Multi-actuating trigger anchor delivery system

Abstract

A single trigger system and associated method for manipulating tissues and anatomical or other structures in medical applications for the purpose of treating diseases or disorders or other purposes. In one aspect, the system includes a delivery device configured to deploy and implant anchor devices for such purposes.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A system for implanting an anchor assembly, comprising:
 at least one anchor assembly, the anchor assembly including a first anchor member, a second anchor member, and a connector joining the first and second anchor members; and   an anchor delivery device, the anchor delivery device including a trigger;   wherein actuation of the trigger accomplishes gaining access to a first site, deployment of the first anchor member independently of the second anchor member, and assembly of the second anchor member.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the anchor delivery device is configured to deploy a plurality of anchor assemblies. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a needle assembly, wherein the anchor delivery device includes structure to extend the needle assembly to varying depths. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a mechanism to prevent incomplete activation of the trigger. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of mechanisms to ensure proper sequencing of delivery steps. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a needle assembly and wherein a first trigger pull advances the needle assembly distally. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein a second trigger pull deploys the first anchor member at an interventional site. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein a third trigger pull withdraws the needle assembly. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein a first, second, third, or fourth trigger pull assembles and deploys the second anchor member after withdrawal of the needle assembly. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the anchor delivery device is configured to implant anchor assemblies having variable length connectors. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the anchor delivery device accomplishes affixing the second anchor member at a desired position on the connector. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the anchor delivery device is configured to deliver at least two variable length anchor assemblies. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the anchor delivery device is configured to deliver at least four variable length anchor assemblies. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a scope. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the scope extends to a point to provide a view of portions of a distal end of the anchor delivery device. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the scope provides remote viewing of deployment or assembly of at least one anchor assembly. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a tension mechanism that applies a desired tension to the connector. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the tension mechanism is configured to supply approximately a one pound force on the connector. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the tension mechanism is configured to supply between approximately one half pound and approximately five pounds of force on the connector. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the tension mechanism is configured to apply a selectable tension between approximately a half pound to approximately five pounds of force between the first and second anchor members. 
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the tension mechanism is configured to create about a one pound force between the first and second anchor members. 
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the tension mechanism applies the desired tension before assembly of second anchor. 
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the tension mechanism applies the desired tension while assembling the second anchor. 
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a retractable needle assembly, the retractable needle assembly being operatively associated with the trigger. 
     
     
         25 . The system of  claim 24 , wherein the retractable needle can be advanced to varying selectable depths within a patient. 
     
     
         26 . The system of  claim 24 , further comprising a first pusher assembly configured within the needle assembly, the pusher assembly being operatively associated with the trigger. 
     
     
         27 . The system of  claim 26 , wherein the first anchor member and connector are housed within the needle assembly and placed into engagement with the pusher assembly. 
     
     
         28 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a second pusher assembly operatively associated with the trigger. 
     
     
         29 . The system of  claim 28 , wherein the second anchor member includes a first part that is placed into engagement with the second pusher assembly. 
     
     
         30 . The system of  claim 3 , further comprising a mechanism to regulate the speed of the needle during deployment. 
     
     
         31 . The system of  claim 24 , further comprising a mechanism to regulate the speed of the needle during retraction. 
     
     
         32 . The system of  claim 31 , further comprising a mechanism to regulate the speed of deployment of the first anchor member. 
     
     
         33 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a detachable outer sheath. 
     
     
         34 . The system of  claim 33 , wherein the detachable outer sheath has a recessed sharp edge to cut the connector in the event of the device malfunction, emergency situations. 
     
     
         35 . A system for implanting an anchor assembly, comprising:
 at least one anchor assembly, the anchor assembly including a plurality of members that are joined partially or wholly in situ, and an anchor delivery device, the anchor delivery device including a trigger wherein actuation of the trigger one or more times accomplishes complete delivery of one anchor assembly.   
     
     
         36 . The system of  claim 35  further comprising a reset mechanism which prepares the anchor delivery device for the delivery of a subsequent and distinct anchor assembly. 
     
     
         37 . A system for implanting two or more pairs of anchor components attached to each other with a connector comprising:
 a first series of two or more first anchor components initially attached to each other with the connector;   a second series of two or more second anchor components initially located in one or more positions free of the connector;   a placement mechanism for sequentially attaching the second anchor components to the connector attached to one of the first anchor components creating a paired anchor assembly on the connector and separating the paired components anchor assembly as a unit from the connector.