Apparatus and methods for positioning and securing anchors

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for positioning and securing anchors are disclosed herein. The anchors are adapted to be delivered and implanted into or upon tissue, particularly tissue within the gastrointestinal system of a patient. The anchor is adapted to slide uni-directionally over suture such that a tissue plication may be cinched between anchors. A locking mechanism either within the anchor itself of positioned proximally of the anchor may allow for the uni-directional translation while enabling the anchor to be locked onto the suture if the anchor is pulled, pushed, or otherwise urged in the opposite direction along the suture. This uni-directional anchor locking mechanism facilitates the cinching of the tissue plication between the anchors and it may be utilized in one or several anchors in cinching a tissue fold.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The subject matter of the present application is related to that of the following applications each of which is being filed on the same day as the present application: Ser. No. 10 / ______, entitled “Apparatus and Methods for Positioning and Securing Anchors” (Attorney Docket No. 021496-000900US); Ser. No. 10 / ______, entitled “Apparatus and Methods for Positioning and Securing Anchors” (Attorney Docket No. 021496-0001000US); Ser. No. 10 / ______, entitled “Apparatus and Methods for Positioning and Securing Anchors” (Attorney Docket No. 021496-0001200US); the full disclosure of each of these applications are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for positioning and securing anchors within tissue. More particularly, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods for positioning and securing anchors within folds of tis...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0027] Another measure which may optionally be implemented are cinching or locking mechanisms which take advantage of any cold-flow effects of an engaged portion of suture by the tissue anchor. For instance, if a portion of the suture is wedged against the collar of an anchor or cinching member to lock the anchor, the portion of the collar may have multiple holes defined over its surface to allow for portions of the engaged suture to cold-flow at least partially into or through the holes to enhance the locking effects.

[0028] Alternatively, the collar may be formed with an electrically conductive inner sleeve surrounded by an outer sleeve capable of flowing at least partially when heated. The inner sleeve may have a number of holes defined over its surface such that when the outer sleeve is heated, either by inductive heating or any other method, the outer sleeve material may flow through the holes and into contact with the suture passing therethrough. This contact may also enhance the locking effects of the collar.

Problems solved by technology

However, many conventional surgical procedures may present numerous life-threatening post-operative complications, and may cause atypical diarrhea, electrolytic imbalance, unpredictable weight loss and reflux of nutritious chyme proximal to the site of the anastomosis.

Furthermore, the sutures or staples that are often used in these surgical procedures typically require extensive training by the clinician to achieve competent use, and may concentrate significant force over a small surface area of the tissue, thereby potentially causing the suture or staple to tear through the tissue.

One problem with conventional gastrointestinal reduction systems is that the anchors (or staples) should engage at least the muscularis tissue layer in order to provide a proper foundation.

In other words, the mucosa and connective tissue layers typically are not strong enough to sustain the tensile loads imposed by normal movement of the stomach wall during ingestion and processing of food.

This problem of capturing the muscularis or serosa layers becomes particularly acute where it is desired to place an anchor or other apparatus transesophageally rather than intraoperatively, since care must be taken in piercing the tough stomach wall not to inadvertently puncture adjacent tissue or organs.

One of the problems associated with these types of procedures is the time and number of intubations needed to perform the various procedures endoscopically.

Another problem is the time required to complete a plication from the surrounding tissue with the body lumen.

Another problem with conventional methods involves ensuring that the staple, knotted suture, or clip is secured tightly against the tissue and that the newly created plication will not relax under any slack which may be created by slipping staples, knots, or clips.

However, many of these types of devices are typically large and unsuitable for low-profile delivery through the body, e.g., transesophageally.

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