Tissue anchor handling systems and methods
Inventors
Brauon, Haim • Aviv, Ehud • Murphy, Brian Patrick • De Silva, Praveen • Dang, Kevin K. • Azanki, Omar Fawzi • Golan, Tomer • Ness, Aaron Anan • Reich, Tal • Molina, Luis • Shafigh, Sam
Assignees
Valtech Cardio Ltd • Edwards Lifesciences Innovation Israel Ltd
Publication Number
US-12226096-B2
Publication Date
2025-02-18
Expiration Date
2040-05-08
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Abstract
An apparatus is provided for use with a tissue anchor and an anchor driver. The apparatus includes a housing, shaped to define a channel. The channel includes (i) an anchor-storage zone, and (ii) a proximal opening configured to provide access for the anchor driver to the anchor-storage zone. The channel is configured to enable sliding of the tissue anchor therewithin to be stored in the anchor-storage zone. The apparatus also includes a retaining member, shaped to define a cradle for cradling and holding the tissue anchor in the anchor-storage zone. The retaining member includes a pillar pivotable with respect to the cradle, and configured to support the tissue anchor at the cradle. Other embodiments are also described.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an apparatus configured to facilitate handling of tissue anchors during medical procedures. This apparatus comprises a housing that defines a channel with an anchor-storage zone and a proximal opening allowing access for an anchor driver. The channel enables sliding of the tissue anchor within it to be stored in the anchor-storage zone. Additionally, a retaining member, shaped to define a cradle, cradles and holds the tissue anchor in this zone. The retaining member includes a pivotable pillar supporting the tissue anchor at the cradle.
The problem solved by the invention is the need for tissue anchors to be easily accessible and handled effectively during medical procedures. Existing designs for tissue anchor holders and magazines do not sufficiently facilitate easy access and usability of tissue anchors, especially in clinical settings. This invention addresses this challenge by providing an anchor-handling device with features that retain the anchors securely yet allow their selective release only upon sufficient force, preventing inadvertent exit and facilitating controlled handling.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains two independent claims focusing on an apparatus comprising a housing defining a channel for tissue anchor storage and a retaining member that cradles the tissue anchor. The claims cover inventive features related to the housing structure, retaining member design, and coupling with a wearable holder and anchor driver.
Housing defining a channel with an anchor-storage zone and proximal opening
The apparatus comprises a housing shaped to define a channel that includes an anchor-storage zone and a proximal opening configured to provide access for the anchor driver to the anchor-storage zone. The channel enables sliding of the tissue anchor therein for storage.
Retaining member shaped to cradle and hold the tissue anchor with a pivotable pillar
The retaining member is shaped to define a cradle for cradling and holding the tissue anchor within the anchor-storage zone. It includes a pillar that is pivotable with respect to the cradle and is configured to support the tissue anchor at the cradle.
Coupling of the apparatus to a holder and wearable article
The apparatus includes a holder shaped to define a space for receiving the housing and incorporates a coupling configured to reversibly couple the housing to the holder. A wearable article is coupled to the holder and configured to temporarily affix the apparatus to a user’s body part such as the arm, wrist, or hand.
Retaining member sliding within a housing chamber responsive to proximally-directed force
The housing defines a chamber in fluid communication with the channel, and the retaining member is configured to slide within the chamber in response to a proximally-directed force applied to the tissue anchor, enabling release of the anchor upon sufficient force.
Retaining member designed with resilient compressible legs having detents for retention and release
The retaining member comprises a pin shaped with first and second resilient legs that are compressible toward each other and toward the chamber’s longitudinal axis. Each leg defines a respective detent that interacts with cavities in the housing to provide retention and controlled release of the tissue anchor.
Anchor driver integrated with the apparatus
The apparatus may further include an anchor driver, wherein the driver features an anchor-engaging head at its distal end and an elongate advanceable element. The design enables reversible locking of the anchor driver to the tissue anchor and includes features facilitating flexible movement and articulation.
The inventive features provide a system combining a housing with a specialized channel and retaining member for secure storage and controlled release of tissue anchors, integration with wearable holders for user convenience, and an anchor driver with flexible articulation to engage and deploy anchors effectively.
Stated Advantages
Prevents inadvertent exit or movement of tissue anchors during handling by requiring a force greater than a pre-defined threshold to release anchors.
Provides easy and controlled access to tissue anchors during medical procedures, enhancing operability and safety.
Enables wearable coupling of the anchor-handling device to the operating physician’s body, facilitating quick and convenient use.
The retaining member’s design distributes load and supports the tissue anchor securely, preventing unintended translation or displacement.
The articulated and flexible anchor driver enables navigation through vasculature and precise deployment of tissue anchors.
Documented Applications
Use during medical procedures requiring tissue anchors to facilitate easy access, handling, and deployment of anchors into tissue.
Coupling of implants such as annuloplasty structures to tissue, including heart tissue, heart valve tissue, vasculature tissue, and muscle tissue.
Navigating and steering of anchor drivers through vasculature to implant anchors transcatheterally.
Temporary affixing of anchor-handling devices to the body of operating physicians using wearable articles such as bands, wristbands, or adhesives on gloves or garments.
Use of anchor-handling devices and drivers in training or simulation environments involving living animals, cadavers, or simulators.
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