SUTURE-BASED ASSEMBLY FOR TISSUE REPAIR, AND ASSOCIATED DEVICES AND METHODS
The present technology is directed to systems, methods, and devices for anchoring suture devices into a target patient tissue to treat a medical condition. For example, in some embodiments the present technology includes a tissue-support system including an applicator device and a suture device. The applicator device is configured to deploy and anchor the suture device in a target tissue. In some embodiments, the suture device is deployed such that an anchor of the suture device is positioned external to the tissue it is anchored to.
1 - 20 . (canceled)
21 . A method of anchoring a suture device, the method comprising:
positioning an applicator device proximate a first anatomical structure, wherein the applicator device includes a needle carrying the suture device having an anchor, a suture element, and an end region spaced apart from the anchor by the suture element;
advancing the needle such that the needle (a) enters the first anatomical structure at a first region and (b) exits the first anatomical structure at a second region, wherein the needle carries the anchor and at least a portion of the suture element from the first region to the second region;
releasing the anchor from the needle while a distal portion of the needle extends past the second region such that (i) the anchor remains external to the first anatomical structure at the second region, (ii) a portion of the suture element extends between the first region and the second region, and (iii) the end region of the suture device is not engaged with the first anatomical structure; and
coupling the end region of the suture device to a second anatomical structure different than the first anatomical structure.
22 . The method of claim 21 wherein the first anatomical structure includes bone and periosteum, and wherein advancing the needle through the first anatomical structure includes advancing the needle through the periosteum without contacting the bone, such that the first region and the second region are located within the periosteum.
23 . The method of claim 22 wherein, after retracting the needle, the anchor remains external to the periosteum and the portion of the suture element extends through the periosteum.
24 . The method of claim 21 wherein the end region of the suture device includes a suture needle, and wherein coupling the end region of the suture device to the second anatomical structure comprises:
piercing the second anatomical structure with the suture needle;
at least partially elevating the second anatomical structure toward the first anatomical structure; and
retaining the second anatomical structure in an at least partially elevated position.
25 . The method of claim 24 wherein the suture element includes barbs, and wherein the second anatomical structure is retained in the at least partially elevated position by virtue of the barbs.
26 . The method of claim 24 wherein retaining the second anatomical structure in the at least partially elevated position includes advancing a suture locking element over the suture element and securing the suture locking element to the suture element.
27 . The method of claim 21 wherein the applicator device further includes a body having a distal complex with a proximal portion and a distal portion, and wherein advancing the needle includes advancing the needle from the proximal portion toward the distal portion of the distal complex.
28 . The method of claim 21 wherein the first anatomical structure is a sacrospinous ligament.
29 . The method of claim 21 wherein the second anatomical structure is a periurethral vaginal wall.
30 . The method of claim 21 wherein the second anatomical structure is rectal tissue.
31 . The method of claim 21 wherein the needle is curved.
32 . The method of claim 21 wherein the anchor is t-shaped.
33 . The method of claim 21 wherein the needle includes a hollow tip portion having a slot for receiving the anchor.
34 . A method of anchoring a suture device, the method comprising:
positioning an applicator device proximate a first anatomical structure, wherein the applicator device includes a needle carrying the suture device having an anchor, a suture element, and an end region spaced apart from the anchor by the suture element;
advancing the needle through the first anatomical structure;
releasing the anchor from the needle with the needle advanced through the first anatomical structure such that the anchor engages with the first anatomical structure, a portion of the suture element passes through the first anatomical structure, and the end region of the suture device is not engaged with the first anatomical structure; and
coupling the end region of the suture device to a second anatomical structure different than the first anatomical structure.
35 . The method of claim 34 wherein the end region of the suture device includes a suture needle, and wherein coupling the end region of the suture device to the second anatomical structure comprises:
piercing the second anatomical structure with the suture needle;
at least partially elevating the second anatomical structure toward the first anatomical structure; and
retaining the second anatomical structure in an at least partially elevated position.
36 . The method of claim 34 wherein the second anatomical structure is a periurethral vaginal wall.
37 . The method of claim 34 wherein the second anatomical structure is rectal tissue.
38 . A method of anchoring a suture device, the method comprising:
using an applicator device to anchor the suture device to a first anatomical structure, wherein the suture device includes an anchor, a suture element, and an end region spaced apart from the anchor by the suture element, and wherein anchoring the suture device to the first anatomical structure includes engaging the anchor against a surface of the first anatomical structure such that a portion of the suture element passes through the first anatomical structure and the end region of the suture device is not engaged with the first anatomical structure; and
coupling the end region of the suture device to a second anatomical structure different than the first anatomical structure.
39 . The method of claim 38 wherein the end region of the suture device includes a suture needle, and wherein coupling the end region of the suture device to the second anatomical structure comprises:
piercing the second anatomical structure with the suture needle;
at least partially elevating the second anatomical structure toward the first anatomical structure; and
retaining the second anatomical structure in an at least partially elevated position.
40 . The method of claim 39 wherein the second anatomical structure is a periurethral vaginal wall or rectal tissue.