Anchor delivery system

Abstract

A 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 treatment of body tissue, comprising:
 an anchor assembly, the anchor assembly including a first component attached to a connector and a second component;   a delivery device, the delivery device including a handle, an elongate portion extending from the handle, the elongate portion including a leading end, a needle tube, and a scope assembly, a needle assembly extending through the needle tube and configured to be ejected from the leading end, and the connector extending through the needle assembly;   wherein the elongate portion includes connector manipulating element configured to facilitate presenting the connector to the second component for a robust connection.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a cutter assembly, the cutter assembly including a slot having a length of greater than 0.045 inches and includes one or more reflection surfaces. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the slot is sized and shaped to receive the connector, wherein the connector is placed into engagement with the proximal anchor. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein a bore extending through the needle and the connector diameter are sized so that the connector is supported about its circumference when within the needle bore. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein a portion of the connector includes an over jacket. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein a connector indicating feature is added to the keyhole to identify the position of the connector. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a cutter assembly, the cutter assembly including a window. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein reflection surfaces are provided on the window. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a cutter assembly, the cutter assembly configured to move and stop prior to engaging a connector. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the cutter assembly further includes a guide to center a connector. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a guide configured to displace the connector perpendicularly with respect to the elongate portion. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the guide is sliding and spring biased. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the guide embodies a looped wire. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the guide embodies an elongate pusher including a recess for the connector. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a pusher including a spring configured to engage the second component. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a pusher including a recess sized to receive the second component. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a backstop against which the second component is advanced when it is being engaged with the connector. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a temporary restraint positioned to engage the second component and launch the second component from the delivery device. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a cutter including a cutter tail. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a cutter assembly configured to be advanced toward a leading end of a spring biased proximal anchor.