Anchor devices, systems, and methods for non-adhesive anatomical structures

Abstract

An anchor capable of delivery in a delivery configuration and deployment through anatomical tissue using a delivery device is disclosed. Upon deployment, the anchor transitions to a deployed configuration in which at least a distal anchor portion extends transverse to a middle portion of the anchor. The anchor may be removed from the anatomical tissue using a retrieval device that grabs a proximal end of the anchor and retracts the anchor proximally into the flexible tubular element to return the anchor to the delivery configuration.

Description

Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 428,801, filed on Nov. 30, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention generally relates to the field of medical anchoring devices, systems, and methods. In some aspects, the present invention relates to devices, systems, and methods for holding anatomical structures in juxtaposition to one another. The present invention also relates to medical anchoring devices, systems, and methods that are capable of being removed from a deployment site. Background Art

[0003] Complex endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided procedures (such as in the gastrointestinal tract) require sufficient and accurate positioning while maintaining clear ultrasound imaging in order to perform the procedure safely and effectively at a desired access site. Such procedures can include a variety of tasks, including but not limited to cutting, cauterizing, delivering therapeutic devices, etc., which generally require sufficient and accurate positioning and control. Although endoscopic imaging modalities, such as fluoroscopy and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), have the ability to view anatomical structures beyond the immediately visually accessible tissue in front of the endoscope, therapeutic endoscopic procedures may be limited by the difficulty of controlling tissue outside the tissue plane visually accessible to the endoscope. Different anatomical sites present unique challenges, such as challenges in terms of positioning, distance, and shape. For example, placing a stent (such as in a gastrojejunostomy, hepaticogastrostomy, or gallbladder drainage into the stomach or duodenum) between two non-adherent anatomical structures (e.g., tissue walls) is technically challenging due to the lack of tools for visualizing, stabilizing, and in some cases inflating the target site. For example, in some surgical situations, it is challenging to place a stent in a manner that is properly aligned with a non-adherent anatomical structure (e.g., a tissue wall). For example, advancing a stent between two non-adherent anatomical structures may push the distal non-adherent anatomical structure away from the proximal non-adherent anatomical structure. In some cases, the stent may not be able to hold the non-adherent structures in juxtaposition as required or needed for the procedure. In addition, once at the access site, the physician needs to be able to maintain that access without causing the proximal or distal structures to move away from or slide relative to the proximal structure, which may result in loss of the access site. In some cases, if the distal site moves away from the proximal structure, it may not be possible to easily re-enter the distal site, leaving the patient with a perforation in the distal structure and potentially a harmful leakage of body fluids therefrom. All of these challenges can lead to surgical failure and serious complications, and the patients undergoing the procedures are already in extremely poor health and cannot afford to have anything go wrong. In this field, improvements in the delivery and deployment of devices for moving anatomical structures into alignment and / or holding anatomical structures in alignment would be highly welcome. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present Summary of the Invention is provided to introduce a series of concepts in a simplified form that will be further described in the Detailed Description below. The Summary of the Invention is not necessarily intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to help determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. Those skilled in the art will understand that aspects and features of the present invention may, in some cases, be advantageously used alone or, in other cases, in combination with other aspects and features of the present invention, whether or not they are described in the Summary of the Invention. Inclusion or exclusion of elements, components, etc. in the Summary of the Invention is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0005] According to various principles of the present invention, an anchor capable of extending through anatomical tissue at a deployment site includes a distal end forming a distal anchor portion; a proximal end forming a proximal anchor portion; and an intermediate portion located between the distal end and the proximal end, the intermediate portion being configured to extend through the anatomical tissue. In some aspects, the anchor can transition between an elongated delivery configuration and a deployment configuration; at least the distal anchor portion is formed when the anchor transitions to the deployment configuration by being bent into a configuration extending transversely to the intermediate portion; and the free end of the proximal anchor portion extends away from the deployment site to facilitate access thereto to remove the anchor from the deployment site.

[0006] Optionally, at least one of the distal anchor portion or the proximal anchor portion is curved. Optionally, the distal anchor portion is curved in a direction transverse to and away from the intermediate portion. Additionally or alternatively, the distal anchor portion has a free end pointing away from the intermediate portion. Additionally or alternatively, the distal anchor portion has a free end extending along the anatomical tissue. Additionally or alternatively, the distal anchor portion has a free end embedded in the anatomical tissue. Additionally or alternatively, the proximal anchor portion is curved in a direction transverse to and away from the intermediate portion. Additionally or alternatively, the proximal anchor portion has a free end extending away from the intermediate portion to be graspable to remove the anchor from the deployment site. Additionally or alternatively, the anchor can transition from the deployment configuration to the delivery configuration when being pulled into the lumen of a tubular element for removal from the deployment site.

[0007] Optionally, the anchor is formed of a shape memory material. Optionally, the anchor is formed of wire.

[0008] In some embodiments, the intermediate portion includes a suture. Optionally, the anchor can be removed from the deployment site when the suture is cut.

[0009] In accordance with various principles of the present invention, a system for delivering, deploying, and retrieving an anchor relative to anatomical tissue includes an anchor having a distal end forming a distal anchor portion, a proximal end forming a proximal anchor portion, and an intermediate portion located between the distal anchor portion and the proximal anchor portion, the anchor being convertible between an elongated delivery configuration and a deployed configuration. Optionally, the system further includes a delivery device including a flexible tubular member defining a lumen therethrough, the lumen being configured to hold the anchor in the elongated delivery configuration therein; and a retrieval device including an anchor engagement element and a tubular member, the anchor engagement element being configured to engage the proximal anchor portion to retract the anchor proximally from the deployment site, the tubular member defining a lumen therethrough, the lumen being configured to hold the anchor in the elongated delivery configuration.

[0010] Optionally, the proximal anchor portion has a free end that extends away from the intermediate portion of the anchor to be graspable by the retrieval device to remove the anchor from the deployment site.

[0011] In accordance with various principles of the present invention, a method of deploying an anchor relative to anatomical tissue and subsequently removing the anchor from the anatomical tissue includes: delivering the anchor in an elongated delivery configuration to the anatomical tissue; deploying the anchor to allow the anchor to convert from the elongated delivery configuration to a deployed configuration in which at least the distal anchor portion is formed to extend transversely and away from the intermediate portion of the anchor; and after a selected period of time, removing the anchor by withdrawing the anchor proximally to return the distal anchor portion to the elongated delivery configuration and withdrawing proximally through and from the anatomical tissue.

[0012] Optionally, the method further includes delivering the anchor in a delivery device defining a lumen configured to hold the anchor in the elongated delivery configuration, the delivery device having a tissue-penetrating distal end configured to penetrate through the anatomical tissue to deliver the distal end of the anchor distally of the anatomical tissue to expand transversely to the intermediate portion of the anchor extending through the anatomical tissue. Optionally, the method further includes withdrawing the delivery device proximally and / or advancing the anchor distally from the lumen of the delivery device to deploy the distal end of the anchor distally of the anatomical tissue.

[0013] Optionally, the method further includes grasping the proximal free end of the anchor extending away from the anatomical tissue with the anchor engagement element of the retrieval device. Optionally, the method further includes engaging a retrieval feature on the anchor engagement element of the retrieval device with a retrieval feature on the proximal portion of the anchor.

[0014] These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, and the scope of the claimed invention is set forth in the appended claims. While the following disclosure is presented in terms of aspects or embodiments, it should be understood that individual aspects may be claimed separately or in combination with aspects and features of that embodiment or any other embodiment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Non-limiting embodiments of the present invention are described by way of example with reference to schematic and not-to-scale drawings. The drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only, and the dimensions, positions, sequences, and relative sizes reflected in the figures in the drawings may vary. For example, a device may be enlarged so that details are discernible, but is intended to be reduced with respect to, for example, being assembled within a working channel of a delivery catheter or endoscope. In the drawings, the same or almost the same or equivalent elements are generally denoted by the same reference characters, and similar elements are generally named with similar reference numerals incremented by 100, with redundant descriptions omitted. For simplicity, similar features in the implantable devices shown are referred to with similar reference numerals, where the leading digit corresponds to the figure number showing that embodiment, and for brevity, reference is made to the Figure 1 description of these elements therein. For clarity and simplicity, not every element is labeled in every figure, and not every element of each embodiment shown is necessary for one of ordinary skill in the art to understand the present invention.

[0016] The detailed description will be better understood in conjunction with the drawings, in which like reference characters represent like elements, as described below:

[0017] Figure 1 A perspective view showing an example of an embodiment of an anchor formed in accordance with various aspects of the present invention and deployed across a non-adherent anatomical structure.

[0018] Figure 2 Another example of an embodiment of an anchor formed in accordance with various principles of the present invention is shown.

[0019] Figure 3 Another example of an embodiment of an anchor formed in accordance with various principles of the present invention is shown.

[0020] Figure 4 Another example of an embodiment of an anchor formed in accordance with various principles of the present invention is shown.

[0021] Figure 5 Another example of an embodiment of an anchor formed in accordance with various principles of the present invention is shown.

[0022] Figure 6Shows another example of an embodiment of an anchor formed in accordance with various principles of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 7 Shows another example of an embodiment of an anchor formed in accordance with various principles of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 8A Shows a front view of an example of an embodiment of an anchor formed in accordance with various principles of the present invention that is delivered to a deployment site by a delivery device formed in accordance with various principles of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 8B Shows a front view of an example of an embodiment of an anchor formed in accordance with various principles of the present invention that is delivered and positioned relative to a deployment site by a delivery device formed in accordance with various principles of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 8C Shows a front view of an example of an embodiment of an anchor formed in accordance with various principles of the present invention that is deployed relative to a deployment site by a delivery device formed in accordance with various principles of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 9 Shows a front view of an example of an embodiment of an anchor formed in accordance with various principles of the present invention that is removed from a deployment site by a retrieval device formed in accordance with various principles of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 10A Shows an example of an embodiment of a retrieval device formed in accordance with various principles of the present invention that is positioned to engage an example of an anchor engagement element thereof with a retrieval feature of an example of an embodiment of an anchor formed in accordance with various principles of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 10B Shows similar to Figure 10A a view, but in which the anchor engagement element engages the retrieval feature.

[0030] Figure 11A Shows another example of an embodiment of a retrieval device formed in accordance with various principles of the present invention that is positioned to engage an anchor engagement element thereof with a retrieval feature of another example of an embodiment of an anchor formed in accordance with various principles of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 11B Shows similar to Figure 11A a view, but in which the anchor engagement element engages the retrieval feature. Detailed Description

[0032] The following detailed description should be read with reference to the accompanying drawings, which depict illustrative embodiments. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described, and thus may vary. All of the devices and systems and methods discussed herein are examples of devices and / or systems and / or methods implemented in accordance with one or more principles of the present invention. Each example of an embodiment is provided by way of explanation and is not the only way to implement these principles, but merely an example. Thus, reference to an element or structure or feature in the drawings must be understood as a reference to an example of an embodiment of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the present invention to the specific element, structure, or feature shown. Other examples of ways to implement the disclosed principles will occur to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the present invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the subject matter. For example, features illustrated and described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Accordingly, the subject matter is intended to cover such modifications and variations within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0033] It should be understood that the present invention has been set forth in various levels of detail. In some instances, details that are not necessary for those of ordinary skill in the art to understand the present invention or that would obscure other details may have been omitted. The terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and are not intended to be limiting beyond the scope of the appended claims. Unless otherwise defined, technical terms used herein are to be understood as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. In accordance with the present invention, all of the devices and / or methods disclosed and claimed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation.

[0034] As used herein, "proximal" refers to closest to the user (such as a medical professional or clinician or technician or operator or physician, etc., such terms being used interchangeably herein and not intended to be limiting, and including an automated controller system or others), such as when using the device (e.g., introducing the device into a patient's body, or during implantation, positioning, or delivery) and / or the direction or position closest to the delivery device, and "distal" refers to farthest from the user, such as when using the device (e.g., introducing the device into a patient's body, or during implantation, positioning, or delivery) and / or the direction or position closest to the delivery device. "Longitudinal" means extending along the longer or greater dimension of an element. A "longitudinal axis" extends along the longitudinal extent of an element, but is not necessarily straight and, if the element buckles or bends, does not necessarily remain in a fixed configuration, and "axial" generally refers to along the longitudinal axis. However, it should be understood that references to axial or longitudinal movement relative to the above-described system or its elements need not be strictly limited to axial and / or longitudinal movement along the longitudinal axis or central axis of the referenced element. "Center" means at least generally bisecting a central point and / or being generally equidistant from a perimeter or boundary, and a "central axis" means a line that at least generally bisects the central point of an opening, when the opening includes, for example, a tubular element, a channel, a cavity, or a hole, and extends longitudinally along the length of the opening. As used herein, a "lumen" or "channel" or "hole" or "passageway" is not limited to a circular cross-section. As used herein, a "free end" of an element is the terminal beyond which the element does not extend. It should be understood that, unless otherwise specified, terms such as at or on or near or along its are used interchangeably herein and are not intended to be limiting, unless otherwise specified, and are intended to denote generally relative spatial relationships rather than precisely defined positions. Finally, reference to "at" a location or site is intended to include at and / or near such location or site (e.g., along it, adjacent to it, etc.).

[0035] The present invention relates to a generally low-profile medical device that can be implanted or attached relative to anatomical tissue. For example, the size, shape, morphology, and / or dimensions of a low-profile device formed in accordance with various principles of the present invention are configured to be delivered trans-luminally through a patient's body, such as via a flexible tubular element guided within the patient to the deployment site of the device. In some embodiments, the low-profile device is formed from a flexible wire delivered within the lumen of a flexible tubular element. It should be understood that terms such as implant or attach (and their other grammatical forms) may be used interchangeably herein with terms (and their other grammatical forms), such as anchor, affix, associate, couple, join, embed, hold, retain, grip, fix, etc., and are not intended to be limiting. It should also be understood that the term anchor (and its other grammatical forms) is used for convenience and may be used interchangeably herein with terms (and their other grammatical forms), such as anchor component, anchor device, anchor element, anchor mechanism, anchoring component, anchoring device, anchoring element, anchoring mechanism, etc., which are known in the art to denote a structure configured to hold another object in place. For convenience and without limitation, reference may be made interchangeably herein to an anchor or a device, and is not intended to be limiting. An example of the use of such an anchor is to hold anatomical tissue, such as the tissue walls of a non-adherent anatomical structure juxtaposed to one another, however the uses of the devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein are not limited to this manner and have other and / or broader uses and applications. For example, although the figures illustrate an anchor deployed across a non-adherent anatomical structure, the anchor may alternatively be deployed relative to adjacent tissue walls of the same anatomical structure, such as to close an opening in the anatomical wall. Additionally or alternatively, an anchor formed in accordance with various principles of the present invention may be used to hold other devices or anatomical structures together or attached relative to one another.

[0036] Devices and systems formed in accordance with various principles of the present invention can be delivered in a generally elongated manner to facilitate delivery within and through a patient's body (e.g., trans-luminally, such as endoscopically, trans-catheterically, etc.). A pusher can be provided within the delivery device to push the anchor distally out of the distal open end of the delivery device. Additionally or alternatively, the delivery device can be withdrawn proximally relative to the anchor. In some embodiments, the anchor is delivered in an elongated configuration within a suitable delivery needle to a deployment site. The distal end of the device extends through the anatomical tissue to deploy the device (and, if a delivery needle is used, the distal end of the delivery needle extends through the anatomical tissue). Upon deployment, the device transitions into a deployment configuration having anchor portions at one or both ends. The anchor portions can be curved or otherwise extend laterally relative to an intermediate portion of the device, which intermediate portion can remain elongated or can otherwise be curved or deformed in a manner suitable for the deployment site and / or its intended use as determined by the medical professional using the device. At least a portion of the intermediate portion extends through the tissue relative to which the anchor is deployed. In some embodiments, the device is formed from a biocompatible material having sufficient elasticity such that the device transitions from a delivery configuration to a deployment configuration upon deployment. Examples of materials include, but are not limited to, nitinol or another biocompatible elastic or superelastic material, including but not limited to plastics such as high performance polyethylene (HPPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), nylon, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherimide (PEI), etc., or other materials having sufficient elasticity, stiffness, and / or ductility to be delivered through a narrow passage and still transition to a configuration capable of being retained relative to the tissue. In some embodiments, at least the distal end transitions into an enlarged and / or laterally extending distal anchor portion relative to the intermediate portion. For example, the distal anchor portion can be in a curved configuration presenting an enlarged anchor portion at the distal end of the anchor. This configuration inhibits inadvertent proximal withdrawal of the anchor and / or tissue displacement relative to the anchor portion. When the proximal end of the anchor is secured relative to the tissue (e.g., by tissue insertion / implantation of the anchor), the anchor can be used to hold adjacent non-adherent anatomical structures (e.g., juxtaposed) relative to each other. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the anchor is secured by transitioning the proximal end into an enlarged and / or laterally extending proximal anchor portion relative to the intermediate portion, although other securing means are also within the scope and spirit of the present invention.

[0037] In accordance with various principles of the present invention, a system includes a delivery device having a lumen extending therethrough. The lumen of such a delivery device is configured to receive a device formed in accordance with various principles of the present invention that is to be delivered therein to a deployment site. The device can be maintained in the lumen of the delivery device of an associated system in an elongated delivery configuration. Once deployed from the lumen of the delivery device, the device extends into a deployment configuration. For example, if the device is formed of an elastic (optionally, shape memory) material, the device can automatically transform into the deployment configuration upon deployment without further action being taken on the device. As can be appreciated, the lumen of the delivery device can hold the device in its delivery configuration. In some embodiments, the delivery device includes a flexible tubular element having a diameter small enough to maintain a low profile of the device, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art with reference to the deployment site and / or the procedure to be performed. For example, the flexible tubular element can be a 19-gauge needle (e.g., a fine needle aspiration (FNA) needle or a fine needle biopsy (FNB) needle) through which an anchor is delivered and which can also facilitate delivery of the anchor. As would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, a 19-gauge needle has a generally accepted low profile that can pierce tissue to firmly deploy a device formed in accordance with various principles of the present invention through the tissue without leaving excessive space between the device and the tissue. Using a low-profile flexible tubular element to deliver and optionally also deploy an anchor into tissue reduces, if not eliminates, the risk of leakage through the tissue, and / or ensures a tight fit of the device relative to the tissue, and / or allows the puncture to heal easily, and / or enables rapid closure and healing if the tissue is later removed from the tissue.

[0038] An anchor formed in accordance with various principles of the present invention can be configured to temporarily hold non-adherent anatomical structures together during a procedure. Additionally or alternatively, once an anchor formed in accordance with various principles of the present invention has been deployed, another device can be deployed over or near the anchor. For example, a stent can be deployed over or near the anchor across juxtaposed non-adherent anatomical structures formed in accordance with various principles of the present invention. The stent can form an anastomosis across the non-adherent anatomical structures. For example, the non-adherent anatomical structures can be the stomach and the jejunum, and an anchor formed in accordance with various principles of the present invention holds the stomach and the jejunum in juxtaposition such that the stent is deployed across the stomach and the jejunum to form a gastrojejunostomy. The anchor can be deployed to hold the non-adherent anatomical structures in juxtaposition to prevent leakage of material through a stent extending across such non-adherent anatomical structures until an anastomosis is formed. Once an anastomosis is formed or sufficient tissue ingrowth occurs to cause the non-adherent anatomical structures to adhere to each other, the anchor can be removed from the deployment site.

[0039] In some embodiments, an anchor formed in accordance with various principles of the present invention may be removed from a deployment site relative to tissue, such as after a surgery facilitated by the anchor has been completed. More particularly, the devices and systems may facilitate removal in one or more ways. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the device is configured to be accessible by a removal device. For example, even if the proximal end of the anchor transitions to an anchored configuration (e.g., forms a proximal anchor portion), a portion thereof, such as the free end of the anchor, remains accessible by the removal device for grasping. The removal device may be a flexible tubular element having a lumen defined therein and configured to withdraw the anchor proximally into the lumen. The removal device may return the anchor to a delivery configuration (or a configuration close to the delivery configuration to allow and / or facilitate removal in a manner similar to the delivery of the anchor). The distal anchor portion is similarly configured to return to the delivery configuration to allow the anchor to be withdrawn proximally, thereby withdrawing the distal anchor portion proximally through the deployment site and into the delivery device.

[0040] Various embodiments of devices, systems, and methods for anchoring to tissue will now be described with reference to the examples shown in the accompanying drawings. References in this specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "other embodiments," etc., indicate that one or more specific features, structures, concepts, and / or characteristics according to the principles of the present invention may be included with that embodiment. However, such references do not necessarily mean that all embodiments include the specific features, structures, concepts, and / or characteristics, or that one embodiment includes all of the features, structures, concepts, and / or characteristics. Some embodiments may include one or more such features, structures, concepts, and / or characteristics in various combinations thereof. It should be understood that one or more of the features, structures, concepts, and / or characteristics described with reference to one embodiment may be combined with one or more of the features, structures, concepts, and / or characteristics of any of the other embodiments provided herein. That is, any of the features, structures, concepts, and / or characteristics described herein may be mixed and matched to create hybrid embodiments, and such hybrid embodiments are within the scope of the present invention. Additionally, references to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "other embodiments," etc., throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor are they necessarily separate or alternative embodiments that are mutually exclusive of other embodiments. It should also be understood that the various features, structures, concepts, and / or characteristics of the disclosed embodiments are independent and separable from each other and may be used or presented individually or in various combinations with each other to create alternative embodiments that are considered to be part of the present invention. Thus, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments specifically described herein, as listing all possible combinations and subcombinations of the described features, structures, concepts, and / or characteristics would be overly cumbersome, and the examples of the disclosed embodiments are not intended to limit the broader aspects of the present invention. It should be understood that the various dimensions provided herein are examples, and those of ordinary skill in the art can readily determine the appropriate ranges of standard deviations and acceptable variations covered by the present invention and any claims associated therewith. The following description is only an illustrative example of an embodiment and is not intended to limit the broader aspects of the present invention.

[0041] It should be understood that common features are identified by common reference elements, and for the sake of brevity and convenience and not by way of limitation, the description of common features is generally not repeated. For clarity, not all components having the same reference numeral will be numbered. Additionally, a group of similar elements may be indicated by numbers and letters, and generally only a single element or such an element or such elements as a group (excluding the letters associated with each similar element) may be referred to by the number alone. It should be understood that in the following description, similar elements or components in the various illustrated embodiments are generally designated by the same reference numeral (below 1000) incremented by a multiple of 100, and for the sake of brevity, redundant descriptions are generally omitted. Additionally, certain features in one embodiment may be used across different embodiments and do not require separate marking when they appear in different embodiments.

[0042] Turning now to the drawings, an example of an embodiment of an anchor 100 formed in accordance with various principles of the present invention is shown deployed relative to and extending across a proximal non-adherent anatomy P and a distal non-adherent anatomy D. Although the proximal non-adherent anatomy P and the distal non-adherent anatomy D are shown spaced apart from one another, it should be understood that the anchor 100 can hold these structures juxtaposed relative to one another. For example, the proximal non-adherent anatomy P can be the patient's stomach, and the distal non-adherent anatomy D can be a portion of the patient's jejunum, and the anchor 100 can be used to facilitate the formation of an anastomosis (gastrojejunostomy) therebetween. Although not shown, the anchor 100 can extend across a single tissue wall or across more than one tissue wall of the same anatomy (e.g., tissue walls on either side of a lesion, incision, etc. in an anatomy that is joined together by an anchor 100 formed in accordance with various principles of the present invention to treat or repair the lesion, incision, etc.) or otherwise, and the present invention is not limited to such.

[0043] In Figure 1 the example of the illustrated embodiment, the anchor 100 is generally elongate and has a distal end 101 and a proximal end 103. In the illustrated deployed configuration, the anchor 100 forms / is formed as a distal anchor portion 110 along a portion of its distal end 101, which is configured to hold the anchor 100 relative to a deployment site DS. For example, the distal anchor portion 110 extends outwardly transverse to an intermediate portion 120 of the anchor 100 to resist proximal withdrawal (in the direction of delivery of the anchor 100) from the deployment site DS and / or distal movement of the tissue wall DW relative to the distal anchor portion 110 of the anchor 120. In the illustrated example of an embodiment of the deployment site DS, the distal anchor portion 110 is anchored to and located distal of the tissue wall DW of the illustrated distal non-adherent anatomy D.

[0044] The intermediate portion 120 of the anchor 100 extends proximally through the tissue wall, and the distal anchor portion 110 is positioned relative to the tissue wall, with the distal anchor portion 110 remaining distal to the tissue wall DW. In embodiments where the distal non-adherent anatomy DS is held juxtaposed relative to the proximal non-adherent anatomy PS, the intermediate portion 120 extends through the tissue wall DW of the distal non-adherent anatomy DS and through the tissue wall PW of the proximal non-adherent anatomy PS. The proximal end 103 of the anchor 100 may be fixed proximal to the tissue wall through which the anchor 100 extends to hold the anchor 100 relative to the deployment site DS and / or to hold the non-adherent anatomies P and D relative to each other. The proximal end 103 of the anchor 100 may be fixed relative to the deployment site DS in a variety of ways, such as being held by a medical professional and / or by applying a separate anchoring element relative thereto (e.g., a clip, an adhesive bead, or other enlarging element that anchors the proximal end 103 of the anchor 100 relative to the deployment site DS) and / or by being deformed into an anchoring configuration (e.g., a knot or a bend or other configuration that is generally transverse to the intermediate portion 120) to inhibit its movement relative to the tissue through which the anchor 100 is deployed and / or to hold the distal non-adherent anatomy DS in place relative to the proximal non-adherent anatomy PS. In some embodiments, the proximal end 103 may form / form as a proximal anchor portion 130 that extends outwardly transverse to the intermediate portion 120 of the anchor 100, which is similar to the distal anchor portion 110 described above, and the corresponding configurations of such anchor portions are described in further detail below.

[0045] The anchor 100 as described herein may be formed of an elastic / superelastic, optionally shape memory material that is configured to cause the distal portion (adjacent the distal end 101) of the anchor 100 and optionally also the proximal portion (adjacent the proximal end 103) to transform into an anchoring configuration when at the deployment site. For example, the anchor 100 may be formed such that one or both ends 1011, 103 transform into anchor portions 110, 130 that extend transverse to the longitudinal axis LA of the elongate anchor 100, with the intermediate portion 120 of the anchor 100 extending generally along the longitudinal axis LA. According to various further principles of the present invention, the flexibility of the material of the anchor 100 allows the anchor portions 110, 130 to return to the elongate configuration when a retrieval force is applied to the anchor 100. The anchor 100 may thus be delivered in a generally compact delivery configuration and optionally retrieved in a generally compact configuration, such as in a manner that is generally opposite to the manner of deploying the anchor 100. In Figures 1 to 7 various configurations of the distal and proximal portions of the anchor are shown that are configured to hold an anchor formed according to various principles of the present invention in place relative to its deployment site and optionally also to hold two non-adherent anatomies (e.g., juxtaposed) relative to each other.

[0046] In Figure 1 an example of an embodiment of the anchor 100 shown, the distal anchor portion 110 is bent away from (e.g., transverse to) the longitudinal axis LA of the anchor 100 into two bent portions 112a, 112b. In some embodiments, the element forming the anchor 100 is longitudinally cut to form the bent portions 112a, 112b. The bent portions 112a, 112b branch away from each other to form a ram's horn-like configuration. The respective free ends 111a, 111b of the bent portions 112a, 112b may be parallel to and / or point away from the tissue wall DW of the distal non-adherent anatomical structure D. For example, as Figure 1 shown, the free ends 111a, 111b of the distal anchor portion 110 extend away from the tissue wall DW. As can be appreciated, the illustrated configuration of the distal anchor portion 110 allows the distal end 101 of the anchor 100 to be easily reconfigured from an elongate delivery configuration to the distal anchor portion 110 (e.g., by "blooming" into such a configuration, as opposed to snapping into an anchored configuration), which is capable of holding the anchor 100 relative to the deployment site DS. Further, upon application of sufficient proximal force to the anchor 100, the distal anchor portion 110 can return to the elongate delivery configuration for retrieval, as described in further detail below.

[0047] As described above, the proximal end 103 of the anchor 100 may also be configured to form a proximal portion 130, which is configured to hold the anchor 100 relative to the deployment site. Figure 1 The proximal end 103 of the example of the embodiment of the anchor 100 shown is bent away from the longitudinal axis LA of the anchor 100 into a proximal anchor portion 130 in the shape of a simple loop 132. This configuration allows the proximal end 103 of the anchor 100 to be easily reconfigured from an elongate delivery configuration to the proximal anchor portion 130 during deployment and also allows the proximal anchor portion 130 to return to the elongate delivery configuration upon application of sufficient proximal force, as described in further detail below.

[0048] Figure 2 An example of an embodiment of the anchor 200 shown is similar to Figure 1 the example of the embodiment of the anchor 100 shown, except that the distal anchor portion 210 includes only one bent portion 212 extending transverse to the longitudinal axis LA. This configuration may facilitate retrieval more easily compared to the case where two bent portions are formed at the distal end 201 of the anchor 200. This configuration may also be more easily coated (e.g., with an electrical insulating material) than other configurations. Figure 2 The remaining elements of the example of the embodiment of the anchor 200 shown may be similar to Figure 1An example of an embodiment of the anchor 100 shown, and like reference numerals increased by 100 are used to label, and for the sake of brevity, reference is made to the above description of these elements.

[0049] Figure 1 The curved portions 112a, 112b of the distal anchor portion 110 of the anchor 100 shown and Figure 2 The curved portions 212 of the distal anchor portion 110 of the anchor 200 shown may be considered self-curling, with their respective free ends 111a, 111b, 211 generally pointing towards the distal ends 101, 201 of the anchors 100, 200. However, in some embodiments, as Figure 3 shown, the anchor 300 may have a distal anchor portion 310, the curved portions 312a, 312b of which bend away from (e.g., transverse to) the longitudinal axis LA of the anchor 100 and do not self-curl. In such embodiments, it may be desirable for the respective free ends 311a, 312b of the curved portions 312a, 312b to be substantially parallel to the tissue wall through which the anchor 300 extends. Alternatively, the respective free ends 311a, 311b of the curved portions 312a, 312b of the distal anchor portion 310 may extend into the tissue wall through which the anchor 300 extends, such as to increase the anchoring force of the distal anchor portion 310 relative to the deployment site. It should be understood that the material forming Figure 3 the anchor 300 shown may be slightly harder than the material forming Figure 1 the anchor 100 shown or Figure 2 the anchor 200 shown (these anchors having an increased curvature and optionally also an increased length) such that the bent portions 312a, 312b can achieve sufficient retention relative to the deployment site DS. It should be understood that Figure 3 the remaining elements of the example of the embodiment of the anchor 300 shown may be similar to Figure 1 the example of the embodiment of the anchor 100 shown, and like reference numerals increased by 200 are used to label, and for the sake of brevity, reference is made to the above description of these elements.

[0050] Instead of the anchor 100 having a proximal anchor portion 130 formed as a simple loop 132 as Figure 1 shown, the proximal anchor portion may have various other configurations, examples of which are shown in Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 shown.

[0051] For example, Figure 4An example of an embodiment of the anchor 400 shown has a simplified proximal anchor portion 430 to facilitate retrieval of the anchor 400. More particularly, instead of forming a generally closed loop 132 as in the example of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 , the proximal anchor portion 430 includes a bend portion 432 that extends sufficiently transverse to the longitudinal axis LA of the anchor 400 (e.g., transverse to the intermediate portion 420) to hold the proximal anchor portion 430 and tissue relative to each other at the deployment site. As a generally open curve, the bend portion 432 can be more easily returned to an elongated delivery configuration for retrieval (as described in further detail below) than the more closed loops 132, 232, 332 shown in Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 . It should be understood that Figure 4 the distal anchor portion 410 of the example of the embodiment of the anchor 400 shown is substantially the same as the distal anchor portion 110 of the example of the embodiment of the anchor 100 shown in Figure 1 . However, other configurations of the distal anchor portion 410 (such as those described above or elsewhere) are also within the scope and spirit of the present invention, and the configuration of the proximal anchor portion 430 does not limit the configuration of the distal anchor portion 410. It should be understood that Figure 4 the remaining elements of the example of the embodiment of the anchor 400 shown can be similar to those of the example of the embodiment of the anchor 100 shown in Figure 1 and are labeled with similar reference numerals increased by 300, and for the sake of brevity, reference is made to the above description of these elements.

[0052] Instead of curling generally in a single plane as in the examples of the embodiments of the anchors 100, 400 shown in Figure 1 and Figure 4 , the proximal anchor portion 530 can be curled into a helical spring configuration about an axis generally parallel to the longitudinal axis LA of the intermediate portion 520 of the anchor 500, where the coils 532 are generally transverse to the longitudinal extent of the intermediate portion 520, as shown in Figure 5 . This configuration can hold the anchor 500 securely relative to the deployment site and still allow retrieval of the anchor 500, such as in the manner described below. It should be understood that Figure 5 the remaining elements of the example of the embodiment of the anchor 500 shown can be similar to those of Figure 1An example of an embodiment of the anchor 100 shown, and like reference numerals increased by 400 are used for brevity, referring to the above description of these elements. However, it should also be understood that other configurations of the distal anchor portion 510 (such as those described above or elsewhere) are also within the scope and spirit of the present invention, and the configuration of the proximal anchor portion 530 does not limit the configuration of the distal anchor portion 510.

[0053] Similar to Figure 5 An example of an embodiment of the anchor 500 shown, Figure 6 And Figure 7 Examples of embodiments of the anchors 600, 700 shown have proximal anchor portions 630, 730 which have more than one bent portion 632, 732. However, different from Figure 5 The coil 523 of the proximal anchor portion 530 of the example of the embodiment of the anchor 500 shown, Figure 6 And Figure 7 The bent portions 632, 732 of the examples of the embodiments of the anchors 600, 700 shown are not in a plane that is transverse to the longitudinal extent of the intermediate portions 620, 720 of the anchors 600, 700.

[0054] More particularly, in Figure 6 The example of the embodiment of the anchor 600 shown, the proximal end 603 is bent or is bent into a proximal anchor portion 630 which has a sinusoidal-shaped bent portion 632 extending in a direction away from and generally transverse to the intermediate portion 620. The sine wave (one, two, three, four, etc. waves) and / or segments thereof of the bent portion 632 can be in the same plane or in more than one plane, such as in different respective planes that are transverse to each other. In some embodiments, the bent portion 632 bends around or about a longitudinal axis LA that is generally parallel to the intermediate portion 620 of the anchor 600. Moreover, the plane in which the bent portion 632 extends can be in the same plane or a transverse plane as the plane in which the bent portions 612a, 612b of the distal anchor portion 610 of the anchor 600 extend.

[0055] Figure 7 The shape of the proximal anchor portion 730 of the example of the embodiment of the anchor 700 shown is similar to Figure 6 The proximal anchor portion 630 of the example of the embodiment of the anchor 600 shown, but is further simplified. In particular, Figure 7The proximal end 703 of the illustrated example of an embodiment of the anchor 700 is bent or is bent to have a proximal anchor portion 730 with an S-shaped bend portion 732 (e.g., a simple single sine wave). It should be understood that the bends of the S-shaped bend portion 732 need not be coplanar, and the S-shaped bend itself need not lie in a single plane. In some embodiments, the S-shaped bend portion 732 bends about or around an axis generally parallel to the intermediate portion 720 of the anchor 700. Further, the plane in which the S-shaped bend portion 732 of the anchor 700 lies can be in the same plane as or transverse to the plane in which the bend portions 712a, 712b of the distal anchor portion 710 extend.

[0056] Any of the above-described anchors 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 can be formed in accordance with various principles of the present invention for delivery via a lumen (e.g., transcatheter, transendoscopic, etc.). To facilitate such delivery, the anchors 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 can be delivered in a generally compact, generally elongated configuration (with all or most or segments thereof extending along the longitudinal axis LA of the anchor). If the anchors 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 are formed of a shape memory material configured to form one or both of the anchor portions 110, 130, 210, 230, 310, 330, 410, 430, 510, 530, 610, 630, 710, 730 described above, the anchors 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 can be delivered within the lumen of a flexible tubular delivery device configured to hold the anchors 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 in a delivery configuration. Any of the above-described anchors 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 can be part of or used with an anchor system 1000 that includes elements to facilitate delivery and / or deployment and / or retrieval of the anchor 100. Figures 8A to 8C An example of an embodiment of an anchor system 1000 is shown therein for delivering an example of an embodiment of an anchor 100 formed in accordance with various principles of the present invention. Figure 9 An example of an embodiment of an anchor system 1000 is shown therein for retrieving (retracting and withdrawing proximally) an example of an embodiment of an anchor 100' that is similar to Figure 1 the anchor 100 shown but is modified to facilitate retrieval.

[0057] More particularly, Figures 8A to 8C An example of an embodiment of the anchor system 1000 shown therein includes a flexible tubular delivery device 1100 having a lumen 1115 defined therein. As Figure 8AAs shown, the size, shape, configuration, and / or dimensions of the lumen 1105 of the delivery device 1100 are set to receive the anchor 100 formed in accordance with various principles of the present invention in a generally elongated delivery configuration for delivery to a deployment site. For example, the anchor 100 may be formed of an elongated element, such as a wire, and the lumen 1105 may be sized to maintain such an elongated element in an elongated configuration to facilitate delivery (e.g., through-lumen delivery) of the anchor 100 within a patient's body and to the deployment site DS. It should be understood that although Figures 8A to 8C the anchor 100 is shown as Figure 1 shown, any of the other above-described anchors 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, or another anchor formed in accordance with various principles of the present invention may be used with the anchor system 1000 described herein.

[0058] In some embodiments, the delivery device 1100 includes a tissue-penetrating tip 1102 at the distal end 1101 of the delivery device 1100. The tissue-penetrating tip 1102 is configured to penetrate a tissue wall to deliver the distal end 101 of the anchor 100 to the deployment site DS. In some embodiments, the tissue-penetrating tip 1102 may be a sharp tip capable of piercing tissue. Additionally or alternatively, a separate tissue-penetrating delivery device 1110 may form an access site for the delivery device 1100 and the anchor 100 and also deliver the delivery device 1100 and the anchor 100 to the deployment site DS. Such an optional tissue-penetrating delivery device 1110 (shown in dashed lines) includes a sharp tissue-penetrating tip 1112 at the distal end 1111 of the tissue-penetrating delivery device 1110. The sharp tissue-penetrating tip 1112 is capable of piercing and penetrating anatomical tissue to deliver the delivery device 1100 and the anchor 100 (positioned within the lumen 1105 of the delivery device 1100) through the anatomical tissue, as Figure 8A shown. In embodiments including a separate tissue-penetrating delivery device 1112, the distal end 1101 of the delivery device 1100 may be generally blunt and not include a tissue-penetrating tip 1102. Optionally, the anchor system 1000 includes or is used with an endoscope 1200 having a working channel 1205 through which the delivery device 1100 (and the separate tissue-penetrating delivery device 1110, if included) and the anchor 100 are delivered to the deployment site DS.

[0059] In Figure 8A , Figure 8B and Figure 8CIn an example of the illustrated embodiment, an example of an embodiment of the anchor 100 is shown deployed across adjacent non-adherent anatomical structures. The sharp tissue-penetrating end 1101 of the delivery device 1100 or the sharp tissue-penetrating end 1112 of the tissue-penetrating delivery device 1110 pierces the proximal non-adherent anatomical structure PS and the distal non-adherent anatomical structure DS to enter the deployment site distal to the distal non-adherent anatomical structure DS. The delivery device 1100 can then be retracted proximally, as Figure 8B shown, to deploy the distal end 101 of the anchor 100. Additionally or alternatively, a pusher 1120 can be disposed within the delivery device 1100 and configured to engage the proximal end 103 of the anchor 100 to push the anchor 100 out of the delivery device 1100 and into the deployed configuration. As referenced Figure 8B it can be appreciated that when the distal end 101 of the anchor 100 exits the lumen 1105 of the delivery device 1100, the distal end 101 transforms to form a distal anchor portion 110 configured to anchor relative to tissue at the deployment site. The delivery device 1100 can then be further retracted, as Figure 8C shown, to deploy the proximal end 103 of the anchor 100 and allow the formation of the proximal anchor portion 130, thereby maintaining the anchor 100 in place relative to the deployment site and maintaining the tissue wall PW of the proximal non-adherent anatomical structure PS in place relative to the tissue wall DW of the distal non-adherent anatomical structure DS.

[0060] In accordance with various principles of the present invention, any one or all of the above-described anchors 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 can be configured to facilitate retrieval from the deployment site. For example, Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7 the proximal free ends 133, 233, 333, 433, 533, 633, 733 of the examples of the embodiments of the anchors 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 shown in Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4、 Figure 5 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7 The free end 133, 233, 333, 433, 533, 633, 733 of any of the examples of embodiments of the anchors 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 shown in FIG.

[0061] In some embodiments, such as Figure 9 、 Figure 10A 、 Figure 10B 、 Figure 11A and Figure 11B As shown in FIG, the anchor includes a retrieval feature that facilitates engagement by a retrieval device to remove the anchor from the deployment site via the retrieval device. Figure 9 、 Figure 10A 、 Figure 10B 、 Figure 11A and Figure 11B The anchor 800 shown in FIG. 1 appears similar to Figure 1 The anchor 100 is shown in FIG. 1 , but the anchor retrieval principle can be applied to anchors having any other configurations, such as but not limited to Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700. In addition, it should be understood that the anchor 800 shown is shown as having Figure 9 A first embodiment of the retrieval feature 805 in Figure 10A and Figure 10B A second embodiment of the retrieval feature 807 in FIG. 1 and having [[ID= and ​ It should be understood that the same reference numerals are used to mark the third embodiment of the retrieval feature. ​ 、 ​ 、 ​ 、 ​ and ​ 、 ​ and ​ The features of the anchor 800 shown in FIG are substantially the same. In addition, it should be understood that similar ​ The example embodiment of the anchor 100 shown is ​ 、 ​ 、 ​ 、 ​ and ​ Elements of the illustrated example of an embodiment of the anchor 800 are labeled with like reference numerals incremented by 700, and for the sake of brevity, reference is made to the above description of these elements. ​ 、​ , ​ , ​ and ​ The various devices, systems, and methods described can be applied to examples of embodiments of the retrieval features described herein, as will now be described.

[0062] ​ An example of an embodiment of an anchor 800 having a retrieval feature 805 formed thereon to facilitate retrieval of the anchor 800 from a deployment site DS is shown in ​ . Also as shown, an anchor system 1000 can include a retrieval device 1300 configured to engage and retrieve the anchor 800. The illustrated example of an embodiment of the retrieval device 1300 includes a flexible tubular element 1310 configured to convey an anchor engaging element 1320. In some embodiments, the flexible tubular element 1310 can be the same as or similar to the above-described delivery device 1100. If the anchor engaging element 1320 pulls the anchor 100 proximally into the flexible tubular element 1310, the flexible tubular element 1310 can have a blunt end. However, if the distal end of the flexible tubular element 1310 has a sharp tissue-penetrating end, the outer diameter can be selected such that the flexible tubular element 1310 can extend through the deployment site and extend over the distal anchor portion 110 to transition the distal anchor portion 110 into a delivery configuration for retrieval from the deployment site. The anchor engaging element 1320 includes an anchor engaging portion 1322 having an anchor engaging retrieval feature 1325 configured to mate with a retrieval feature along the proximal end 103 of the anchor 800. For example, the anchor engaging retrieval feature and the retrieval feature on the anchor can be mating notches or have other interengaging shapes, such as the embodiment of the retrieval feature 805 shown on the anchor 800, or ​ and ​ an alternative embodiment of the retrieval feature 807 shown in

[0063] As further shown in ​ , once the distal end 1301 of the retrieval device 1300 is near the proximal end 803 of the anchor 800, the flexible tubular element 1310 can be retracted proximally and / or the anchor engaging element 1320 can be advanced distally such that the anchor engaging portion 1322 of the anchor engaging element 1320 extends distally out of the distal end 1311 of the flexible tubular element 1310 and toward the proximal end 803' of the anchor 800. The anchor engaging retrieval feature 1325 of the anchor engaging element 1320 can then mate with the retrieval feature 805 of the anchor 800 shown in ​ or​ and ​ engage the retrieval features 807 shown in ​ . To maintain the engagement of the anchor engaging retrieval feature 1325 on the anchor engaging portion 1322 with the retrieval features 805, 807 on the anchor 800, a flexible tubular element 1310 is advanced thereabove, such as ​ shown in ​ . Then, the anchor engaging element 1320 can be retracted proximally either alone or together with the flexible tubular element 1310 to withdraw the anchor 800 proximally from the deployment site. As can be appreciated, when the anchor 800 is retracted proximally into the flexible tubular element 1310 for retrieval from the patient's body, the anchor 800 returns to a generally elongated delivery configuration.

[0064] Although ​ and ​ the anchor engaging element 1320 shown in ​ is shown as having a single anchor engaging retrieval feature 1325, it should be understood that other configurations are also within the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, ​ and ​ an example of an embodiment of the retrieval device 1300' shown in ​ has an anchor engaging element 1320' having two or more anchor engaging portions 1322', 1322b', each anchor engaging portion respectively having an anchor engaging retrieval feature 1325', 1325b'. Similarly, an example of an embodiment of the anchor 800 has two or more retrieval features 809a, 809b (e.g., the number corresponding to the number of anchor engaging retrieval features). Providing more than one anchor engaging retrieval feature 1325a, 1325b and more than one retrieval feature 809a, 809b can facilitate the alignment of the anchor engaging retrieval features 1325a', 1325b' with the corresponding retrieval features 809a, 809b on the anchor 800 to facilitate capture of the anchor 800 by the anchor engaging portions 1322 of the anchor engaging element 1320. Once the anchor engaging retrieval features 1325', 1325b' have engaged the corresponding retrieval features 809a, 809b on the anchor 800, the flexible tubular element 1310 is advanced above the anchor engaging portion 1322 and the proximal end 803 of the anchor 800 to maintain the engagement of the anchor engaging retrieval features 1325a', 1325b' with the retrieval features 809a, 809b. Then, the anchor engaging element 1320' can be retracted proximally either alone or together with the flexible tubular element 1310 to withdraw the anchor 800 proximally from the deployment site.

[0065] Various modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, although the above-described anchor has an anchor portion formed of the same elongate element, it should be understood that the anchor portions may be formed separately (e.g., formed of a shape memory material such as those described above) and joined together with sutures. Alternatively, the proximal anchor portion may be a suture joined to a distal anchor portion formed of another material, such as a shape memory material. To release the anchor from the deployment site, the suture may simply be cut, allowing the distal anchor portion to naturally exit the body. Preferably, a biocompatible material is used, and the distal anchor portion is sized small enough so as not to affect the patient when exiting the patient's body. When the suture is cut to release the distal and proximal anchor portions to release the anchor from the deployment site, the proximal portion may be retrieved.

[0066] Those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that this discussion is merely a description of illustrative examples of embodiments and is not intended to limit the broader aspects of the present invention. All of the devices and methods discussed herein are examples of devices and / or methods implemented in accordance with one or more principles of the present invention. These examples are not the only ways to implement these principles, but are merely examples that are not intended to limit the broader aspects of the present invention. Thus, references to elements or structures or features in the drawings must be understood as references to examples of embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the present invention to the specific elements, structures, or features shown. Other examples of ways to implement the disclosed principles will occur to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the present invention. It should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that changes may be applied to the disclosed apparatus, systems, and / or methods and / or a series of steps of the methods described herein without departing from the concepts, spirit, and scope of the present invention. It should be understood that the various features described with respect to one embodiment may typically be applied to another embodiment, whether or not explicitly stated. The various features described hereinafter may be used alone or in any combination thereof. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments specifically described herein, and all alternatives and modifications are considered to be within the spirit, scope, and concepts of the present invention as defined by the appended claims for those skilled in the art.

[0067] Although embodiments of the present invention may be described with reference to medical devices and systems and procedures applied to the gastrointestinal system, it should be understood that such medical devices, systems, and procedures may also be used to treat tissues of the abdominal cavity, digestive system, urinary tract, reproductive tract, respiratory system, cardiovascular system, circulatory system, etc. In addition to those discussed above, those of ordinary skill in the art will also appreciate various further benefits of aspects, features, components, and structures of devices, systems, and methods such as those described above.

[0068] The foregoing discussion has broad applicability and has been presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to limit the invention to the forms disclosed herein. It should be understood that various additions, modifications, and substitutions may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the concept, spirit, and scope of the invention. In particular, for those skilled in the art, the principles of the invention may be embodied in other forms, structures, arrangements, proportions, and with other elements, materials, and components without departing from its concept, spirit, or scope or characteristics. For example, for the purpose of simplifying the invention, various features of the invention are combined together in one or more aspects, embodiments, or configurations. However, it should be understood that the various features of certain aspects, embodiments, or configurations of the invention may be combined in alternative aspects, embodiments, or configurations. Although the invention is presented in the form of embodiments, it should be understood that not all of the various individual features of the subject matter need to be present in order to achieve at least some of the desired characteristics and / or benefits of the subject matter or such individual features. Those skilled in the art will understand that the invention may be used with many modifications or variations to the structures, arrangements, proportions, materials, components, and others used in the practice of the invention, which are particularly adapted to specific environments and operating requirements without departing from the principles or spirit or scope of the invention. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be composed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts that may be integrally formed, the operation of the elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the size or dimensions of the elements may be changed. Similarly, although operations or acts or procedures are described in a particular order, this should not be construed as requiring such a particular order, or that all operations or acts or procedures be performed to achieve the desired result. Additionally, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. In some cases, the acts recited in the claims may be performed in a different order and still achieve the desired result. Accordingly, the presently disclosed embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the claimed subject matter being indicated by the appended claims and not limited to the foregoing description or to the specific embodiments or arrangements described or shown herein. In view of the foregoing, the individual features of any embodiment may be used and may be claimed separately or in combination with the features of that embodiment or any other embodiment, the scope of the subject matter being indicated by the appended claims and not limited to the foregoing description.

[0069] In the foregoing description and the following claims, the following will be understood. As used herein, the phrases "at least one", "one or more", and "and / or" are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. The terms "a", "an", "the", "first", "second", etc. do not exclude a plurality. For example, as used herein, the term "a" or "an" entity refers to one or more of such entities. Thus, the terms "a" (or "an"), "one or more", and "at least one" are used interchangeably herein. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term "or" is generally employed in the sense including "and / or" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, the conjunction "and" includes each of the structures, components, features, etc. so connected unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, and the conjunction "or" includes one or the other of the structures, components, features, etc. so connected individually as well as in any combination and number unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, rear, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, clockwise, counterclockwise, and / or the like) are for identification purposes only to assist the reader in understanding the invention, and / or to distinguish the regions of associated elements from one another, and do not limit the associated elements, particularly not the position, orientation, or use of the invention. Unless otherwise indicated, connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, joined, and combined) will be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between element assemblies and relative movement between elements. In this regard, connection references do not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected and in a fixed relationship with each other. Identification references (e.g., primary, secondary, first, second, third, fourth, etc.) are not intended to imply importance or priority but are used to distinguish one feature from another.

[0070] The following claims are hereby incorporated by this reference into the detailed description, where each claim stands on its own as a separate embodiment of the invention. In the claims, the terms "comprising", "comprises", "including", and "includes" do not exclude the presence of other elements, components, features, groups, regions, integers, steps, operations, etc. Additionally, although individual features may be included in different claims, these features may be advantageously combined, and inclusion in different claims does not mean that the combination of features is infeasible and / or advantageous. Additionally, singular references do not exclude plural. The reference signs in the claims are provided only as illustrative examples for clarification and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims in any way.

Claims

1. An anchor that can extend through anatomical tissue at a deployment site, the anchor comprising: A distal end forming a distal anchor portion; A proximal end forming a proximal anchor portion; And An intermediate portion located between the distal end and the proximal end, the intermediate portion being configured to extend through anatomical tissue; Wherein: The anchor can transition between an elongated delivery configuration and a deployment configuration; At least the distal anchor portion is formed when the anchor transitions to the deployment configuration by being bent into a configuration extending transversely to the intermediate portion; And The free end of the proximal anchor portion extends away from the deployment site to facilitate access thereto to remove the anchor from the deployment site.

2. The anchor according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the distal anchor portion or the proximal anchor portion is curved.

3. The anchor according to claim 2, wherein the distal anchor portion is curved in a direction transverse to and away from the intermediate portion.

4. The anchor according to any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the distal anchor portion has a free end pointing away from the intermediate portion.

5. The anchor according to any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the distal anchor portion has a free end extending along the anatomical tissue.

6. The anchor according to any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the distal anchor portion has a free end embedded in the anatomical tissue.

7. The anchor according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the proximal anchor portion is curved in a direction transverse to and away from the intermediate portion.

8. The anchor according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the proximal anchor portion has a free end that extends away from the intermediate portion to be graspable to remove the anchor from the deployment site.

9. The anchor according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the anchor can transition from the deployment configuration to the delivery configuration when being pulled into the lumen of a tubular element to be removed from the deployment site.

10. The anchor according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the anchor is formed of a shape memory material.

11. The anchor according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the anchor is formed of wire.

12. The anchor according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the intermediate portion includes a suture.

13. The anchor according to claim 12, wherein the anchor can be removed from the deployment site when the suture is cut.

14. A system for delivering, deploying, and retrieving an anchor relative to anatomical tissue, the system comprising: An anchor having a distal end forming a distal anchor portion, a proximal end forming a proximal anchor portion, and an intermediate portion located between the distal anchor portion and the proximal anchor portion, the anchor being capable of transitioning between an elongated delivery configuration and a deployment configuration; A delivery device, the delivery device including a flexible tubular element defining a lumen therethrough, the lumen configured to hold the anchor in the elongated delivery configuration therein; and A retrieval device, the retrieval device including an anchor engaging element and a tubular element, the anchor engaging element configured to engage the proximal anchor portion to retract the anchor proximally from the deployment site, the tubular element defining a lumen therethrough, the lumen configured to hold the anchor in the elongated delivery configuration.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the proximal anchor portion has a free end extending away from the intermediate portion of the anchor to be graspable by the retrieval device to remove the anchor from the deployment site.

Images