Anchor deployment devices and related methods
Described here are devices, methods, and kits for the deployment of tissue anchors. In some variations, the devices may comprise a shaft defining a lumen for housing at least one anchor therein and a mechanism for deploying the anchor distally from the lumen. In certain variations, the devices may comprise one or more stop elements. For example, a device may comprise a stop element that limits the advancement of the device through an opening in a wall portion or at the distal end of another device.
1. An anchor delivery catheter comprising:
a tubular elongated member having a proximal end, a distal end, a side portion therebetween and a lumen therethrough;
an elongated wire extending from the side portion, wherein a bend in the elongated wire signals to an operator when to stop advancing the tubular elongate member;
an anchor located within the lumen;
a first anchor-retaining notch located within the lumen of the tubular elongated member; and
a second anchor-retaining notch, wherein retaining the anchor within the first and second notches orients the anchor for deployment.
2. The catheter of claim 1 , wherein the anchor-retaining notches are configured to temporarily retain the anchor.
3. The catheter of claim 1 , further comprising an internal stop element and the first anchor-retaining notch is located on the internal stop element.
4. The catheter of claim 3 , wherein the internal stop element is radiopaque.
5. The catheter of claim 3 , wherein the internal stop element comprises a tubular member having a sidewall, and the first anchor-retaining notch is extends along a length of the sidewall.
6. The catheter of claim 5 , further comprising a pushing member that is configured to be advanced into a lumen of the tubular member.
7. The catheter of claim 3 , wherein the internal stop element is separate from the elongated wire.
8. The catheter of claim 1 , further comprising a coupling member coupled to the anchor.
9. The catheter of claim 8 , wherein the coupling member is a tether.
10. The catheter of claim 1 , wherein the tubular elongated member comprises a preformed shape having a first region defining a first plane and a second region defining a second plane at an angle with respect to the first plane.
11. The catheter of claim 10 , wherein the angle is from about 10 degrees to about 90 degrees.
12. The catheter of claim 1 , wherein the bend in the elongated wire is a backward bend.
13. The catheter of claim 1 , wherein the second anchor-retaining notch is located within the lumen of the tubular elongated member.