Soft tissue anchors and implantation techniques
US9788948B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 9, 2014 |
| Grant date | Oct 17, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 20, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2230/0091
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A tissue anchor is provided that includes a proximal head at a proximal end of the tissue anchor, and a helical tissue-coupling element disposed about a longitudinal axis thereof, extending to the proximal head, and having a distal tissue-penetrating tip. The helical tissue-coupling element includes a first helical portion and a second helical portion more distal than the first axial portion. The first and the second helical portions of the helical tissue-coupling element have a first axial stiffness and a second axial stiffness, respectively. The second axial stiffness is greater than the first axial stiffness, such that if excessive tension is applied to the helical tissue-coupling element, the helical tissue-coupling element generally elongates along the first helical portion before along the second helical portion, such that the first helical portion serves as a mechanical fuse that reduces force applied to the second helical portion.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.