Patent ID: 6080160
Filing Date: 2000-06-27
Classification: A61B,A61M,A61N

Abstract:
A method for fixing a medical device at a site within a patient's body, comprising the steps of:(a) providing an anchor for the medical device, comprising a shape memory metal, said shape memory metal having a first shape associated with a first state and a second shape associated with a second state, and changing from said first state to said second state as a function of temperature;(b) inserting the medical device into the patient's body so that it is disposed at the site, said shape memory metal being in said first state while the medical device is positioned at the site; and(c) changing the temperature of the shape memory metal so that it transitions from said first state to said second state and thus changes from said first shape to said second shape, said second shape causing engagement of tissue within the patient's body so as to resist movement of the medical device relative to the site in at least one direction, and thus tending to fix the medical device at the site.