Apparatus and methods for positioning and securing anchors

US7736378B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• USGI MEDICAL, INC. · US

Inventors

• Tracy D. Maahs · Rancho Santa Margarita, US
• Richard C. Ewers · Fullerton, US
• Jesus Flores · Moreno Valley, US
• Alexander Khairkhahan · Palo Alto, US
• Ruey-Feng Peh · Mountain View, US
• Vahid Saadat · Redwood Shores, US
• Cang Lam · Irvine, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 7, 2004
• Grant date: Jun 15, 2010
• Expiry date: Aug 22, 2026

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T24/3969
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

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