Implant and delivery tool therefor
An implant comprises: (a) an implant body that comprises: (i) at least a first longitudinal portion of the implant body that defines a given outer diameter; and (ii) a recessed longitudinal portion of the implant body that is radially recessed with respect to the first longitudinal portion of the implant body, such that an outer diameter of the recessed longitudinal portion is less than the outer diameter of the first longitudinal portion; and (b) a cuff coupled to the implant body around the recessed longitudinal portion of the implant body such that an outer diameter of the cuff does not exceed the outer diameter of the first longitudinal portion. The cuff defines a plurality of holes that are configured to facilitate anchoring of the implant body with respect to the subject's tissue, by facilitating tissue growth into the holes. Other embodiments are also described.
1. Apparatus comprising:
an implant configured to be implanted in tissue of a subject, the implant comprising:
an implant body that comprises:
at least a first longitudinal portion of the implant body that defines a given outer diameter; and
a recessed longitudinal portion of the implant body that is radially recessed with respect to the first longitudinal portion of the implant body, such that an outer diameter of the recessed longitudinal portion is less than the outer diameter of the first longitudinal portion; and
a cuff coupled to the implant body around the recessed longitudinal portion of the implant body such that an outer diameter of the cuff does not exceed the outer diameter of the first longitudinal portion,
the cuff defining a plurality of holes that are configured to facilitate anchoring of the implant body with respect to the subject's tissue, by facilitating tissue growth into the holes.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the cuff extends less than 360 degrees around the recessed longitudinal portion.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein each hole of the plurality of holes has a diameter of 200-550 microns.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the cuff has a thickness of 200-550 microns.
5. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the implant further comprises an antenna, disposed within the implant body, at the recessed longitudinal portion.
6. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the recessed longitudinal portion does not include a distal end or a proximal end of the implant.
7. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the cuff comprises a resilient material.
8. The apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a delivery tool that comprises a hollow needle through which the implant is slidable, wherein the outer diameter of the cuff is such that the cuff does not grip the inside of the hollow needle.
9. The apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the hollow needle defines a triple-grind bevel at a distal end of the needle, the triple-grind bevel defining:
a primary grind, and
two side-grinds that do not extend to meet each other to define a point at a distal-most part of the needle.