Anchoring systems and methods

Abstract

Systems and methods to compress or anchor soft tissue are disclosed using one or more anchoring assemblies.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system comprising:
 a first T-Anchor;   a second T-Anchor; and   a length of suture between the first T-Anchor and the second T-Anchor, wherein applying and releasing tension to the second T-Anchor allows for tissue compression or apposition.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein at least one T-Anchor comprises blunt end. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein at least one T-Anchor comprises beveled edge. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a connector between a delivery system and the second T-Anchor, wherein the delivery system is configure to apply tension before release of the second T-Anchor. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the second T-Anchor has a suture tail configured to reposition the second T-Anchor when tension is applied. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the second T-Anchor has a suture tail configured to lock the second T-Anchor when tension is released. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first T-Anchor has a suture tail to reposition the first T-anchor. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first T-Anchor and the second T-Anchor each have a suture tail to remove the first T-Anchor and the second T-Anchor. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein at least one T-Anchor is bioresorbable. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the suture is looped around the first T-Anchor and the second T-Anchor. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a hinge. 
     
     
         12 . A method comprising:
 positioning a first T-Anchor;   positioning a second T-Anchor; and   applying and releasing tension to the second T-Anchor for tissue compression or apposition.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the method does not require tying knots. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the method is for permanent anchoring. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the method is for temporary anchoring. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein applying and releasing tension to the second T-Anchor for tissue compression or apposition further comprises tacking a mesh for hernia repair. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein applying and releasing tension to the second T-Anchor for tissue compression or apposition further comprises closing a wound. 
     
     
         18 . A system comprising:
 a first element;   a second element; and   a length of suture between the first element and the second element wherein applying and releasing tension to at least one element allows for relative movement and/or rotation between the first element and the second element.   
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the relative movement and/or rotation between the first element and the second element is configured to enhance the initial anchoring of the system. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein at least one element comprises a beveled tip.