Medical device fixation anchor having improved compaction and delivery

Abstract

A medical fixation device having a device attachment portion, a compression bearing portion and a barb portion. The barb portion is separated from a device constraining means by the incorporation of the compression bearing portion.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of deploying an implantable medical device, the method comprising:
 arranging a constraining sheath at a targeted site, the constraining sheath configured to constrain the implantable medical device and at least two flexible anchors in a constrained configuration and bear against a compression bearings of the at least two anchors to separate barb portions from the constraining sheath; and   advancing the implantable medical device from the constraining sheath to allow the at least two flexible anchors to extend outwardly relative to the implantable medical device and penetrate a tissue at the targeted site with the barb portions of the at least two flexible anchors.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the compression bearing portion is configured to effect separation of the barb portion relative to the exterior surface of the body portion. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the compression bearing portion is configured to deflect the barb portion relative to the exterior surface of the body portion in response to contact with a constraining member. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the compression bearing portion is configured to move the barb portion of the at least anchors inwardly in response to contact with the constraining member. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the barb portion does not contact the exterior surface of the body portion in the constrained configuration.