Patent ID: 7935083
Filing Date: 2011-05-03
Classification: A61M,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method of releasably a anchoring medical article, the medical article having a generally elongated body and at least one spline that projects away from an outer surface of the body and along the length of the body, the method comprising: positioning a retainer below the medical article, the retainer having a first flexible wall and a second flexible wall both extending in a generally transverse direction and defining at least a portion of a channel, and an opening extending along the longitudinal axis and into the channel, each of the first and second walls being movable between an open position and a closed position and defining at least a portion of the opening, the opening having a greater lateral width when the first and second walls are in the open position than when the first and second walls are in the closed position; aligning the medical article with the retainer; passing at least a portion of the medical article through the opening; inserting the portion of the medical article passing through the opening into the channel; contacting the first wall with the spline; deflecting the first wall from the closed position to the open position due to the contact between the first wall and the spline; and limiting return of the first wall to the closed position through the interaction of the first wall with the spline.