Patent ID: 9034001
Filing Date: 2015-05-19
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An anchor assembly for applying retractive pressure to tissue, the anchor assembly comprising: a distal anchor, wherein the distal anchor includes a head portion that is connected to a tail portion via a connecting mid-section portion, wherein the tail portion is oriented transverse to the head portion; a suture, wherein the suture is attachable and tensioned to the distal anchor; and a slotted proximal anchor for securing a suture as part of a proximal end of an anchor assembly, the slotted anchor device comprising: a tubular back end having a partially flattened cross-section; and at least two pairs of spaced apart prongs extending from the back end of the slotted proximal anchor to a front end of the slotted proximal anchor, wherein the pairs of prongs join together at a slot inception, and wherein the prongs are are oriented to receive a tensioned portion of the suture; wherein the prongs include inwardly facing protrusions that are configured to capture and deform the suture between the protrusions and prevent the suture from disengaging from the slotted proximal anchor once engaged; and wherein inner surfaces of the prongs near the slot inception have a plurality of edges of engagement that deform and compress the suture between the prongs.