TISSUE ANCHOR
Embodiments of the invention generally relate to an anchor used to secure a position of a device or component relative to internal tissue of a patient and prevent migration of the component relative to the tissue of the patient. In one embodiment, the anchor is combined with an electrode lead that is configured for implantation in a patient. The electrode lead comprises a lead body having a proximal end and a distal end, a stimulating electrode and an anchor. The stimulating electrode is attached to the lead body at the distal end. The anchor is attached to the distal end of the lead body and comprises an anchor body and mesh attached to the anchor body.
1 . An electrode lead configured for implantation in a patient comprising
a lead body having proximal and distal ends;
an electrode formed of an electrically conductive material and attached to the distal end of the lead body; and
an anchor attached to the distal end of the lead body, the anchor comprising an anchor body and mesh attached to the anchor body.
2 . The electrode lead of claim 1 , wherein the mesh comprises compact and an expanded states, wherein at least a portion of the mesh is displaced a greater distance from the anchor body when in the expanded state than when in the compact state.
3 . The electrode lead of claim 2 , wherein:
the mesh comprises first and second wings of mesh; and
the mesh wings are each biased to move from the compact state to the expanded state.
4 . The electrode lead of claim 2 , wherein the anchor comprises an expandable stent like mesh.
5 . The electrode lead of claim 1 , wherein the mesh comprises first and second wings.
6 . The electrode lead of claim 5 , wherein the first and second wings each have a quiescent shape in which they are extended away from the anchor body.
7 . The electrode lead of claim 1 , further comprising one or more conductive fibers attached to the mesh.
8 . The electrode lead of claim 7 , wherein the electrode is attached to the mesh and the one or more conductive fibers.
9 . The electrode lead of claim 8 , wherein:
the mesh comprises first and second wings; and
the first and second wings each have a quiescent shape in which they are extended away from the anchor body.
10 . The electrode lead of claim 1 , wherein the anchor body is selected from the group consisting of the lead body, the electrode, a component coupled to the lead body, and a component coupled to the stimulating electrode.
11 . An assembly comprising:
an electrode lead comprising:
a lead body having proximal and distal ends;
an electrode formed of an electrically conductive material and attached to the distal end of the lead body; and
an anchor attached to the distal end of the lead body, the anchor comprising an anchor body and mesh attached to the anchor body; and
a trocar;
wherein the distal end of the lead body, the electrode and the anchor are installed within the trocar.
12 . The assembly of claim 11 , wherein the mesh is rolled upon itself.
13 . The assembly of claim 11 , wherein the mesh comprises first and second wings.
14 . The assembly of claim 13 , wherein the first and second wings each have a quiescent shape in which they are extended away from the anchor body.
15 . The assembly of claim 11 , wherein:
the electrode is attached to the mesh; and
the electrode lead further comprises one or more conductive fibers attached to the mesh and configured to deliver electrical signals to the electrode.
16 . The assembly of claim 11 , further comprising a tool having an expandable distal end positioned within the trocar adjacent the mesh.
17 . A kit comprising:
a package; and
an electrode lead contained in the package, the electrode lead comprising:
a lead body having proximal and distal ends;
an electrode formed of an electrically conductive material and attached to the distal end of the lead body; and
an anchor attached to the distal end of the lead body, the anchor comprising an anchor body and mesh attached to the anchor body.
18 . The kit of claim 17 , further comprising:
a trocar contained in the package, wherein the distal end of the lead body is within the trocar; and
a tool having an expandable distal end positioned within the trocar adjacent the mesh.
19 . The kit of claim 18 , further comprising instructions for implanting the electrode lead in tissue of a patient using the trocar and the tool.
20 . The kit of claim 17 , further comprising an implantable control unit configured to deliver electrical signals to the electrode.