FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to microanchors for anchoring devices to body tissues, and more particularly, to microanchoring devices that enable reliable device fixation and easy removal of the device, while maintaining normal gastrointestinal (GI) tract function.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Implantable devices such as intestinal sleeves are known in the industry. A common difficulty associated with such devices that are designed for implantation in the GI tract is reliable anchoring of the devices. The GI tract is a very dynamic area of the body. There is much movement, flow, and other disruptive action that exerts forces on the implanted device. Anchoring the device so that it stays in place without migration in these dynamic locations is very difficult. The tissue anchors must be secure enough to anchor endolumenally delivered devices in the GI tract and yet produce minimal impact to normal physiological functions of the GI tract, such as motility, blood supply to the surrounding tissue, secretions, patency, etc.). In addition, the tissue anchors must avoid causing pain to the patient.

An even greater challenge is presented with temporary implantable devices—those that are designed to be anchored in the body for a limited period of time, and then removed. The tissue anchors for these devices must meet all of the same criteria for reliable fixation and allowing normal GI tract functions, but must also permit endolumenal removal of the device. A tissue anchor satisfying all of these needs is highly desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides tissue anchors in the form of microanchors, the length of which ensure penetration of only the submucosa of the tissue, yet are secure enough to enable reliable device fixation and easy removal of the device while maintaining normal GI tract functions. The invention includes several embodiments of these microanchors.

In a first embodiment, the present invention provides a microanchor comprising a first tissue engagement member, a second tissue engagement member, and a strain relieving connector joining the first tissue engagement member to the second tissue engagement member, wherein said device has a retracted state and an engaged state, the first tissue engagement member and said second tissue engagement member forming a pincer in the engaged state.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a microanchor for fixating a device within a body lumen comprising a first portion attached to said device, a second portion having at least one tissue engagement member for insertion into a wall of the body lumen, and a reversibly deformable and recoverable segment located between the first portion and the second portion.

In a third embodiment, the present invention provides a microanchor comprising a central hub and at least three tissue engagement members radially oriented on the central hub, wherein the device has a constrained state and an engaged state, and wherein the tissue engagement members are in apposition to each other in the engaged state.

