Hard tissue anchors and delivery devices

Abstract

The present invention provides devices, systems and methods for anchoring medical devices to hard tissues, such as bones or bony structures, particularly vertebrae. By anchoring these medical devices directly to the surrounding hard tissue, the devices are anchored closer to the source of treatment. This provides additional stability and reduces migration of the device at the treatment site. Also, by attaching to hard tissue rather than soft tissue, a stronger attachment is often able to be made.

1 . A hard tissue anchor for securing an element to a hard tissue comprising:
 a penetrating end shaped for penetrating the hard tissue; and   a head having an aperture, wherein the aperture is configured to receive the element therethrough and wherein the head is configured to secure the element within the aperture.   
   
   
       2 . A hard tissue anchor as in  claim 1 , wherein the element comprises a lead. 
   
   
       3 . A hard tissue anchor as in  claim 1 , wherein the head includes a channel connected to the aperture, wherein the channel is configured allow passage of the element from outside of the head to the aperture. 
   
   
       4 . A hard tissue anchor as in  claim 3 , wherein the head is adjustable to close the channel. 
   
   
       5 . A hard tissue anchor as in  claim 4 , wherein the head is adjustable by deformation of the head. 
   
   
       6 . A hard tissue anchor as in  claim 5 , wherein deformation of the head secures the element within the aperture. 
   
   
       7 . A hard tissue anchor as in  claim 1 , wherein the head further comprises a grommet disposed within the aperture. 
   
   
       8 . A hard tissue anchor as in  claim 1 , wherein the penetrating end has a tapered, conical, notched, barbed or serrated shape. 
   
   
       9 . A hard tissue anchor as in  claim 1 , wherein the penetrating end has a shank with a helical thread. 
   
   
       10 . A method for anchoring an element to a hard tissue in a body, the method comprising:
 advancing a hard tissue anchor toward the hard tissue, wherein the anchor has a penetrating end and a head having an aperture;   positioning the element within the aperture; and   applying pressure to the head so as to drive the penetrating end at least partially into the hard tissue.   
   
   
       11 . A method as in  claim 10 , wherein applying pressure comprises applying pressure to the head so as to secure the element within the aperture. 
   
   
       12 . A method as in  claim 11 , wherein applying pressure comprises deforming the head so as to secure the element within the aperture due to friction. 
   
   
       13 . A method as in  claim 10 , further comprising implanting the element in the body. 
   
   
       14 . A method as in  claim 13 , wherein the positioning step occurs after the implanting step. 
   
   
       15 . A method as in  claim 10 , wherein the anchor includes a channel connected to the aperture and further comprising passing a portion of the element through the channel to the aperture. 
   
   
       16 . A method as in  claim 15 , wherein applying pressure comprises deforming the head so as to at least partially close the channel. 
   
   
       17 . A method as in  claim 10 , further comprising mounting the head of the anchor on a distal end of an applicator. 
   
   
       18 . A method as in  claim 17 , wherein advancing the hard tissue anchor toward the hard tissue comprises advancing the distal end of the applicator through a percutaneous access opening. 
   
   
       19 . A method as in  claim 17 , wherein applying pressure to the head comprises applying pressure to the applicator. 
   
   
       20 . A method as in  claim 17 , wherein applying pressure to the applicator comprises deforming the head by force of the applicator so as to secure the element within the aperture due to friction. 
   
   
       21 . An applicator for delivering a hard tissue anchor, the applicator comprising:
 an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end is configured to receive a head of the hard tissue anchor; and   a handle attached to the proximal end of the elongate body so that force applied to the handle is translatable to the head of the hard tissue anchor.   
   
   
       22 . An applicator as in  claim 21 , wherein the elongate body is shaped for passage through a percutaneous access opening. 
   
   
       23 . An applicator as in  claim 21 , further comprising a release button for releasing the hard tissue anchor from the distal end of the elongate body. 
   
   
       24 . An applicator as in  claim 21 , wherein the distal end includes a recess for receiving the head. 
   
   
       25 . An applicator as in  claim 21 , wherein the force comprises longitudinal force which is translatable to a downward force on the head of the hard tissue anchor. 
   
   
       26 . A hard tissue anchor as in  claim 21 , wherein force comprises rotational force which is translatable to rotation of the head of the hard tissue anchor. 
   
   
       27 . A hard tissue anchor as in  claim 21 , wherein the distal end comprises a rotatable member joinable with the head, wherein the rotation force rotates the rotatable member.