Tissue anchors that minimize migration and maximize engagement

Abstract

A tissue anchor for securing an implantable device to tissue, such as soft tissue. The anchor includes a tissue-engaging portion having a tissue-engaging configuration that reinforces, improves, enhances, etc., the anchor's engagement, grip, grasp, etc. with the body tissue in which the anchor is implanted. In some embodiments, the tissue-engaging portion clamps, pinches, or compresses tissue between sections of the tissue-engaging portion to grip or otherwise engage the tissue. In some embodiments, sections of the tissue-engaging portion expand or otherwise extend away from other portions of the anchor to enhance engagement of the anchor with the tissue. In some embodiments, sections of the tissue-engaging portion can flare outward to drive further into the tissue in a direction across other portions of the anchor.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to the field of implantable medical devices. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to the field of devices implantable within body tissue. In particular, the present disclosure relates to medical devices, systems, and methods for cardiac treatments such as annuloplasty. [Background technology]

[0002] Mitral regurgitation (MI), also called mitral regurgitation or mitral regurgitation, is a form of cardiac disease in which the mitral valve annulus becomes overly dilated and the leaflets no longer effectively close or coapt during systolic contraction. Regurgitation of blood may occur during ventricular contraction, resulting in reduced cardiac output. Surgical and endoluminal annuloplasty techniques, including transcatheter repair, have been introduced that aim to restore the mitral valve to its native or improved configuration, for example by implanting annuloplasty rings or other implantable devices around the annulus.

[0003] One difficulty encountered when implanting devices in the heart is anchoring and securing the implant in soft materials, such as cardiac tissue, for extended periods of time without migration or withdrawal of the anchors.

[0004] Devices, systems, and methods that may reinforce or enhance the positioning or connection of the implantable device at the implantation site (e.g., when the implantable device is tightened or otherwise manipulated to modify the annulus configuration or after a procedure is completed) and / or reduce migration (shifting or loosening) of the implantable device relative to the treatment site and / or reduce potential tissue damage at the treatment site would be welcomed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This Summary of the disclosure is provided to aid in understanding, as those skilled in the art will appreciate that various aspects and features of the disclosure can each be used advantageously separately in some cases and in combination with other aspects and features of the disclosure in other cases. No limitation as to the scope of the claimed subject matter is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this Summary.

[0006] In accordance with various principles of the present disclosure, a tissue anchor is disclosed having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end configured for insertion into body tissue, the anchor comprising an anchor head at the proximal end and an anchor shaft extending distally from the anchor head to a distal end of the anchor. The anchor shaft includes a tissue engaging portion and a drive portion, the tissue engaging portion being movable relative to the drive portion to shift between an insertion configuration and a tissue engaging configuration. The insertion configuration facilitates insertion of the anchor into tissue and the tissue engaging configuration enhances engagement of the anchor shaft with the tissue.

[0007] In some embodiments, the driver includes a lead screw configured to drive the anchor into the tissue. In some embodiments, the tissue engaging portion includes anchor sections that compress to clamp tissue therebetween as the tissue engaging portion shifts from the insertion configuration to the tissue engaging configuration, hi some embodiments, the anchor sections include helical coils that move closer together as the tissue engaging portion shifts from the insertion configuration to the tissue engaging configuration to grip tissue therebetween to enhance engagement of the anchors with the tissue.

[0008] In various embodiments, the tissue engaging portion includes an anchor section that extends radially outward as the tissue engaging portion shifts from the insertion configuration to the tissue engaging configuration. In some embodiments, the anchor section buckles outward as the tissue engaging portion shifts from the insertion configuration to the tissue engaging configuration. In some embodiments, the anchor section flares radially outward as the tissue engaging portion shifts from the insertion configuration to the tissue engaging configuration. In some embodiments, the anchor section includes barbs that flare outward from the retracted configuration as the tissue engaging portion shifts from the insertion configuration to the tissue engaging configuration. In some embodiments, the anchor section includes a helical coil having ends that flare outward as the tissue engaging portion shifts from the insertion configuration to the tissue engaging configuration.

[0009] In some embodiments, the driver is disposed within the tissue engaging portion, the tissue engaging portion including an outer anchor section that is movable relative to the driver to shift between an insertion configuration and a tissue engaging configuration.

[0010] In some embodiments, the tissue engaging portion is disposed within the drive portion and includes an anchor section, the anchor section being movable relative to the drive portion from a retracted position within the drive portion when the tissue engaging portion is in the insertion configuration to an extended position extending outwardly from the drive portion when the tissue engaging portion is in the tissue engaging configuration.

[0011] In various embodiments, a proximal end of the drive engages a proximal end of the tissue engaging portion to inhibit relative rotational movement between the drive and the tissue engaging portion when the tissue engaging portion is in the insertion configuration, and the proximal end of the drive and the proximal end of the tissue engaging portion are movable out of engagement to allow relative rotational movement between the drive and the tissue engaging portion to shift the tissue engaging portion into the tissue engaging configuration. In some embodiments, the relative rotational movement between the drive and the tissue engaging portion allows axial movement of at least a portion of the tissue engaging portion relative to the drive to allow the tissue engaging portion to shift into the tissue engaging configuration.

[0012] In accordance with various principles of the present disclosure, an implantable device is provided that includes a frame member and at least one anchor coupled to the frame member, the at least one anchor having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end configured for insertion into body tissue, the anchor including an anchor head at a proximal end of the anchor, an anchor shaft extending distally from the anchor head to a distal end of the anchor, and a tissue-engaging portion shiftable between an insertion configuration that facilitates insertion of the anchor into tissue and a tissue-engaging configuration that enhances engagement of the anchor within tissue into which the anchor is inserted.

[0013] In various embodiments, the anchor shaft comprises a tissue engaging portion and further comprises a drive portion, the tissue engaging portion being movable relative to the drive portion to shift between the insertion configuration and the tissue engaging configuration, and the system further comprises an anchor cover configured to engage the anchor head to facilitate relative movement between the tissue engaging portion and the drive portion. In some embodiments, the anchor cover is configured to hold the tissue engaging portion axially relative to the drive portion when the anchor is in the insertion configuration to allow the drive portion to be moved axially out of engagement with the tissue engaging portion to allow the tissue engaging portion to move relative to the drive portion into the tissue engaging configuration. In some embodiments, the anchor cover is configured to engage a proximal end of the tissue engaging portion to inhibit rotation of the proximal end of the tissue engaging portion relative to the proximal end of the drive portion, while relative rotation between the drive portion and the tissue engaging portion allows axial movement of the distal end of the tissue engaging portion to shift the tissue engaging portion into the tissue engaging configuration.

[0014] In accordance with various principles of the present disclosure, a method of implanting an implantable device into soft tissue includes advancing an anchor coupled to the implantable device into the soft tissue, and, after the anchor is inserted into the soft tissue, shifting the anchor from an insertion configuration to a tissue engaging configuration in which the anchor has an increased grip on the tissue to enhance fixation of the implantable device to the tissue.

[0015] In various embodiments, the anchor includes a driver and a tissue-engaging portion, and the method further includes driving the driver into the tissue and moving the tissue-engaging portion relative to the driver to enhance engagement of the anchor with the tissue, hi some embodiments, the method further includes rotating the driver to move the tissue-engaging portion into the tissue-engaging configuration.

[0016] These and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent from the following detailed description, and the scope of the claimed invention is set forth in the appended claims. Although the following disclosure is presented in terms of aspects or embodiments, it should be understood that each aspect may be claimed separately or in combination with aspects and features of that embodiment or any other embodiment.

[0017] Non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure are described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are schematic and are not intended to be drawn to scale. The accompanying drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only, and the dimensions, positions, order and relative sizes reflected in the figures within the drawings may vary. For example, devices may be enlarged so that details are discernible, but are intended to be reduced in relation to, for example, fitting within a working channel of a delivery catheter or endoscope. In the figures, identical, nearly identical or equivalent elements are typically represented by the same characters, and similar elements are typically designated by similar reference numbers that differ by 100, and redundant descriptions are omitted. For the sake of clarity and conciseness, not every element is labeled in every figure, nor every element of each embodiment is shown unless illustration is necessary to enable a person skilled in the art to understand the present disclosure.

[0018] The detailed description will be better understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are designated with like reference characters and in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1]1 is a schematic diagram of a human heart valve with an example of a heart valve implant device shown implanted in the valve annulus using anchors formed in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view of a heart valve implant device having example anchors formed in accordance with various principles of the present disclosure; [Diagram 3] 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an anchor formed in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure; [Figure 4] 4 is an elevational view of an anchor similar to FIG. 3 in a tissue engaging configuration according to various aspects of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] 4 is a cross-sectional view of an anchor similar to FIG. 3; [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view of an example anchor cover that may be used with an anchor formed in accordance with various principles of the present disclosure; [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a top end view of the anchor cover similar to FIG. 6; [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an anchor formed in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional view of an anchor similar to that of FIG. 8 . [Figure 10] 9 is an elevational view of an anchor similar to FIG. 8 in a tissue engaging configuration according to various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an anchor formed in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] 12 is a cross-sectional view of an anchor similar to that of FIG. 11 . [Figure 13] 12 is an elevational view of an anchor similar to FIG. 11 in a tissue engaging configuration according to various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an anchor formed in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure and shown in a tissue engaging configuration in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] 16 is a perspective cross-sectional view of an anchor similar to FIG. 15 in an insertion configuration according to various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] 15 is a cross-sectional view of an anchor similar to FIG. 14 in a tissue engaging configuration according to various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 17]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an anchor formed in accordance with various principles of the present disclosure and shown in a tissue engaging configuration in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure; [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an anchor formed in accordance with various principles of the present disclosure and shown in a tissue engaging configuration in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure; [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an anchor formed in accordance with various principles of the present disclosure and shown in a tissue engaging configuration in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure; [Figure 20] 20 is a cross-sectional view of an anchor similar to that of FIG. 19; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings illustrating exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described, and may therefore vary. All devices, systems, and methods discussed herein are examples of devices, systems, and / or methods implemented according to one or more principles of the disclosure. Each example of an embodiment is provided for illustration purposes, and is merely an example, not the only way to implement these principles. Thus, references to elements, structures, or features in the drawings should be understood as references to example embodiments of the disclosure, and not as limiting the disclosure to the specific elements, structures, or features shown. Other examples of ways to implement the disclosed principles will occur to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure. Indeed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit of the present subject matter. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield still further embodiments. Thus, it is intended that the present subject matter encompass such modifications and variations that come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0021] It will be understood that the present disclosure is described in this application at various levels of detail. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for one of ordinary skill in the art to understand the present disclosure or that would make other details difficult to appreciate may be omitted. The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing certain embodiments only and are not intended to be limiting beyond the scope of the appended claims. Unless otherwise defined, technical terms used herein should be understood as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. All of the devices and / or methods disclosed and claimed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure.

[0022] As used herein, "proximal" refers to a direction or location closest to a user (e.g., a medical professional, clinician, technician, operator, or physician, etc., these terms are used interchangeably without any limitation or otherwise intended) such as when using the device (e.g., when introducing the device into a patient or during implantation, placement, or delivery), and "distal" refers to a direction or location furthest from a user such as when using the device (e.g., when introducing the device into a patient or during implantation, placement, or delivery). "Longitudinal" means extending along the longer or greater dimension of an element. "Center" means at least approximately bisecting the center point, and "central axis" means, with respect to an opening, a line that at least approximately bisects the center point of the opening and that extends longitudinally along the length of the opening when the opening comprises, for example, a tubular element, strut, channel, or bore.

[0023] In accordance with principles of the present disclosure, the anchor is configured to improve engagement with tissue (e.g., soft tissue) to improve retention of the anchor and fixation of the implantable device at a treatment site (e.g., tissue at a treatment site in or on a human body). In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, the anchor is configured to have at least one tissue-engaging portion that moves or shifts between an insertion configuration that facilitates insertion of the anchor into tissue and a tissue-engaging configuration that improves retention of the anchor in tissue in which the anchor is implanted. In some embodiments, the anchor has an anchor head and an anchor shaft, and the tissue-engaging portion is a portion of the anchor shaft. In some embodiments, the anchor includes a driver coupled with the tissue-engaging portion and configured to drive the anchor into the tissue. The driver may include a lead screw configured to be driven into and engaged with the tissue. In the insertion configuration, the tissue-engaging portion may be substantially compact or otherwise disposed near and / or aligned with the driver to facilitate insertion of the tissue-engaging portion into the tissue together with the driver. In some embodiments, the tissue-engaging portion moves between the insertion configuration and the tissue-engaging configuration when the driver actuates the tissue-engaging portion. For example, in some embodiments, relative movement between the tissue engaging portion and the drive portion allows or causes the tissue engaging portion to move between the insertion configuration and the tissue engaging configuration, such as by relative rotational movement, In some embodiments, the tissue engaging portion and the drive portion are selectively rotationally coupled to rotate together and selectively decoupled to allow relative rotation therebetween.

[0024] Improved tissue anchors formed in accordance with various principles of the present disclosure include a tissue-engaging portion having a tissue-engaging configuration that enhances, improves, enhances, etc., the engagement, grip, grasp, etc., of the anchor with the body tissue into which it is implanted. In some embodiments, the tissue-engaging portion clamps, pinches, or compresses the tissue between sections of the tissue-engaging portion to grip or otherwise engage the tissue. In some embodiments, sections of the tissue-engaging portion expand or otherwise extend away from other portions of the anchor to provide further embedment into the tissue, or to increase the footprint or surface area of ​​the tissue-engaging portion relative to the tissue, and / or to enhance retention within the tissue, inhibit or prevent anchor backout or otherwise, and / or minimize or eliminate tissue "walk", etc. Alternatively or additionally, sections of the tissue-engaging portion may flare outward to drive further into the tissue in a direction across other portions of the anchor.

[0025] Improved anchors formed according to one or more aspects or principles of the present disclosure may be provided on an implantable device (e.g., coupled or attached to the implantable device) and used to secure or anchor the implantable device to tissue at a treatment site. One or more anchors may be provided. An actuator, drive shaft or driver (these terms are used interchangeably herein without limitation) may engage the anchor to advance or drive the anchor into tissue and, optionally, retract the anchor as needed. In some embodiments, the anchor includes a latch or coupler configured to be engaged with an actuator, or another latch configured to be provided on a delivery and / or deployment device to deliver and / or deploy and / or adjust and / or otherwise steer or manipulate the implantable device.

[0026] According to certain aspects of the disclosure, in certain embodiments in which the tissue-engaging portion and the drive portion of the anchor are selectively rotationally coupled or decoupled, the drive portion may be configured to shift the tissue-engaging portion between the insertion configuration and the tissue-engaging configuration when in a rotationally coupled or decoupled position relative to the tissue-engaging portion. In some embodiments, the drive portion and the tissue-engaging portion rotate together to be driven into tissue. The drive portion and the tissue-engaging portion may then be disengaged or decoupled from one another, with the drive portion rotating relative to the tissue-engaging portion causing or enabling the tissue-engaging portion to change configuration from the insertion configuration to the tissue-engaging configuration. An actuator may be used to rotate the tissue-engaging portion and the drive portion together, and to rotate the drive portion separately (without rotating the tissue-engaging portion). In some embodiments, the tissue engaging portion and the drive portion are interengaged, coupled, interlocked, etc. (these terms are used interchangeably herein without limitation) to rotate together, and an anchor cover may be provided to disengage, decouple, separate, etc. the tissue engaging portion and the drive portion, or to allow the tissue engaging portion to be shifted from the insertion configuration to the tissue engaging configuration, such as by separate actuation of the drive portion and the tissue engaging portion, such as actuation of the drive portion separate from the tissue engaging portion. An anchor cover may additionally or alternatively be used to maintain a desired relative position between the tissue engaging portion and the drive portion.

[0027] According to aspects of the present disclosure, an implantable device is provided with at least one improved anchor. The anchor may be considered as a part of the implantable device or independent of the implantable device. The implantable device has a body member or body or a frame member or frame (these terms are used interchangeably herein without any limitation intended), and one or more anchors are coupled to the implantable device, such as the body or frame of the implantable device, and are shaped and configured to secure, fix or anchor the implantable device to tissue. One or more of the anchors are formed according to various principles of the present disclosure to enhance, improve, enhance, etc., the engagement, grip, grip, etc. of the anchor with the tissue into which it is implanted, as described above. The implantable device may be configured for custom reconstruction of a heart valve, such as the mitral valve. In some embodiments, the frame is a generally tubular frame having a proximal end and a distal end, and at least one of the improved anchors extends distally from the distal end of the frame and is advanceable into the heart tissue. In some embodiments, the frame is formed of a plurality of struts, with adjacent struts forming a proximal apice at a proximal end of the frame and a distal apice at a distal end of the frame. Anchors formed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure may be provided at one or more of the distal apices for anchoring the implantable device to tissue. Improved configurations of the anchors may enhance tissue engagement and / or anchor retention and / or inhibit or prevent tissue "migration" and / or anchor backout, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the implantable device.

[0028] These and other beneficial aspects of the improved tissue anchors, implantable devices having the improved anchors, and methods of using the improved tissue anchors and deploying implants having one or more improved anchors are described in more detail below. Although embodiments of the present disclosure may be described with specific reference to the mitral valve, the principles disclosed herein may be readily adapted to facilitate reconstruction of any valve annulus, including, for example, the tricuspid annulus, and / or may similarly benefit any other dilatation, valvular insufficiency, valvular leakage, and other similar heart failure conditions. Additionally, the principles disclosed herein may be applied to other implantable devices other than those implanted in the heart.

[0029] Various embodiments of the improved tissue anchors, implantable devices having the improved tissue anchors, and methods of use thereof will now be described with reference to examples shown in the accompanying drawings. References herein to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "other embodiments," etc. indicate that one or more particular features, structures, and / or characteristics according to the principles of the present disclosure may be included in association with the embodiments. However, such references do not necessarily mean that all embodiments include the particular features, structures, and / or characteristics, or that an embodiment includes all features, structures, and / or characteristics. Some embodiments may include one or more such features, structures, and / or characteristics in various combinations thereof. Furthermore, references in various places herein to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "other embodiments," etc. are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are they necessarily mutually exclusive separate or alternative embodiments with other embodiments. It should be understood that when a particular feature, structure, and / or characteristic is described in association with one embodiment, such feature, structure, and / or characteristic may also be used in association with other embodiments, whether or not expressly described, unless expressly stated to the contrary. It is further understood that such features, structures and / or characteristics may be used or presented singly or in various combinations with one another to create alternative embodiments that are considered part of this disclosure, as it would be too cumbersome to describe all of the many possible combinations and subcombinations of features, structures and / or characteristics. Additionally, various features, structures and / or characteristics are described that may be exhibited by some embodiments but not by other embodiments. Similarly, various features, structures and / or characteristics or requirements are described that may be a feature, structure and / or characteristic or requirement for some embodiments but not for other embodiments. Thus, the present invention is not limited to only the embodiments specifically described herein.

[0030] Referring now to the drawings, it will be understood that in the following description, similar elements or components among the various illustrated embodiments of the anchor are generally designated by the same reference numerals, increased by 100, to avoid redundant description. Common features are identified by common reference elements, and for the sake of brevity, the description of common features will generally not be repeated. For clarity, all component numbers having the same reference numerals have not been labeled.

[0031] An example of an implantable device 100 implanted in a heart valve annulus using a deployment / delivery device or system 102 that may benefit from anchors formed according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 1 and in more detail in FIG. 2. The implantable device 100 in this example is an implantable device for annuloplasty, such as custom remodeling of a heart valve (e.g., a mitral valve as shown, or a tricuspid valve), and can be moved between and among collapsed and expanded configurations to modify the shape of the annulus VA to which it is implanted / anchored. An imaging catheter 104 may be used to identify the location of the treatment site TS where the implantable device 100 is delivered / deployed and implanted, and / or to observe the configuration and / or position of the implantable device 100 during implantation and adjustment. Examples of steerable delivery devices and systems with various deployment and imaging capabilities are described in U.S. Patent No. 10,335,275, “Methods For Deployment of Heart Valve Devices Using Intravascular Ultrasound Imaging,” issued July 2, 2019, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Upon reaching the treatment site TS, the implantable device 100, which may be held in a compressed, retracted, or unexpanded (these terms are used interchangeably herein without limitation) configuration by a retention device or delivery device or otherwise, becomes expandable for deployment, deployment, and implantation, as shown in FIG. 1. For example, if the frame is formed of a shape memory or superelastic material (e.g., Nitinol) that is biased toward an expanded state, expansion may occur naturally. In alternative embodiments, expansion may be mechanically controlled, for example, using a force exerted within the frame by use of an expandable deployment device (e.g., an inflatable balloon, etc.).

[0032] With reference to FIG. 2, the illustrated example of an implantable device 100 includes a frame member 110 that may be positioned near a heart valve or other cardiac feature. The frame member 110 may be, but need not be, generally symmetrical about a central frame axis FA. The frame member 110 may form a generally tubular shape. As used herein, the term "tubular" is understood to include circular and other rounded or otherwise closed shapes. The frame member 110 may be configured to change shape, size, dimensions, and / or configuration. For example, the frame member 110 may assume various shapes, sizes, dimensions, configurations, etc. during different stages of deployment, such as pre-delivery, delivery, tissue engagement, anchoring, adjustment (e.g., tightening), etc.

[0033] The frame member 110 may be formed from one or more struts 112, which may form all or a portion of the frame member 110. The struts 112 may include elongated structural members formed from a shape memory material, such as a metal alloy, an alloy of nickel titanium or other metals, a metal alloy, a plastic, a polymer, a composite, other suitable material, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the struts 112 may be formed from the same monolithic piece of material (e.g., tubing). Thus, references to the struts 112 may refer to different portions of the same coextensive component. Alternatively, references to the struts 112 may refer to components that are formed separately and attached together (optionally permanently, such as by welding or other methods). In some embodiments, the struts 112 may be separate components that are removably coupled to form the proximal and distal tips 114 and 116. Alternatively, if formed from a monolithic piece of material, the material may be cut or otherwise formed to define proximal tip 114 and distal tip 116.

[0034] 2, in the illustrated example of an embodiment of the implantable device 100, a plurality of fastening collars 120 (alternatively referred to as collars, sleeves, fastening sleeves, sliders or nuts, which terms are used interchangeably herein without intended limitation and will generally be referred to as collars for brevity) are carried at the proximal end 111 of the frame member 110, at the proximal tip 114 of the frame member 110, and a plurality of tissue anchors 1000 are carried at the distal end 113 of the frame member 110, such as along the distal tip 116 of the frame member 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the proximal end 111 of the frame member 110 is directed proximally towards and engaged or carried by the delivery / deployment system 102, and the distal end 113 of the frame member 110 is the end that extends distally from the delivery / deployment system 102 and is engaged with the treatment site TS. It will be understood that alternative configurations of frame member 110, such as depending on the manner and orientation in which implantable device 100 is delivered, are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

[0035] The collar 120 is advanced or retracted relative to the proximal tip 114 over which it rests, thereby adjusting the relative positions of the struts 112 joined at such tip. Such adjustment results in adjustment of at least one of the size, shape, configuration, dimensions, etc. of the frame member 110 (e.g., retraction / compression or expansion of the frame as adjacent struts 112 move closer or farther apart, respectively) to affect at least one of the size, shape, configuration, dimensions, etc. of the treatment site TS (e.g., to restore or correct the shape of the annulus for its proper function or capacity). The collar 120 may be adjusted in a variety of ways, such as by engaging a threaded collar actuator 130 that engages threads in the collar 120, causing axial movement of the collar 120 by rotation of the collar actuator 130 (held against axial movement). If desired, a latch 132 may be provided on the collar actuator 130 for engagement by a latch on an actuator provided to actuate (e.g., move, advance, retract, etc.) the collar 120.

[0036] Generally, each anchor 1000 is associated with a different distal tip 116. In some embodiments, the anchors 1000 advance through an anchor housing 1002 coupled to the frame member 110. The anchors 1000 are advanced distally relative to the frame member 110 into the valve annulus VA to implant or adjust the position of the frame member 110, and are retracted to remove or adjust the position of the frame member 110. The anchors 1000 may generally include an anchor head 1010 at a proximal end 1001 of the anchor 1000 and an anchor shaft 1020 extending distally from the anchor head 1010 toward a distal end 1003 of the anchor 1000. The anchor shaft 1020 may include a helical portion or section such that rotation of the anchor 1000 advances or retracts the anchor 1000 relative to the frame member 110. An anchor shaft 1020 (such as in the form of a helical shaft) may be coupled to and extend through a portion of an associated distal tip 116 of the frame member 110, with or without an associated anchor housing 1002. A latch 1012 may be provided or formed on the anchor head 1010 and configured to be engaged by a corresponding latch of an actuator provided to actuate (e.g., move, advance, retract, etc.) the anchor 1000.

[0037] An anchor 1000 formed according to various principles of the present disclosure has one or more configurations including an insertion configuration, such as a compact configuration that facilitates insertion into tissue, and a tissue engagement configuration that is shaped to enhance engagement of the anchor 1000 with tissue, such as to enhance retention of an implantable device secured to tissue by the anchor 1000. In some embodiments, an anchor 1000 having two or more configurations has an anchor shaft 1020 having at least two portions that are movable relative to one another to shift the anchor shaft 1020 between the insertion configuration and the tissue engagement configuration.

[0038] In one embodiment formed in accordance with various principles of the present disclosure, as shown in Figures 3-5, an anchor 1100 includes an anchor head 1110 at a proximal end 1101 of the anchor 1100 and an anchor shaft 1120 extending distally from the anchor head 1110 to a distal end 1103 of the anchor 1100. The illustrated anchor shaft 1120 includes a drive portion 1130 and a tissue engaging portion 1140. Actuation of the anchor head 1110 (such as upon rotation of a latch 1112 extending proximally from the anchor head 1110) drives the drive portion 1130 into tissue (or retracts therefrom, in the case of movement in the opposite direction). The drive portion 1130 and the tissue engaging portion 1140 may be rotationally coupled to rotate together when the anchor 1100 is in an insertion configuration as shown in Figure 3. As can be seen, in the insertion configuration, the tissue engagement portion 1140 extends generally axially relative to the longitudinal axis LA of the anchor 1100 and is generally aligned with at least the lead screw 1132 section of the drive portion 1130 of the anchor shaft 1120, such as to facilitate insertion into tissue.

[0039] Once the anchor shaft 1120 has been advanced sufficiently to secure the anchor 1100 to tissue, the anchor 1100 may be allowed to shift or transform into a tissue-engaging configuration, as shown in Figure 4. In the tissue-engaging configuration, the tissue-engaging portion 1140 may be reconfigured, shifted, deformed, or otherwise configured into an enhanced gripping configuration, or into an anchoring shape or configuration, or into a tissue-engaging shape or configuration (these terms are used interchangeably herein without limitation with each other and with other related terms). In the example shown in Figures 3 and 4, the tissue-engaging portion 1140 has an outer anchor section 1142 that changes or shifts its shape or configuration to enhance its grip on the tissue into which it is inserted. 3-5, the outer anchor section 1142 is in the form of a coiled outer anchor section in which at least some of the turns of the coiled section are compressed from an insertion configuration (as shown in FIG. 3), in which there may be gaps between each turn of the coiled outer anchor section 1142 of the tissue engaging portion 1140, to a tissue engaging configuration (as shown in FIG. 4) in which at least some of the turns of the coiled section are closer together. The movement of the turns of the coiled outer anchor section 1142 of the tissue engaging portion 1140 closer together may cause the anchor 1100 to be inserted when in the insertion configuration, and tissue extending between the turns of the coiled outer anchor section 1142 to be pinched or otherwise grasped, thereby enhancing or enhancing the grip or grip (these terms are used interchangeably herein without limitation) of the anchor 1100 on the tissue by the tissue engaging portion 1140.

[0040] As can be appreciated, for the anchor 1100 to shift between the configurations in the embodiment of Figures 3-5, the driver 1130 and tissue engaging portion 1140, or at least a portion of the driver 1130 and tissue engaging portion 1140, move relative to one another. In the embodiment of Figures 3-5, the driver 1130 and tissue engaging portion 1140 selectively move axially (along the longitudinal axis LA of the anchor 1100) and rotate together and relative to one another. In particular, in the insertion configuration, the driver 1130 and tissue engaging portion 1140 are engaged or coupled to one another to rotate together during insertion of the anchor 1100 into tissue (such as facilitated by rotation of the latch 1112 of the anchor head 1110 to drive the anchor 1100 into tissue) and generally do not move axially relative to one another. To shift to a tissue engaging configuration (as shown in Figure 4), the tissue engaging portion 1140 can move relative to the driver 1130 to shift into the tissue engaging configuration.

[0041] In the embodiment of FIGS. 3-5, the driver 1130 may be in the form of and / or include a lead screw 1132 configured to facilitate insertion of the anchor 1100 and / or penetration of tissue and / or driving of the anchor 1000 into tissue. For example, the lead screw 1132 may include a sharpened distal end 1133 and external threads 1135 that facilitate penetration and / or advancement of the lead screw 1132 into tissue. Advancement of the lead screw 1132 also advances the tissue engaging portion 1140 of the anchor 1100 into tissue, generally when the driver 1130 and tissue engaging portion 1140 are rotationally coupled such that they rotate together. Such coupling may be accomplished in a variety of ways within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in the embodiment of Figures 3-5, as can be most readily seen with reference to Figure 3, the drive portion 1130 and tissue engaging portion 1140 are rotationally locked (e.g., limited) against relative rotational movement by engagement such as by interlocking elements 1134, 1144 (e.g., a keyway or detent engaging a key or protrusion) at their respective proximal ends 1131, 1141 (which may be considered to form the anchor head 1110). More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the proximal end 1131 of the drive portion 1130 includes a keyway or detent 1134 into which a key or protrusion 1144 on the proximal end 1141 of the tissue engaging portion 1140 extends to inhibit or prevent rotational movement between the drive portion 1130 and the tissue engaging portion 1140. It will be understood that the reverse arrangement (tissue engaging portion 1140 having a keyway or detent and driver 1130 having a key or protrusion) is within the scope of the present disclosure. Optionally, a flange 1136 may be formed on the proximal end 1131 of driver 1130 (within which the keyway 1134 is formed) to inhibit or prevent further distal movement of driver 1130 relative to tissue engaging portion 1140 and further proximal movement of driver 1130 relative to tissue engaging portion 1140.

[0042] Once the anchor 1100 is sufficiently inserted into tissue at the treatment site TS, the tissue engaging portion 1140 may be actuated to shift into the tissue engaging configuration. In the embodiment of FIGS. 3-5, the driver 1130 may actuate the tissue engaging portion 1140 to shift into the tissue engaging configuration. In particular, continued rotation of the driver 1130 may actuate the tissue engaging portion 1140 to shift into the tissue engaging configuration. Such actuation may be accomplished by a portion of the tissue engaging portion 1140 being rotatable relative to the driver 1130 and by a distal portion of the tissue engaging portion 1140 being movable relative to the driver 1130 while a proximal portion of the tissue engaging portion 1140 is restrained from axially moving toward the proximal portion of the driver 1130. As can be seen with reference to FIG. 5, the tissue engaging portion 1140 may include a drive section 1146 having internal threads 1145 that engage external threads 1135 of the lead screw 1132 section of the driver 1130. In some embodiments, the internal threads 1145 are formed in an inner surface of the drive section 1146 (such as a cylindrical section having a greater axial extent along the longitudinal axis LA of the anchor 1100 than the individual turns of the coiled outer anchor section 1142). In other embodiments, a nut having internal threads 1145 for engaging the external threads 1135 of the lead screw 1132 is formed in (e.g., machined as part of) the tissue engaging portion 1140 or formed separately thereon. In general, the drive section 1146 may be provided adjacent the distal end 1143 of the tissue engaging portion 1140 for engaging the distal end 1133 of the drive section 1130. However, positions more proximal than those shown are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0043] To actuate the tissue engaging portion 1140, the driver 1130 and the tissue engaging portion 1140 may be released from rotational engagement such that they are rotatable relative to one another. In some embodiments, the driver 1130 may be moved to disengage the interlocking elements 1134, 1144, resulting in axial movement relative to the tissue engaging portion 1140, such as by axially moving the driver 1130 relative to the tissue engaging portion 1140. If a flange 1136 is provided on the proximal end 1131 of the driver 1130, axial movement of the driver 1130 may move the flange 1136 proximally away from a protrusion 1144 on the proximal end 1141 of the tissue engaging portion 1140, allowing rotation of the driver 1130 relative to the tissue engaging portion 1140 (e.g., by allowing the flange 1136 to rotate on the protrusion 1144). Continued rotation of the drive section 1130 relative to the tissue engaging portion 1140 while the drive section 1146 remains rotationally engaged with the lead screw 1132 causes the drive section 1146 to move axially proximally along the lead screw 1132 section of the drive section 1130. As the drive section 1146 moves proximally, the coiled outer anchor section 1142 pinches or compresses the turns of its coil, gripping or pinching tissue therebetween, thereby enhancing the grip or grip on the tissue into which the anchor 1100 has been inserted. Once the anchor 1100 is sufficiently secured, the drive section 1130 and the tissue engaging portion 1140 may be re-engaged, such as to inhibit or prevent relative rotational movement therebetween, thereby retaining the tissue engaging portion 1140 in the tissue engaging configuration shown in FIG.

[0044] As can be appreciated, the driver 1130 may be moved axially by engagement and axial movement of the latch 1112 of the proximal end 1131 of the driver 1130. To facilitate axial movement of the driver 1130 relative to the tissue engaging portion 1140, an anchor cover 140 as shown in Figures 6 and 7 may be used. As can be appreciated with reference to Figure 6, the anchor cover 140 includes an anchor engaging distal end 143 configured to engage the proximal end 1101 of the anchor 1100. The anchor engaging distal end 143 of the anchor cover 140 may include a notch 145 in which a protrusion 1144 (which may extend proximally) of the proximal end 1141 of the tissue engaging portion 1140 is received. A distally extending anchor engaging section 146 (which may be in the form of a tab, for example) of the anchor cover 140 retains the proximal end 1141 of the tissue engaging portion 1140 from moving proximally with the drive portion 1130 as the drive portion 1130 moves axially proximally out of engagement with the tissue engaging portion 1140. The anchor engaging section 146 of the anchor cover 140 also laterally engages a protrusion 1144 of the tissue engaging portion 1140 to inhibit rotation of the tissue engaging portion 1140 relative to the drive portion 1130. The distal end 143 of the anchor cover 140 has a passage 144, as can be seen in FIG. 7, through which the proximal end 1131 of the drive portion 1130 may extend proximally to facilitate disengagement of the anchor shaft 1120 from the tissue engaging portion 1140 to allow relative rotation between the drive portion 1130 and the tissue engaging portion 1140. To re-engage the driver 1130 and the tissue engaging portion 1140, tension on the latch 1212 on the proximal end 1131 of the driver 1130 can be released.

[0045] It will be understood that various other configurations of an anchor having a shaft with a portion that shifts between two or more configurations are within the scope of the present disclosure. Another embodiment of an anchor 1200 formed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure having an anchor shaft 1220 (extending distally from an anchor head 1210) that shifts between two or more configurations is shown in Figures 8-10. The anchor 1200 of Figures 8-10 has a tissue engaging portion 1240 that moves between an insertion configuration and a tissue engaging configuration. In the insertion configuration (shown in Figures 8 and 9), the tissue engaging portion 1240 extends substantially axially relative to the longitudinal axis LA of the anchor 1200 and is substantially aligned with at least the lead screw 1232 section of the drive portion 1230 of the anchor shaft 1220 (such as to facilitate insertion into tissue). In the tissue engaging configuration, the tissue engaging portion 1240 has an outer anchor section 1242. The outer anchor section 1242 changes or shifts its shape or configuration, such as by expanding or stretching outwardly, to enhance engagement of the anchor 1200 with the tissue in which it is implanted. More specifically, as can be understood with reference to FIGURE 10, the outer anchor section 1242 buckles or bends outwardly in the tissue engaging configuration when the distal end 1243 of the tissue engaging portion 1240 is moved proximally.

[0046] Similar to the anchor 1100 shown in Figures 3-5, the tissue engaging portion 1240 of the anchor 1200 of Figures 8-10 can include a drive section 1246, as shown, for example, in Figure 9, having internal threads 1245 that engage with external threads 1235 of the lead screw 1232 section of the drive portion 1230. The proximal end 1231 of the drive portion 1230 and the proximal end 1241 of the tissue engaging portion 1240 can each be engaged to rotate together or disengaged to not rotate together (and can be considered together to form the anchor head 1210 of the anchor 1200) as described above with respect to the embodiment of Figures 3-5. For simplicity of explanation, reference is made to the discussion of engagement and movement of the drive portion 1130 and tissue engaging portion 1140 of the anchor 1100 of Figures 3-5, and the general principles thereof may be applied to the drive portion 1230 and tissue engaging portion 1240 of the anchor 1200 of Figures 8-10. As the drive portion 1230 is disengaged from the tissue engaging portion 1240 (e.g., by moving proximally to move the proximal end 1231 of the drive portion 1230 and the proximal end 1241 of the tissue engaging portion 1240 out of rotational locking engagement) and continues to be rotated (e.g., upon engagement and rotation of the latch 1212 by the drive actuator), the internal threads 1245 of the drive section 1246 advance proximally along the external threads 1235 of the lead screw 1232 section of the drive portion 1230. As the proximal end 1241 of the tissue engaging portion 1240 is held against axial movement (such as by an anchor cover 140 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 and described with reference to the embodiment of FIGS. 3-5), the drive section 1246 (and the distal end 1243 of the tissue engaging portion 1240) moves proximally, causing the outer anchor section 1242 to buckle outward. In some embodiments, the outer anchor section 1242 of the tissue engaging portion 1240 is defined by a slit 1247 extending longitudinally within the tissue engaging portion 1240 between the proximal and distal ends 1241 and 1243 of the tissue engaging portion 1240, allowing the outer anchor section 1242 to buckle, expand or stretch outward (these terms are used interchangeably herein without limitation). By applying a laser cut bias, the walls of the outer anchor section 1242 may buckle distally / outwardly in a desired configuration.

[0047] Similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 3-5, the internal threads 1245 of the drive section 1246 of the anchor 1200 of FIGS. 8-10 may be formed directly on the inner surface of the drive section 1246, or a nut may be formed (e.g., machined as part of) or separately formed on the tissue engaging portion 1240. Generally, the drive section 1246 may be provided adjacent the distal end 1243 of the tissue engaging portion 1240 for engaging the distal end 1233 of the drive portion 1230. However, locations more proximal than the illustrated location are within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the distal end 1243 of the tissue engaging portion 1240 may include a leading distal tip 1248 to assist the optionally sharpened distal end 1233 of the lead screw 1232 in penetrating tissue.

[0048] Another embodiment of an anchor 1300 is shown in Figures 11-13 having an anchor shaft 1320 (extending distally from the anchor head 1310) that is shiftable or movable between an insertion configuration in which the anchor shaft 1320 is shaped and configured to facilitate insertion into tissue and a tissue engagement configuration in which the tissue engagement portion 1340 expands or extends outward to enhance or increase engagement between the anchor shaft 1320 and the tissue into which it is inserted. Instead of a longitudinal slit facilitating expansion of the tissue engagement portion 1340 of the anchor 1300, the outer anchor section 1342 of the tissue engagement portion 1340 of the anchor 1300 shown in Figures 11-13 is formed with multiple (e.g., three) helical coils. A drive section 1346 of tissue engaging portion 1340 of anchor shaft 1320 includes internal threads 1345 that engage with external threads 1335 of a lead screw 1332 section of drive portion 1330 of anchor 1300. As drive section 1346 is moved proximally (such as by rotating drive portion 1330 relative to tissue engaging portion 1340 at its proximal ends 1331, 1341 along anchor head 1310 while being substantially constrained from relative axial movement, such as by engagement with anchor cover 140 as described above), the helical coils of outer anchor section 1342 may expand outwardly and also contract or compress axially, thereby further engaging anchor 1300 into tissue and may clamp or hold tissue between the coils of tissue engaging portion 1340. If desired, the distal end of one or more of the helical coils of the outer anchor section 1342 may include a sharpened end or hook 1348 to facilitate driving the tissue engaging portion 1340 of the anchor shaft 1320 into tissue. The distal end 1333 of the lead screw 1332 may also have a sharpened end. In some embodiments, the helical coil may be configured to flare or flare outward as the tissue engaging portion 1340 moves into the tissue engaging configuration to further increase the footprint of the tissue engaging portion 1340 in tissue.

[0049] Although the drive section 1346 of the tissue engaging portion 1340 is shown adjacent the distal end 1343 of the tissue engaging portion 1340, it will be appreciated that the drive section 1346 may be located further proximally if more independent movement of the distal end of the helical coil of the outer anchor section 1342 is desired. It will further be appreciated that the drive section 1346 may be formed as a separate piece (e.g., a nut) welded or machined to the tissue engaging portion 1340, or may be formed (e.g., laser cut) from a solid piece or section of the tissue engaging portion 1340. Other features, components and sections of the anchor 1300 of Figures 11-13 may be arranged and operate in substantially the same or similar manner as corresponding features, components and sections of the anchor 1100 of Figures 3-5 and / or the anchor 1200 of Figures 8-10. Thus, for simplicity and convenience of description, and without any intended limitation, common elements having common functions are designated with the same reference characters differing in value by 100, and reference is made to the above descriptions of similar elements and operations.

[0050] Another embodiment of an anchor 1400 is shown in Figures 14-18 having an anchor shaft 1420 that is shiftable or movable between an insertion configuration in which the anchor shaft 1420 is shaped and configured to facilitate insertion into tissue, and a tissue engagement configuration in which the tissue engagement portion 1440 expands or extends outward to enhance or increase engagement of the anchor shaft 1420 with the tissue into which it is inserted. In contrast to the above-described embodiments of anchors 1200, 1300 having tissue engagement portions 1240, 1340 with outer anchor sections 1242, 1342 disposed outside or about the inner drive portions 1230, 1330 of the anchors 1200, 1300, the tissue engagement portion 1440 of the anchor 1400 of Figures 14-18 is disposed within the outer drive portion 1430 of the anchor shaft 1420. The outer drive 1430 in the embodiment of Figures 14-18 is in the form of a helical lead screw 1432 which is driven into tissue, such as by engaging a (optionally sharpened) leading distal tip 1438 at a distal end 1433 of the lead screw 1432 with tissue to penetrate the tissue and rotate the drive 1430 (such as by rotating its proximal end 1431 along with the anchor head 1410 with the anchor cover 140) to advance the anchor shaft 1420 into the tissue. The tissue engaging portion 1440 has one or more resiliently biased tissue engaging barbs 1442 which may extend through an opening or window 1437 in the drive portion 1430 of the anchor shaft 1420, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 16, to extend into tissue into which the anchor shaft 1420 is inserted in order to increase the footprint of the anchor shaft 1420 and / or improve engagement of the anchor shaft 1420 with the tissue.

[0051] To shift the tissue engaging portion 1440 of the anchor 1400 of Figures 14-16 from the insertion configuration to the tissue engaging configuration, the tissue engaging portion 1440 is movable relative to the driver 1430. In the insertion configuration, one or more outwardly extending flanges 1436 on the proximal end 1441 of the tissue engaging portion 1440 are retained by a shoulder or flange 1444 on the proximal end 1431 of the driver 1430, as shown in Figure 15, to constrain relative axial movement between the tissue engaging portion 1440 and the driver 1430. Rotation of the tissue engaging portion 1440 relative to the driver 1430 releases the flanges 1436 and a biasing element 1450 (e.g., a spring) biases the tissue engaging portion 1440 proximally relative to the driver 1430, as shown in Figures 14 and 16. As can be seen with reference to FIG. 16, the biasing element 1450 may be disposed between the distal end 1443 of the tissue engaging portion 1440 and the ledge 1439 in the driver 1430, although other arrangements are within the scope of this disclosure. Thus, the tissue engaging barbs 1442 may move from a position where they are constrained or trapped within the driver 1430 (as shown in FIG. 15) to a position where the tissue engaging barbs 1442 may extend outwardly from the anchor shaft 1420, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 16. The tissue engaging barbs 1442 may be resiliently biased to extend outwardly when disposed next to the window 1437 of the driver 1430, such as upon proximal axial movement of the tissue engaging portion 1440 relative to the driver 1430. In some embodiments, the tissue engaging barbs 1442 can be shaped to prevent misalignment with the window 1437 while unlocking the proximal ends 1431, 1441 of the drive portion 1430 and tissue engaging portion 1440 of the anchor shaft 1420, respectively.

[0052] The tissue engaging barbs 1442 may be formed separately from and engaged with other sections of the tissue engaging portion 1440. For example, the tissue engaging barbs 1442 may extend from a ring, collar or base 1449 (these terms are used interchangeably herein without limitation) having a section that engages within one or more grooves 1447 on the exterior of the tissue engaging portion 1440. The tissue engaging barbs 1442 extend through a window 1437 in the driver 1430, whereby they may be constrained from rotational movement relative to the tissue engaging portion 1440 upon extending therethrough. The tissue engaging barbs 1442 may be unconstrained from rotational movement relative to the tissue engaging portion 1440. Preferably, at least a portion of tissue engaging barbs 1442 extend through windows 1437 while tissue engaging portion 1440 is in the insertion configuration to maintain alignment of tissue engaging barbs 1442 with windows 1437 such that when tissue engaging portion 1440 is moved to the tissue engaging configuration, tissue engaging barbs 1442 are positioned to extend radially outward through windows 1437 to the expanded configuration. Once in the expanded configuration, tissue engaging barbs 1442 enhance tissue engagement of anchor 1400 with tissue and / or prevent backout of the anchor and / or prevent "migration" of the tissue.

[0053] It will be understood that various modifications to the tissue engaging portion 1440 similar to the anchor 1400 of FIGS. 14-16 are within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, which illustrates an anchor 1400' with an outer drive portion 1430' in phantom, the tissue engaging barbs 1442' may be formed as two or more components. Notably, while each barb 1442 in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 14-16 extends from a common ring, collar or base 1449, the barbs 1442' in the embodiment of FIG. 17 may extend from a separate base 1449' (e.g., two or more semicircular bases rather than a circular base). Additionally, the bases 1449, 1449', 1449'' in the embodiments of FIGS. 14-18 may be in the form of rings that extend to various degrees around the circumference or periphery of the tissue engaging portion 1440. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 18, which illustrates an anchor 1400'' with an outer drive portion 1430'' in phantom, the base 1449'' may extend only partially around the circumference or periphery of the tissue engaging portion 1440'', leaving a visible gap between the open ring ends of the base 1449''. As can be seen with reference to the various tissue engaging barbs 1442, 1442', 1442'' illustrated in FIGS. 14-18, the number of barbs provided may vary.

[0054] Instead of barbs extending from the inner tissue engaging portion 1440 through windows in the outer drive portion 1430 as in the embodiment of FIGS. 14-18, the anchor 1500 includes tissue engaging barbs 1542 extending from a distal end 1543 of the tissue engaging portion 1540, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20. During insertion of the anchor 1500, the drive portion 1530 (shown in phantom in FIG. 19) and the tissue engaging portion 1540 may be rotationally engaged to rotate together. For example, the anchor head 1510 may be configured to be engaged by the anchor cover 140 such that the anchor cover 140 constrains relative rotation between the drive portion 1530 and the tissue engaging portion 1540. Once the anchor shaft 1520 has been advanced to a desired location within tissue, the tissue engaging portion 1540 may be allowed to rotate relative to the drive portion 1530 (such as by disengaging the anchor cover 140 from the anchor head 1510), thereby allowing relative rotational movement therebetween. As can be understood with reference to FIG. 20, the tissue engaging portion 1540 and the driver 1530 may be threadably engaged (to hold the tissue engaging portion 1540 and the driver 1530 axially together) and continued rotation of the tissue engaging portion 1540 relative to the driver 1530 allows the tissue engaging portion 1540 to advance distally relative to the driver 1530 until the tissue engaging barbs 1542 extend outwardly beyond the outer driver 1530 at a distal end 1543 of the tissue engaging portion 1540 to engage into the tissue into which the anchor 1500 has been inserted. It should be understood that any of the anchors of FIGS. 14-16, 17 or 18 may use a similar threaded engagement of the tissue engaging portion and driver of the anchor 1500 in place of a biasing element to advance the tissue engaging barbs into tissue.

[0055] It should be understood that tissue anchors as described herein may be used in implantable devices such as those shown in Figures 1 and 2, along with associated delivery systems and methods of use, as well as in conjunction with mechanisms for deploying anchors for annular reconstruction or other implantable devices as described in the following patents and patent applications, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes:No. 2010 / 0249920, entitled "DEVICE FOR TRANSLUMINAL RESHAPING OF A MITRAL VALVE ANNULUS," published on September 30, 2010; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 9,180,005, entitled "ADJUSTABLE ENDOLUMINAL MITRAL VALVE RING," published on November 10, 2015; U.S. Patent No. 9,192,471, entitled "DEVICE FOR TRANSLUMENAL RESHAPING OF A MITRAL VALVE ANNULUS," published on November 24, 2015; U.S. Patent No. 9,610,156, entitled "MITRAL VALVE INVERSION PROSTHESES," published on April 4, 2017; U.S. Patent No. 9,610,156, entitled "RECONFIGURING TISSUE FEATURES OF A HEART ANNULUS," published on October 24, 2017; No. 9,795,480 entitled "VALVE REPLACEMENT USING ROTATIONAL ANCHORS" issued on December 26, 2017; U.S. Patent No. 10,321,999 entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RESHAPING A HEART VALVE" issued on June 18, 2019; U.S. Patent No. 10,335,275 entitled "METHODS FOR DELIVERY OF HEART VALVE DEVICES USING INTRAVASCULAR ULTRASOUND IMAGING" issued on July 2, 2019; and U.S. Patent No. 10,335,275 entitled "IMPLANTABLE DEVICE AND DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR RESHAPING A HEART VALVE" issued on February 4, 2020. No. 10,548,731 entitled "IMPLANTABLE DEVICE AND DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR RESHAPING A HEART VALVE ANNULUS" issued on February 11, 2020, and / or U.S. Patent No. 10,555,813 entitled "IMPLANTABLE DEVICE AND DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR RESHAPING A HEART VALVE ANNULUS" issued on February 11, 2020.

[0056] Various embodiments of tissue anchors configured to secure an implantable device to body tissue have been shown and described. Although the embodiments of the present disclosure may be described with particular reference to medical devices and systems for implantation in cardiac tissue (e.g., transluminal devices threaded through the femoral vein, etc.), it should be understood that the disclosed anchors and associated systems and methods may also be used in connection with other implantable devices, such as devices implanted in soft tissue and / or tissue with regular movement that may benefit from enhanced tissue retention capabilities.

[0057] Most of the anchors disclosed herein can be manufactured by CNC (Computer Numerical Control) milling and / or lathes. Some features such as coils, slits and interlocking elements can be made using laser cutting and EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining). Most components can be made from polymers (such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK)) or metals (e.g., Nitinol, stainless steels such as 316L stainless steel, etc.). The barb concepts disclosed herein can be made from Nitinol to accommodate the desired deflection.

[0058] The foregoing discussion has broad applicability and is presented for purposes of illustration and explanation, and is not intended to limit the present disclosure to one or more forms disclosed herein. It will 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 present disclosure. In particular, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the principles of the present disclosure may be embodied in other forms, structures, arrangements, ratios, and with other elements, materials, and components without departing from the concept, spirit, scope, or characteristics thereof. For example, various features of the present disclosure are grouped together in one or more aspects, embodiments, or configurations to facilitate the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that various features of a particular aspect, embodiment, or configuration of the present disclosure may be combined into alternative aspects, embodiments, or configurations. Although the present disclosure is presented with respect to embodiments, it should be understood that the various separate features of the present subject matter need not all be present to achieve at least some of the desired properties and / or benefits of the present subject matter or such individual features. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure may be used with many modifications specifically adapted to a particular environment and operational requirements, or modifications of the structure, arrangement, proportions, materials, components, and other aspects used in the practice of the present disclosure, without departing from the principles, spirit, or scope of the present disclosure. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be comprised of multiple pieces, or elements shown as multiple pieces may be integrally formed, operations of elements may be reversed or otherwise changed, and sizes or dimensions of elements may be changed. Similarly, although operations, actions, or steps are described in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring such a particular order or that all operations, actions, or steps should be performed to achieve desired results. Additionally, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims. In some cases, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results.The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the scope of the claimed subject matter is indicated by the appended claims and is not limited to the foregoing description or to the specific embodiments or configurations described or illustrated herein. In light of the foregoing, it is to be understood that the individual features of any embodiment may be used separately or in combination with the features of that embodiment or any other embodiment and may be claimed, and the scope of the subject matter is indicated by the appended claims and is not limited to the foregoing description.

[0059] From the foregoing description and the claims that follow, it will be understood that: As used herein, the terms "at least one," "one or more," and "and / or" are open-ended expressions that act both conjunctively and disjunctively. Terms such as "a," "an," "the," "first," "second," etc. do not preclude a plurality. For example, the term "a" or "an" entity as used herein refers to one or more of that entity. Thus, the terms "a" (or "an"), "one or more," and "at least one" can be used interchangeably herein. All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, rear, top, bottom, up, down, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, clockwise, counterclockwise, etc.) are used for identification purposes only to aid the reader in understanding this disclosure and / or serve to distinguish regions of related elements from one another, and do not limit the related elements, particularly with respect to the location, orientation, or use of this disclosure. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) should be interpreted broadly and may include intermediate members between groups of elements and relative movement between elements, unless otherwise indicated. Thus, connection references do not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected and in a fixed relationship to one another. 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. The following claims are incorporated by reference into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this disclosure. Reference signs in the claims are provided merely as a clarifying example and shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims in any way.

[0060] The following claims are incorporated by reference into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of the present disclosure. In the claims, the term "comprises" / "comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps. In addition, although individual features may be included in different claims, which may in some cases be advantageously combined, the inclusion in different claims does not imply that the combination of features is not feasible and / or advantageous. In addition, reference to the singular does not exclude a plurality. The terms "a", "an", "the", "first", "second", etc. do not exclude a plurality. Reference signs in the claims are provided merely as a clarifying example and shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims in any way.

Claims

1. 1. A tissue anchor for an implantable device, the tissue anchor having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end configured for insertion into soft tissue of a body, the tissue anchor comprising: an anchor head at the proximal end of the tissue anchor; an anchor shaft extending distally from the anchor head to the distal end of the tissue anchor; Equipped with the anchor shaft comprising a tissue engaging portion and a drive portion, the drive portion configured to drive the anchor shaft into soft tissue of the body; the tissue engaging portion of the anchor shaft is movable relative to the drive portion of the anchor shaft such that when the anchor shaft is inserted into the soft tissue of the body in an insertion configuration, the anchor shaft shifts within the soft tissue of the body from an insertion configuration to a tissue engaging configuration, the insertion configuration of the anchor shaft facilitates insertion of the anchor shaft into the soft tissue of the body, and the tissue engaging configuration of the anchor shaft enhances engagement of the anchor shaft with the soft tissue of the body; A tissue anchor, the tissue engaging portion including anchor sections that compress to sandwich soft tissue of the body therebetween when the tissue engaging portion shifts from the insertion configuration to the tissue engaging configuration.

2. The tissue anchor of claim 1 , wherein the driver comprises a lead screw configured to drive the anchor shaft into the body soft tissue.

3. 2. The tissue anchor of claim 1, wherein the anchor section includes helical coils that move closer to one another as the tissue engaging portion shifts from the insertion configuration to the tissue engaging configuration to grasp the body soft tissue therebetween to enhance engagement of the anchor section with the body soft tissue.

4. The tissue anchor of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the tissue engaging portion includes an anchor section, the anchor section extending radially outward when the tissue engaging portion shifts from the insertion configuration to the tissue engaging configuration.

5. A tissue anchor for an implantable device, the tissue anchor having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end configured for insertion into soft tissue of a body, the tissue anchor comprising: an anchor head at the proximal end of the tissue anchor; an anchor shaft extending distally from the anchor head to the distal end of the tissue anchor; Equipped with the anchor shaft comprising a tissue engaging portion and a drive portion, the drive portion configured to drive the anchor shaft into soft tissue of the body; the tissue engaging portion of the anchor shaft is movable relative to the drive portion of the anchor shaft such that when the anchor shaft is inserted into the soft tissue of the body in an insertion configuration, the anchor shaft shifts within the soft tissue of the body from an insertion configuration to a tissue engaging configuration, the insertion configuration of the anchor shaft facilitates insertion of the anchor shaft into the soft tissue of the body, and the tissue engaging configuration of the anchor shaft enhances engagement of the anchor shaft with the soft tissue of the body; A tissue anchor, the tissue engaging portion including an anchor section, the anchor section buckling outwardly when the tissue engaging portion shifts from the insertion configuration to the tissue engaging configuration.

6. The tissue anchor of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the anchor sections flare radially outwardly when the tissue engaging portion shifts from the insertion configuration to the tissue engaging configuration.

7. A tissue anchor for an implantable device, the tissue anchor having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end configured for insertion into soft tissue of a body, the tissue anchor comprising: an anchor head at the proximal end of the tissue anchor; an anchor shaft extending distally from the anchor head to the distal end of the tissue anchor; Equipped with the anchor shaft comprising a tissue engaging portion and a drive portion, the drive portion configured to drive the anchor shaft into soft tissue of the body; the tissue engaging portion of the anchor shaft is movable relative to the drive portion of the anchor shaft such that when the anchor shaft is inserted into the soft tissue of the body in an insertion configuration, the anchor shaft shifts within the soft tissue of the body from an insertion configuration to a tissue engaging configuration, the insertion configuration of the anchor shaft facilitates insertion of the anchor shaft into the soft tissue of the body, and the tissue engaging configuration of the anchor shaft enhances engagement of the anchor shaft with the soft tissue of the body; A tissue anchor, wherein the tissue engaging portion includes an anchor section, the anchor section including a helical coil having ends that flare outwardly when the tissue engaging portion shifts from the insertion configuration to the tissue engaging configuration.

8. 8. The tissue anchor of claim 1, wherein the driver is disposed within the tissue engaging portion, the tissue engaging portion comprising an outer anchor section movable relative to the driver to shift between the insertion configuration and the tissue engaging configuration.

9. 1. An implantable device comprising: A frame member; At least one anchor coupled to the frame member, the tissue anchor according to any one of claims 1 to 8; 1. An implantable device comprising:

10. 10. The implantable device of claim 9, wherein the tissue engaging portion is movable relative to the drive portion to shift between the insertion configuration and the tissue engaging configuration, and the implantable device further comprises an anchor cover configured to engage the anchor head to facilitate relative movement between the tissue engaging portion and the drive portion.

11. 11. The implantable device of claim 10, wherein the anchor cover is configured to hold the tissue engaging portion axially relative to the driver portion to allow the driver portion to be moved axially out of engagement with the tissue engaging portion when the anchor is in the insertion configuration to allow the tissue engaging portion to move relative to the driver portion into the tissue engaging configuration.

12. 12. The implantable device of claim 10 or 11, wherein the anchor cover is configured to engage the proximal end of the tissue engaging portion to inhibit rotation of the proximal end of the tissue engaging portion relative to the proximal end of the drive portion, while relative rotation between the drive portion and the tissue engaging portion allows axial movement of the distal end of the tissue engaging portion to shift the tissue engaging portion into the tissue engaging configuration.

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