Patent ID: 7169160
Filing Date: 2007-01-30
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for anchoring a tubular element within a passageway formed in a mammalian body, the passageway having a wall with an inner surface, the apparatus comprising: a) a tubular element comprising a hollow tubular outer lumen having a proximal end and a distal end; b) a deployment element positioned within the outer lumen and slidable with respect to the outer lumen, the deployment element comprising a hollow tubular inner lumen with a wall having an inner surface, where the inner lumen has a proximal end and a distal end, and where the inner lumen has a bore extending completely through the inner lumen from the proximal end to the distal end; and, c) only two resilient anchoring members attached to the distal end of the deployment element and extending longitudinally beyond the distal end of the inner lumen, each anchoring member being reversibly movable by the deployment element between a first position and a second position, where in the first position, at least a portion of each anchoring member is retracted within the outer lumen, and where in the second position, at least a portion of each anchoring member is deployed exteriorly to the outer lumen, so as to engage the inner surface of the mammalian passageway and anchor the deployment element in the passageway.