Flexible Tissue Anchor with Folded Panels for Catheter Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tissue anchor technologies are limited in versatility and size control, particularly in catheter-based procedures, where they often require precise insertion and deployment sizes, and are not adaptable for various tissue fastening operations.
Innovation Solution
A flexible elongate tissue anchor with a tensioning member that can transition from an elongate configuration to a shortened configuration, forming folded panels to securely anchor against tissue, allowing for adjustable thickness and versatile deployment in both catheter-based and non-catheter-based operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the anchor member is made flexible and capable of configuration change, then the adaptability to different tissue thicknesses and surgical applications is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for tensioning members and multiple openings
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor member is designed as a flexible, dynamic structure that can transition between an elongate configuration (for insertion) and a shortened configuration (for anchoring). The tensioning member enables this dynamic transformation by drawing the anchor member through the openings, causing it to fold and compress against the tissue, thereby adapting to various tissue thicknesses while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the anchor member is made flexible and capable of configuration change, then the versatility for different surgical operations is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase to ensure proper folding and anchoring
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor member is segmented into multiple sections defined by a series of openings along its length. The tensioning member passes through these openings in a specific sequence, creating predetermined fold lines that guide the folding process. This segmentation allows the anchor to reliably transform into a shortened configuration with folded panels that compress against the tissue, ensuring consistent performance across different surgical applications while using standard manufacturing tolerances.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the anchor member transitions from elongate to shortened configuration, then the ability to anchor against tissue of varying thickness is improved, but the insertion size control becomes more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor member is designed to nest within itself during the transformation from elongate to shortened configuration. As the tensioning member draws the anchor through the openings, successive sections of the anchor fold back on themselves, creating a compact, nested structure that compresses against the tissue. This nesting mechanism allows the anchor to adapt to different tissue thicknesses while maintaining a consistent, small insertion profile through the catheter.
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 2C~3
Figure 4A
AI summary
A tissue anchor includes a generally flexible elongate continuous anchor member capable of being inserted through tissue and moving between an elongate configuration and a shortened configuration suitable for anchoring against at least one side of the tissue. The anchor member has a first set of openings and a second set of openings formed therein at spaced locations along a length of the anchor member. The tissue anchor also includes a tensioning member operatively connected to the anchor member and the tensioning member extends through the proximal end portion to the distal end portion by passing through the first set of openings and then back to the proximal end portion by passing through the second set of openings. The anchor member is configured to form a plurality of folded panels upon pulling the tensioning member. The plurality of folded panels comprises a set of first panels that are oriented in a first direction and at least one second panel that is oriented in a second direction that is perpendicular to the folded set of first panels.