Anchoring device and its implementation

Abstract

A method of providing ligamentory like support between two spaced locations in the body of a patient comprising fixing an anchor in each location, connecting the anchors by a filamentary element, adjusting the tension of the filamentary element between the locations to establish the desired spatial relationship between the locations to provide at least a supplementary ligamentory support between the locations. The anchor (115) comprising a base (153), a head (157) having a configuration to facilitate insertion of the head into tissue and retention of the head in the tissue once inserted, the base formed with an aperture (161) adapted to receive a length of a filamentary element (127) and permit slidable movement of the filamentary element through the aperture in one direction but to restrict movement of the filamentary element through the aperture in the opposite direction. A holder (189) to support the anchor to effect is fixation into the tissue and an insertion appliance (173) to support the holder and be used in applying the anchor to the tissue

1 . A method of providing ligamentary-like support between two tissues disposed at spaced locations in the body of a patient, comprising the steps of:
 providing a plurality of tissue anchors, each tissue anchor comprising a base and a head, the head including a plurality of tapered prongs that form a barbed configuration, the base including an aperture configured to receive a filamentary element, one said anchors further including a respective locking element within the respective aperture of the anchor and configured to permit a filament passing through the respective aperture to be drawn through in one direction and to prevent movement of said filamentary element through the respective aperture in the opposite direction;   fixing a respective anchor to the tissue at each location;   connecting said anchors by passing said filamentary element through the respective apertures of the anchors; and   adjusting the tension of the filamentary element between the locations by drawing the filamentary element through the anchor with the locking element, the locking element preventing said filamentary element from moving back through said aperture after said filamentary element is released thereby retaining said filamentary element between the anchors in a state of tension, wherein the filamentary element establishes a sling-like support for an organ or other body tissue between the two tissues and the filamentary element is retained in the state of tension between the anchors by the retaining element after the filamentary element is released to provide said ligamentary-like support between the tissues.