Method and apparatus for tissue connection

Abstract

A tissue connecting device is provided. The device comprise an elongate delivery device having a lumen, a proximal end, and a distal end. The distal end is configured to engage tissue and advance said device into tissue. At least one anchor deliverable through a lumen of the elongate delivery device. The distal end of the device may be designed to engage tissue upon rotation of the device about its longitudinal axis.

1 . A delivery system, comprising:
 an elongated carrier;   a plurality of anchors configured to engage tissue, the plurality of anchors including a distal anchor, one or more intermediate anchors and a proximal anchor releasably carried within the elongated carrier and deliverable by the elongated carrier to a target tissue area;   a tether line having a distal end secured to the distal anchor and slidably engaged with the one or more intermediate anchors and the proximal anchor, wherein, when tension is applied to the tether line the target tissue area is constricted .   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the elongated carrier comprises a catheter. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the elongated carrier is insertable from a minimally invasive surgical entry. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the anchors are self-positioning and self-securing anchors. 
     
     
         5 . A method for controlling the internal circumference of an anatomical annulus in a heart, comprising the steps of:
 introducing a catheter into the heart such that a distal end of the catheter is located in the heart proximate the annulus;   introducing a plurality of anchors into the heart through the catheter and anchoring the plurality of anchors around the annulus, wherein each anchor is secured to a corresponding tether originating at or near a proximal end of the catheter and threaded through an adjustable support member within the catheter;   introducing the adjustable support member through the catheter adjacent to the annulus;   delivering a clamping element over the tethers to a position proximate the annulus;   tensioning the tethers to constrict the annulus and clamping the tethers together to maintain the constriction of the annulus.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the annulus comprises the annulus of a heart value. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5 , further comprising:
 delivering a cutting mechanism over the tethers to a position proximate the clamping element and cutting the tethers.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein introducing the plurality of anchors comprises introducing the plurality of anchors through the catheter one at a time. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein introducing the plurality of anchors comprises introducing the plurality of anchors through the catheter together.