Patent ID: 8512390
Filing Date: 2013-08-20
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. Apparatus for delivering an implant, the apparatus comprising: a housing; a sheath portion extending distally away from the housing, the sheath portion having a sheath with a sheath lumen; wherein the implant comprises an implant body and a tether connected to the implant body, and the implant has a first position in which the implant body is at least partially located within the housing, and the tether extends distally along and within the sheath portion, and turns to extend back proximally along and within the sheath portion; wherein the apparatus further comprises a reel that is configured to wind the tether and thereby draw the implant body distally along and within the sheath lumen to a second position; wherein the sheath portion further comprises an inner member extending along and within the sheath lumen, the inner member providing a bearing surface at or near the distal end of the sheath, within or aligned with the sheath lumen; and wherein the tether has a first portion that extends from the implant body distally within the sheath portion and around the bearing surface, where the tether changes direction, and extends back proximally, as a second portion, from the bearing surface along and within the sheath portion.