologies in a variety of tubular organs or
organs comprising a cavity or a wall. Examples of such organs
include, but are not limited to urethra, bowel, stomach, esophagus,
trachea, bronchii, bronchial passageways, veins (e.g. for treating
varicose veins or valvular insufficiency), arteries, lymphatic
vessels, ureters, bladder, cardiac atria or ventricles, uterus,
fallopian tubes, etc.
[0297] It is to be appreciated that the invention has been
described hereabove with reference to certain examples or
embodiments of the invention but that various additions, deletions,
alterations and modifications may be made to those examples and
embodiments without departing from the intended spirit and scope of
the invention. For example, any element or attribute of one
embodiment or example may be incorporated into or used with another
embodiment or example, unless to do so would render the embodiment
or example unpatentable or unsuitable for its intended use. Also,
for example, where the steps of a method are described or listed in
a particular order, the order of such steps may be changed unless
to do so would render the method unpatentable or unsuitable for its
intended use. All reasonable additions, deletions, modifications
and alterations are to be considered equivalents of the described
examples and embodiments and are to be included within the scope of
the following claims.
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