Minimally invasive tissue support system and method with a superior tissue support and an inferior anchor
US8632454B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 2, 2009 |
| Grant date | Jan 21, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 16, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2/0059
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Described are methods and apparatus for use in supporting tissue in a patient's body. In some embodiments, the patient's breast or another tissue is supported. One method involves introducing a superior soft tissue anchor into a patient, the anchor having an inferiorly facing total surface area; and introducing at least one inferior soft tissue anchor into the patient, such that the at least one inferior soft tissue anchor is suspended from the superior soft tissue anchor, the sum of all of the at least one inferior soft tissue anchors having a superiorly facing total surface area. The inferiorly facing total surface area of the superior anchor can be greater, such as at least two times greater than the superiorly facing total surface area of the at least one inferior anchor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.