US5645589A — Anchor and method for securement into a bore

Claim 1

Independent Claim 240 words

A medical anchor for securement into a bore formed in a living body and defined by a bore side wall and an opening into the bore, comprising: a first generally hollow biocompatible section having a first plurality of spaced longitudinally directed fingers pointed toward the opening; a second generally hollow biocompatible section having a second plurality of spaced longitudinally directed fingers; the first and second sections being arranged opposed to each other with the fingers of each section being interdigitated with the fingers of the other section; an elongated body mechanically engaged with the first section; the first and second sections being adapted to receive a compression force moving the two sections relatively toward each other, the first and second hollow sections having a combined longitudinal size such that they are entirely received within the bore after the compression force is applied, said two sections being both longitudinally movable in respective opposed directions of movement with the fingers of each section moving radially outwardly while moving in the respective direction of movement, the fingers of each section being adapted to penetrate into the bore side wall in the respective direction of movement to secure the two sections in the bore without anchoring the elongated body at the opening into the bore; at least one of the first and second sections being slidable along the elongated body without relative rotational movement of the elongated body and the at least one section.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 240 words

A medical anchor for securement into a bore formed in a living body and defined by a bore side wall and an opening into the bore, comprising: a first generally hollow biocompatible section having a first plurality of spaced longitudinally directed fingers pointed toward the opening; a second generally hollow biocompatible section having a second plurality of spaced longitudinally directed fingers; the first and second sections being arranged opposed to each other with the fingers of each section being interdigitated with the fingers of the other section; an elongated body mechanically engaged with the first section; the first and second sections being adapted to receive a compression force moving the two sections relatively toward each other, the first and second hollow sections having a combined longitudinal size such that they are entirely received within the bore after the compression force is applied, said two sections being both longitudinally movable in respective opposed directions of movement with the fingers of each section moving radially outwardly while moving in the respective direction of movement, the fingers of each section being adapted to penetrate into the bore side wall in the respective direction of movement to secure the two sections in the bore without anchoring the elongated body at the opening into the bore; at least one of the first and second sections being slidable along the elongated body without relative rotational movement of the elongated body and the at least one section.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 19 words

The anchor recited in claim 1, wherein both pluralities of fingers move outwardly in response to the compression force.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 29 words

The anchor recited in claim 1, wherein the fingers of each plurality of fingers have tips, the tips being tapered to facilitate movement of the fingers outwardly or inwardly.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 27 words

The anchor recited in claim 3, wherein each section has a rim portion between fingers, the rim portion being tapered to facilitate movement of the fingers outwardly.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 22 words

The anchor recited in claim 4, wherein the tips of the fingers are tapered toward the hollow center of a respective section.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 14 words

The anchor recited in claim 1, further comprising means for causing the compression force.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 59 words

The anchor recited in claim 6 wherein the means for causing the compression force comprises a sleeve fitting inside the two sections having an outwardly directed abutment for engaging one of the two sections whereby when a force is applied to the sleeve in the direction of the sections, the abutment forces the two sections relatively toward each other.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 26 words

The anchor recited in claim 1, further comprising a member inserted into the center of said two sections for securement into the bore in the medium.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 30 words

The anchor recited in claim 8, further comprising means for securing the member inserted into the center of the two sections to the distal most one of the two sections.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 15 words

The anchor recited in claim 9, wherein the means for securing comprises welding or adhesive.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 35 words

The anchor recited in claim 9, further comprising means for causing the compression force comprising a device forcing a proximal most one of the two sections toward a distal most one of the two sections.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 29 words

The anchor recited in claim 11, further comprising means for securing the distal most one of the two sections against axial movement when the compression force is being applied.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 13 words

The anchor recited in claim 1, wherein the two sections comprise a metal.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 13 words

The anchor recited in claim 13, wherein the metal comprises a biocompatible metal.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 11 words

The anchor recited in claim 1, wherein the sections comprises plastic.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 13 words

The anchor recited in claim 15, wherein the plastic is a biocompatible plastic.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 18 words

The anchor recited in claim 1, further comprising sutures connected to at least one of the two sections.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 58 words

The anchor recited in claim 17, further comprising a hollow tube removably connected to at least one of the sections, the sutures being threaded through the centers of both sections and further comprising means cooperating with the tube and at least one of the sections for moving the sections relatively toward each other to cause the compression force.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 68 words

The anchor recited in claim 17, further comprising a hollow tube inserted into the center of at least one of the sections, the sutures being threaded through the centers of both sections and through the hollow interior of the tube, and further comprising means cooperating with the tube and at least one of the sections for moving the sections relatively toward each other to cause the compression force.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 29 words

The anchor recited in claim 19, further comprising a handle on said tube for grasping by a user whereby the sutures may be pulled thereby causing the compression force.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 39 words

The anchor recited in claim 19, wherein the means for causing the compression force comprises an object disposed about the tube for engagement with at least one of the sections and to which the compression force can be applied.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 23 words

The anchor recited in claim 19, wherein the tube is removable from said at least one section after said compression force is applied.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 45 words

The anchor recited in claim 1, further comprising at least one intermediate section between the first and second sections, the intermediate section having first and second pluralities of longitudinally extending fingers for engagement with respective pluralities of the fingers in the first and second sections.

Claim 25

Independent Claim 249 words

A method for securing a medical anchor in a bore formed in a living body and defined by a bore side wall and an opening into the bore, comprising: providing a first generally hollow biocompatible section having a first plurality of spaced longitudinally directed fingers pointed toward the opening; providing a second generally hollow biocompatible section having a second plurality of spaced longitudinally directed fingers; arranging the first and second sections opposed to each other with the fingers of each section interdigitated with the fingers of the other section; providing an elongated body mechanically engaged with the first section; applying a compression force to the first and second sections to move the two sections relatively toward each other, the first and second sections having a combined longitudinal size such that they are entirely received within the bore after the compression force is applied, said two sections being both longitudinally movable in respective opposed directions of movement with the fingers of each section moving radially outwardly while, moving in the respective direction of movement, the fingers of each section being adapted to penetrate into the bore side wall in the respective direction of movement to secure the two sections in the bore without anchoring the elongated body at the opening into the bore; the step of applying a compression force causing at least one of the first and second sections to slide along the elongated body without relative rotational movement of the elongated body and the at least one section.

Claim 26

Independent Claim 249 words

A method for securing a medical anchor in a bore formed in a living body and defined by a bore side wall and an opening into the bore, comprising: providing a first generally hollow biocompatible section having a first plurality of spaced longitudinally directed fingers pointed toward the opening; providing a second generally hollow biocompatible section having a second plurality of spaced longitudinally directed fingers; arranging the first and second sections opposed to each other with the fingers of each section interdigitated with the fingers of the other section; providing an elongated body mechanically engaged with the first section; applying a compression force to the first and second sections to move the two sections relatively toward each other, the first and second sections having a combined longitudinal size such that they are entirely received within the bore after the compression force is applied, said two sections being both longitudinally movable in respective opposed directions of movement with the fingers of each section moving radially outwardly while, moving in the respective direction of movement, the fingers of each section being adapted to penetrate into the bore side wall in the respective direction of movement to secure the two sections in the bore without anchoring the elongated body at the opening into the bore; the step of applying a compression force causing at least one of the first and second sections to slide along the elongated body without relative rotational movement of the elongated body and the at least one section.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 23 words

The method for securing an anchor recited in claim 24, wherein both pluralities of fingers move outwardly in response to the compression force.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 35 words

The method for securing an anchor recited in claim 24, wherein the fingers of each plurality of fingers have tips, and further comprising tapering the tips to facilitate movement of the fingers outwardly or inwardly.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 33 words

The method for securing an anchor recited in claim 26, wherein each section has a rim portion between fingers, and further comprising tapering the rim portion to facilitate movement of the fingers outwardly.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 26 words

The method for securing an anchor recited in claim 27, further comprising tapering the tips of the fingers toward the hollow center of a respective section.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 63 words

The method for securing an anchor recited in claim 24, wherein the step of applying the compression force comprises providing a sleeve fitting inside the two sections having an outwardly directed abutment for engaging one of the two sections and applying a force to the sleeve in the direction of the sections, whereby the abutment forces the two sections relatively toward each other.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 30 words

The method for securing an anchor recited in claim 24, further comprising inserting a member into the center of said two sections for securement into the bore in the medium.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 32 words

The method for securing an anchor recited in claim 30, further comprising securing the member inserted into the center of the two sections to the distal most ones of the two sections.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 32 words

The method for securing an anchor recited in claim 31, wherein the step of securing the member to the distal most ones of the two sections comprises using welding or an adhesive.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 34 words

The method for securing an anchor recited in claim 31, further comprising causing the compression force by forcing a proximal one of the two sections toward a distal most one of the two sections.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 31 words

The method for securing an anchor recited in claim 33, further comprising securing the distal most one of the two sections against axial movement when the compression force is being applied.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 25 words

The method for securing an anchor recited in claim 24, wherein the steps of providing the two sections comprise providing sections made of a metal.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 26 words

The method for securing an anchor recited in claim 35, wherein steps of providing sections made of metal comprises providing sections made of a biocompatible metal.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 23 words

The method for securing an anchor recited in claim 24, wherein the steps of providing the sections comprises providing sections made of plastic.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 27 words

The method for securing an anchor recited in claim 37, wherein the steps of providing sections made of plastic comprises providing sections made of a biocompatible plastic.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 22 words

The method for securing an anchor recited in claim 24, further comprising connecting sutures to at least one of the two sections.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 47 words

The method for securing an anchor recited in claim 39, further comprising removably connecting a tube to at least one of the sections, threading the sutures through the centers of both sections and further comprising moving the sections relatively toward each other to cause the compression force.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 57 words

The method for securing an anchor recited in claim 39, further comprising inserting a tube into the center of at least one of the sections, threading the sutures through the centers of both sections and through the hollow interior of the tube, and further comprising moving the sections relatively toward each other to cause the compression force.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 30 words

The method for securing an anchor recited in claim 41, wherein the step of moving the sections relatively toward each other comprises pulling the sutures thereby causing the compression force.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 44 words

The method for securing an anchor recited in claim 41, wherein the steps of causing the compression force comprises providing an object disposed about the tube for engagement with at least one of the sections and to which the compression force can be applied.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 27 words

The method for securing an anchor recited in claim 41, further comprising removing the tube from said at least one section after said compression force is applied.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 50 words

The method for securing an anchor recited in claim 24, further comprising providing at least one intermediate section between the first and second sections, the intermediate section having first and second pluralities of longitudinally extending fingers for engagement with respective pluralities of the fingers in the first and second sections.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 259 words

A medical anchor for securement into a bore formed in bio-organic tissue and defined by a bore side wall and an opening into the bore, comprising: a first generally hollow section made of a biocompatible material having a first plurality of spaced longitudinally directed fingers pointed toward the opening; a second generally hollow section made of a biocompatible material having a second plurality of spaced longitudinally directed fingers; the first and second sections being arranged opposed to each other with the fingers of each section being interdigitated with the fingers of the other section; an elongated body mechanically engaged with the first section, the first and second sections being adapted to receive a compression force applied by a member which moves substantially longitudinally without rotational movement to move the two sections relatively toward each other, the first and second hollow sections having a combined longitudinal size such that they are entirely received within the bore after the compression force is applied, the two sections being both longitudinally movable in respective opposed directions of movement with the fingers of each section moving radially outwardly while moving in the respective direction of movement, the fingers of each section being adapted to penetrate into the bore side wall in the respective direction of movement to secure the two sections in the bore without anchoring the elongated body at the opening into the bore; at least one of the first and second sections being slidable along the elongated body without relative rotational movement of the elongated body and the at least one section.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 259 words

A medical anchor for securement into a bore formed in bio-organic tissue and defined by a bore side wall and an opening into the bore, comprising: a first generally hollow section made of a biocompatible material having a first plurality of spaced longitudinally directed fingers pointed toward the opening; a second generally hollow section made of a biocompatible material having a second plurality of spaced longitudinally directed fingers; the first and second sections being arranged opposed to each other with the fingers of each section being interdigitated with the fingers of the other section; an elongated body mechanically engaged with the first section, the first and second sections being adapted to receive a compression force applied by a member which moves substantially longitudinally without rotational movement to move the two sections relatively toward each other, the first and second hollow sections having a combined longitudinal size such that they are entirely received within the bore after the compression force is applied, the two sections being both longitudinally movable in respective opposed directions of movement with the fingers of each section moving radially outwardly while moving in the respective direction of movement, the fingers of each section being adapted to penetrate into the bore side wall in the respective direction of movement to secure the two sections in the bore without anchoring the elongated body at the opening into the bore; at least one of the first and second sections being slidable along the elongated body without relative rotational movement of the elongated body and the at least one section.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 233 words

A medical anchor for securement into a bore formed in a bio-organic medium and defined by a bore side wall and an opening into the bore, comprising: a first biocompatible member having a first plurality of spaced longitudinally directed fingers pointed toward the opening; a second biocompatible member having a second plurality of spaced longitudinally directed fingers; the first and second members being arranged opposed to each other with the fingers of each member being interdigitated with the fingers of the other member; an elongated body mechanically engaged with the first section; and the first and second members being adapted to receive a compression force moving the two members relatively toward each other, the first and second members having a combined longitudinal size such that they are entirely received within the bore after the compression force is applied, said two members being both longitudinally movable in respective opposed directions of movement with the fingers of each section moving radially outwardly while moving in the respective direction of movement, the fingers of each member being adapted to penetrate into the bore side wall in the respective direction of movement to secure the two members without anchoring the elongated body at the opening into the bore; at least one of the first and second members being slidable along the elongated body without relative rotational movement of the elongated body and the at least one member.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 233 words

A medical anchor for securement into a bore formed in a bio-organic medium and defined by a bore side wall and an opening into the bore, comprising: a first biocompatible member having a first plurality of spaced longitudinally directed fingers pointed toward the opening; a second biocompatible member having a second plurality of spaced longitudinally directed fingers; the first and second members being arranged opposed to each other with the fingers of each member being interdigitated with the fingers of the other member; an elongated body mechanically engaged with the first section; and the first and second members being adapted to receive a compression force moving the two members relatively toward each other, the first and second members having a combined longitudinal size such that they are entirely received within the bore after the compression force is applied, said two members being both longitudinally movable in respective opposed directions of movement with the fingers of each section moving radially outwardly while moving in the respective direction of movement, the fingers of each member being adapted to penetrate into the bore side wall in the respective direction of movement to secure the two members without anchoring the elongated body at the opening into the bore; at least one of the first and second members being slidable along the elongated body without relative rotational movement of the elongated body and the at least one member.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 247 words

A medical anchor for securement into a bore formed in a bio-organic medium and defined by a bore side wall and an opening into the bore comprising: a first biocompatible section having a first plurality of spaced longitudinally directed fingers pointed toward the opening; a second biocompatible section have a second plurality of spaced longitudinally directed fingers; the first and second sections being arranged opposed to each other with the fingers of each section being interdigitated with the fingers of the other section; an elongated body mechanically engaged with the first section; the first and second sections being adapted to receive a compression force moving the two sections relatively toward each other, the first and second sections having a combined longitudinal size such that they are entirely received within the bore after the compression force is applied, said two sections being both longitudinally movable in respective opposed directions of movement with the fingers of each section moving radially outwardly while moving in the respective direction of movement, the fingers of each section being adapted to penetrate into the bore side wall in the respective direction of movement to secure the two sections in the bore without anchoring the elongated body at the opening into the bore; a suture connected to at least one of the two sections; and at least one of the first and second sections being slidable along the elongated body without relative rotational movement of the elongated body and the at least one section.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 247 words

A medical anchor for securement into a bore formed in a bio-organic medium and defined by a bore side wall and an opening into the bore comprising: a first biocompatible section having a first plurality of spaced longitudinally directed fingers pointed toward the opening; a second biocompatible section have a second plurality of spaced longitudinally directed fingers; the first and second sections being arranged opposed to each other with the fingers of each section being interdigitated with the fingers of the other section; an elongated body mechanically engaged with the first section; the first and second sections being adapted to receive a compression force moving the two sections relatively toward each other, the first and second sections having a combined longitudinal size such that they are entirely received within the bore after the compression force is applied, said two sections being both longitudinally movable in respective opposed directions of movement with the fingers of each section moving radially outwardly while moving in the respective direction of movement, the fingers of each section being adapted to penetrate into the bore side wall in the respective direction of movement to secure the two sections in the bore without anchoring the elongated body at the opening into the bore; a suture connected to at least one of the two sections; and at least one of the first and second sections being slidable along the elongated body without relative rotational movement of the elongated body and the at least one section.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 234 words

A medical anchor for securement into a bore formed in a bio-organic medium and defined by a bore side wall and an opening into the bore, comprising: a first biocompatible section having a first plurality of spaced longitudinally directed fingers pointed forward the opening; a second biocompatible section have a second plurality of spaced longitudinally directed fingers; the first and second sections being arranged opposed to each other with the fingers of each section being interdigitated with the fingers of the other section; an elongated body mechanically engaged with the first section; the first and second sections being adapted to receive a compression force moving the two sections relatively toward each other, the first and second sections having a combined longitudinal size such that they are entirely received within the bore after the compression force is applied, said two sections being both longitudinally movable in respective opposed directions of movement with the fingers of each section being adapted to move outwardly to penetrate into the bore side wall in the respective direction of movement to secure the two sections in the bore without anchoring the elongated body at the opening into the bore; a suture connected to at least one of the two sections; and at least one of the first and second sections being slidable along the elongated body without relative rotational movement of the elongated body and the at least one section.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 234 words

A medical anchor for securement into a bore formed in a bio-organic medium and defined by a bore side wall and an opening into the bore, comprising: a first biocompatible section having a first plurality of spaced longitudinally directed fingers pointed forward the opening; a second biocompatible section have a second plurality of spaced longitudinally directed fingers; the first and second sections being arranged opposed to each other with the fingers of each section being interdigitated with the fingers of the other section; an elongated body mechanically engaged with the first section; the first and second sections being adapted to receive a compression force moving the two sections relatively toward each other, the first and second sections having a combined longitudinal size such that they are entirely received within the bore after the compression force is applied, said two sections being both longitudinally movable in respective opposed directions of movement with the fingers of each section being adapted to move outwardly to penetrate into the bore side wall in the respective direction of movement to secure the two sections in the bore without anchoring the elongated body at the opening into the bore; a suture connected to at least one of the two sections; and at least one of the first and second sections being slidable along the elongated body without relative rotational movement of the elongated body and the at least one section.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 396 words

A medical anchor adapted to secure an elongated body in a bore formed in a living medium and defined by a bore side wall and an opening into the bore, the bore extending distally into the medium from a surface of the medium, comprising: a first generally hollow biocompatible section receiving at least a portion of the elongated body within it, engaged with the elongated body against axial displacement of the first section distally relative to the body, being adapted to be received in the bore, and having a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart fingers adapted to extend proximally relative to the bore toward the opening; a second generally hollow biocompatible section adapted to be received in the bore proximally of the first section, receiving a portion of the elongated body through it, and having a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart fingers adapted to extend distally relative to the bore; the first and second sections being arranged opposite each other with the fingers of each section being interdigitated with the fingers of the other section and the fingers of each section being engageable with rim portions of the other section so as to be displaced outwardly upon movement of the sections toward each other; a hollow pusher member separate from the sections receivable in sliding clearance around the elongated body and engageable with a proximal end of the second section to apply a force distally on the second section; and a portion of the elongated body being adapted to be held to apply a force proximally to the first section so as to enable the distally acting force applied to the second section to move the first and second sections relatively toward each other and move the fingers outwardly into engagement with the side wall of the medium surrounding the bore without having to hold either of the sections against rotation relative to the bore and without anchoring the elongated body at the opening into the bore; the first and second hollow sections having a combined longitudinal size such that they are entirely received within the bore after the forces are applied to the first and second sections to move the first and second sections relatively toward each other; at least one of the first and second sections being slidable along the elongated body without relative rotational movement of the elongated body and the at least one section.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 396 words

A medical anchor adapted to secure an elongated body in a bore formed in a living medium and defined by a bore side wall and an opening into the bore, the bore extending distally into the medium from a surface of the medium, comprising: a first generally hollow biocompatible section receiving at least a portion of the elongated body within it, engaged with the elongated body against axial displacement of the first section distally relative to the body, being adapted to be received in the bore, and having a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart fingers adapted to extend proximally relative to the bore toward the opening; a second generally hollow biocompatible section adapted to be received in the bore proximally of the first section, receiving a portion of the elongated body through it, and having a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart fingers adapted to extend distally relative to the bore; the first and second sections being arranged opposite each other with the fingers of each section being interdigitated with the fingers of the other section and the fingers of each section being engageable with rim portions of the other section so as to be displaced outwardly upon movement of the sections toward each other; a hollow pusher member separate from the sections receivable in sliding clearance around the elongated body and engageable with a proximal end of the second section to apply a force distally on the second section; and a portion of the elongated body being adapted to be held to apply a force proximally to the first section so as to enable the distally acting force applied to the second section to move the first and second sections relatively toward each other and move the fingers outwardly into engagement with the side wall of the medium surrounding the bore without having to hold either of the sections against rotation relative to the bore and without anchoring the elongated body at the opening into the bore; the first and second hollow sections having a combined longitudinal size such that they are entirely received within the bore after the forces are applied to the first and second sections to move the first and second sections relatively toward each other; at least one of the first and second sections being slidable along the elongated body without relative rotational movement of the elongated body and the at least one section.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 15 words

An anchor according to claim 50, wherein the elongated body is a rod or tube.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 32 words

An anchor according to claim 50, wherein the elongated body is a rod or tube and the rod or tube is affixed to the first section by a weldment or an adhesive.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 18 words

An anchor according to claim 50, further comprising a suture coupled to at least one of the sections.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 20 words

An anchor according to claim 50, further comprising a plurality of sutures coupled to at least one of the sections.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 57 words

An anchor according to claim 54, wherein the medium is a body tissue or matrix and further comprising an inserter tube removably inserted into the center of at least the second section with a snug fit, the sutures passing through the tube, and the tube being receivable within the pusher member with at least a sliding clearance.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 25 words

An anchor according to claim 50, wherein the rim portions of each section are tapered to promote movement of the fingers that engage them outwardly.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 30 words

An anchor according to claim 50, wherein each finger has a tip portion that is tapered to promote movement of each finger outwardly by the rim portion that it engages.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 49 words

An anchor according to claim 50, wherein the rim portions of each section are tapered to promote movement of the fingers that engage them outwardly and each finger has a tip portion that is tapered to promote movement of each finger outwardly by the rim portion that it engages.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 27 words

An anchor according to claim 50, wherein the medium is a body tissue or matrix and the sections and the elongated body are formed of biocompatible materials.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 243 words

An anchor according to claim 50, wherein the second section has a plurality of fingers adapted to extend proximally relative to the bore, and further comprising a third generally hollow section adapted to be received in the bore proximally of the second section, receiving a portion of the elongated body through it, and having a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart fingers adapted to extend distally relative to the bore; the second and third sections being arranged opposite each other with the proximally extending fingers of the second section being interdigitated with the distally extending fingers of the third section, and proximally extending fingers of the second being engageable with rim portions of the third section so as to be displaced outwardly upon movement of the sections toward each other, the distally extending fingers of the third section being engageable with rim portions of the second section so as to be displaced outwardly upon movement of the sections toward each other; the hollow pusher member being engageable with a proximal end of the third section so as to apply a force distally on the third section; and a portion of the elongated body being adapted to be held to apply a force proximally to the first section so as to enable the distally acting force applied to the third section to move the first, second and third sections relatively toward each other and move the fingers outwardly into engagement with the medium surrounding the bore.

Claim 68

Dependent Claim 408 words

A medical anchor adapted to secure an elongated body formed of a biocompatible material in a bore formed in a living medium and defined by a bore side wall and an opening into the bore, the bore extending distally into a body tissue or matrix from a surface thereof, comprising: a first generally hollow section formed of a biocompatible material receiving at least a portion of the elongated body within it, engaged with the elongated body against displacement of the first section distally relative to the body, being adapted to be received in the bore, and having a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart fingers adapted to extend proximally relative to the bore toward the opening; a second generally hollow section formed of biocompatible material, adapted to be received in the bore proximally of the first section, receiving a portion of the elongated body through it, and having a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart fingers adapted to extend distally relative to the bore; the first and second sections being arranged opposite each other with the fingers of each section being interdigitated with the fingers of the other section and the fingers of each section being engageable with rim portions of the other section so as to be displaced outwardly upon movement of the sections toward each other; and a hollow pusher member separate from the sections receivable in sliding clearance around the elongated body and engageable with a proximal end of the second section to apply a force distally on the second section; a portion of the elongated body being adapted to be engaged to apply a force proximally to the first section so as to enable the distally acting force applied to the second section to move the first and second sections relatively toward each other and move the fingers outwardly into engagement with the side wall of the medium surrounding the bore without having to hold either of the sections against rotation relative to the bore and without anchoring the elongated body at the opening into the bore; the first and second hollow sections having a combined longitudinal size such that they are entirely received within the bore after the forces are applied to the first and second sections to move the first and second sections relatively toward each other; at least one of the first and second sections being slidable along the elongated body without relative rotational movement of the elongated body and the at least one section.

Claim 69

Dependent Claim 408 words

A medical anchor adapted to secure an elongated body formed of a biocompatible material in a bore formed in a living medium and defined by a bore side wall and an opening into the bore, the bore extending distally into a body tissue or matrix from a surface thereof, comprising: a first generally hollow section formed of a biocompatible material receiving at least a portion of the elongated body within it, engaged with the elongated body against displacement of the first section distally relative to the body, being adapted to be received in the bore, and having a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart fingers adapted to extend proximally relative to the bore toward the opening; a second generally hollow section formed of biocompatible material, adapted to be received in the bore proximally of the first section, receiving a portion of the elongated body through it, and having a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart fingers adapted to extend distally relative to the bore; the first and second sections being arranged opposite each other with the fingers of each section being interdigitated with the fingers of the other section and the fingers of each section being engageable with rim portions of the other section so as to be displaced outwardly upon movement of the sections toward each other; and a hollow pusher member separate from the sections receivable in sliding clearance around the elongated body and engageable with a proximal end of the second section to apply a force distally on the second section; a portion of the elongated body being adapted to be engaged to apply a force proximally to the first section so as to enable the distally acting force applied to the second section to move the first and second sections relatively toward each other and move the fingers outwardly into engagement with the side wall of the medium surrounding the bore without having to hold either of the sections against rotation relative to the bore and without anchoring the elongated body at the opening into the bore; the first and second hollow sections having a combined longitudinal size such that they are entirely received within the bore after the forces are applied to the first and second sections to move the first and second sections relatively toward each other; at least one of the first and second sections being slidable along the elongated body without relative rotational movement of the elongated body and the at least one section.

Claim 70

Dependent Claim 32 words

An anchor according to claim 61, wherein the elongated body is a rod or tube and the rod or tube is affixed to the first section by a weldment or an adhesive.

Claim 71

Dependent Claim 65 words

An anchor according to claim 61, further comprising a plurality of suture coupled to at least one of the sections, and further comprising a substantially rigid hollow inserter tube removably inserted into and in a snug fit with the center of at least the second section, the sutures passing through the tube, and the tube being receivable within the pusher member with a sliding clearance.

Claim 72

Independent Claim 395 words

A method of securing an elongated body of a biocompatible material in a bore formed in a living body and defined by a bore side wall and an opening into the bore, the bore extending distally into a body tissue or matrix from a surface thereof, comprising the steps of: providing a first generally hollow section formed of a biocompatible material, adapted to be received in the bore with a close clearance and having a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart fingers adapted to extend proximally relative to the bore toward the opening; affixing at least a portion of the elongated body within the first section against axial displacement relative to the first section, providing a second generally hollow section formed of a biocompatible material, adapted to be received in the bore with a close clearance, and having a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart fingers adapted to extend generally distally relative to the bore; positioning the second section opposite the first section with the fingers of each section being interdigitated with the fingers of the other section, with the fingers of each section being engageable with rim portions of the other section so as to be displaced outwardly upon movement of the sections toward each other, and with the elongated body received within the second section; engaging a hollow pusher member separate from the sections and in sliding clearance around the elongated body with a proximal end of the second section and applying a force to the hollow pusher member acting distally on the second section; engaging a portion of the elongated body such as to apply a force proximally to the first section so as to enable the distally acting force applied to the second section to move the first and second sections relatively toward each other and move the fingers outwardly into engagement with the side wall of the bore without anchoring the elongated body at the opening into the bore; the first and second sections having a combined longitudinal size such that they are entirely received within the bore after the forces are applied to the first and second sections to move the first and second sections relatively toward each other; and providing at least one of the first and second sections so as to be slidable along the elongated body without relative rotational movement of the elongated body and the at least one section.

Claim 73

Independent Claim 395 words

A method of securing an elongated body of a biocompatible material in a bore formed in a living body and defined by a bore side wall and an opening into the bore, the bore extending distally into a body tissue or matrix from a surface thereof, comprising the steps of: providing a first generally hollow section formed of a biocompatible material, adapted to be received in the bore with a close clearance and having a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart fingers adapted to extend proximally relative to the bore toward the opening; affixing at least a portion of the elongated body within the first section against axial displacement relative to the first section, providing a second generally hollow section formed of a biocompatible material, adapted to be received in the bore with a close clearance, and having a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart fingers adapted to extend generally distally relative to the bore; positioning the second section opposite the first section with the fingers of each section being interdigitated with the fingers of the other section, with the fingers of each section being engageable with rim portions of the other section so as to be displaced outwardly upon movement of the sections toward each other, and with the elongated body received within the second section; engaging a hollow pusher member separate from the sections and in sliding clearance around the elongated body with a proximal end of the second section and applying a force to the hollow pusher member acting distally on the second section; engaging a portion of the elongated body such as to apply a force proximally to the first section so as to enable the distally acting force applied to the second section to move the first and second sections relatively toward each other and move the fingers outwardly into engagement with the side wall of the bore without anchoring the elongated body at the opening into the bore; the first and second sections having a combined longitudinal size such that they are entirely received within the bore after the forces are applied to the first and second sections to move the first and second sections relatively toward each other; and providing at least one of the first and second sections so as to be slidable along the elongated body without relative rotational movement of the elongated body and the at least one section.

Claim 74

Dependent Claim 34 words

A method according to claim 64, wherein the elongated body is a substantially rigid rod or tube and the rod or tube is affixed to the first section by a weldment or an adhesive.

Claim 75

Dependent Claim 73 words

A method according to claim 64, further comprising a plurality of suture coupled to at least one of the sections, and further comprising the steps of inserting a substantially rigid hollow inserter tube with a snug fit into the center of at least the second section and with a sliding fit within the pusher member, passing the sutures through the tube, and inserting the sections into the bore by manipulating the insert tube.

Claim 76

Dependent Claim 57 words

A method according to claim 66, and further comprising the step of extending the inserter tube from the sections and the sutures by simultaneously applying a force proximally to the inserter tube to withdraw the inserter tube and a force distally to the pusher member to hold the pusher member and sections in place within the bore.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2000-07-07	2001-01-06	2001-07-08	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2004-07-07	2005-01-06	2005-07-08	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2008-07-07	2009-01-06	2009-07-08	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Anchor and method for securement into a bore

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