System for delivering an anchor

Abstract

A system for treating a prostate includes a cartridge, a handle configured to receive the cartridge, and an anchor assembly. The cartridge includes the anchor assembly and the handle includes an actuator and a spring mechanism loaded with mechanical energy. The cartridge and handle mate via pivoting and are aligned via alignment features.

1 . A system for deploying an anchor assembly, comprising:
 a cartridge carrying the anchor assembly,   a handle configured to couple with the cartridge, wherein the cartridge and handle couple by first pivoting the cartridge with respect to the handle and then mating a first alignment member on the cartridge with a second alignment member on the handle.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the first alignment member has a wedge-shaped cross section. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the second alignment member has a wedge-shaped cross section. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the second alignment member comprises a wedge-shaped recess. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 3  wherein the first alignment member comprises a wedge-shaped recess. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising a sheath, wherein the first alignment member on the cartridge and the second alignment recess on the handle are configured to fit within the sheath. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the cartridge further comprises an elongate shaft, the elongate shaft having a biased distal portion. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the cartridge comprises receiving portion and the handle comprises a guide portion. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 5  wherein the receiving portion and the guide portion are placed in contact and maintain such contact during the pivoting of the cartridge. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising a mating member on the cartridge and a guide member on the handle, wherein the mating member and the guide member interact to form the pivot point for the pivoting of the cartridge. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising a grip offset from a surface of the cartridge. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising a raised area on the handle sized and configured to provide an ergonomic interface for a users' hands. 
     
     
         13 . A system for deploying an anchor assembly, comprising:
 a handle comprising a cartridge receiving bay having a back end, wherein the back end comprises an interior guide;   a cartridge carrying the anchor assembly, the cartridge comprising a pivoting surface, wherein the pivoting surface pivots about the interior guide;   a handle alignment feature located in a region of the handle across the cartridge receiving bay from the interior guide; and   a cartridge alignment feature located on the cartridge.   
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13  wherein the cartridge and handle are configured to couple by first pivoting the cartridge with respect to the handle and then mating the handle alignment feature with the cartridge alignment feature. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 13  wherein the handle alignment feature has a wedge-shaped cross section. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 13  wherein the cartridge alignment feature has a wedge-shaped cross section. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 13  wherein the handle alignment feature comprises a wedge-shaped recess. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 13  wherein the cartridge alignment feature comprises a wedge-shaped recess. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 13  further comprising a sheath, wherein the cartridge alignment feature and the handle alignment feature are configured to fit within the sheath.