Self-suturing anchors
First Claim
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1. A method, comprising:
- inserting a plurality of anchoring elements into tissue of a subject by removing a mandrel from each of the anchoring elements, each of the anchoring elements being configured to enter the tissue via an entry route; and
subsequently, causing each of the anchoring elements to automatically exit the tissue via an exit route in response to reinsertion of the mandrel through each of the anchoring elements, the exit route of each anchoring element being a reverse of the entry route of the anchoring element.
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Abstract
Apparatus and methods are provided, including a plurality of anchoring elements, each of the anchoring elements being an elongate element that is curved to define an opening. A housing holds each of the anchoring elements. A mandrel is reversibly disposable through the openings defined by the anchoring elements. The anchoring elements are configured such that, in response to removal of the mandrel from the openings, ends of the anchoring elements automatically move outwardly, and diameters of the openings decrease, due to elastic loading of the anchoring elements. Other embodiments are also described.
99 Citations
31 Claims
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1. A method, comprising:
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inserting a plurality of anchoring elements into tissue of a subject by removing a mandrel from each of the anchoring elements, each of the anchoring elements being configured to enter the tissue via an entry route; and subsequently, causing each of the anchoring elements to automatically exit the tissue via an exit route in response to reinsertion of the mandrel through each of the anchoring elements, the exit route of each anchoring element being a reverse of the entry route of the anchoring element. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method for use with tissue of a subject, comprising:
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providing a plurality of anchoring elements, each of the anchoring elements being an elongate element that is curved to define an opening, and a mandrel that is disposed through the openings defined by the anchoring elements; causing ends of the anchoring elements to automatically become anchored to respective locations of the tissue by moving outwardly, by removing the mandrel from the openings; and
wherein causing the ends of the anchoring elements to automatically become anchored to respective locations of the tissue comprises causing each of the anchoring elements to enter tissue via an entry route, the method further comprising, subsequently, causing each of the anchoring elements to automatically exit the tissue via an exit route in response to reinsertion of the mandrel through the anchoring elements, the exit route of each anchoring element being a reverse of the entry route of the anchoring element. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
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Specification