DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ESTABLISHING AN ANCHORAGE IN TISSUE

摘要

A perforated sheath (2) is anchored in a tissue opening with the aid of a tool (1), wherein the anchorage is achieved with the aid of mechanical vibration (in particular ultrasonic vibration) and a material which is liquefiable by the vibration. The tool (1) comprises a vibrating element (3) and a counter element (4). Distal portions of both elements (3 and 4) are introduced into the sheath to be in contact with each other at an interface (5). The liquefiable material is located at this interface and constitutes a separate liquefiable part (4.2). For the anchoring process, the vibrating element (3) is connected to a vibration source and the vibrating element (3) and the counter element (4) are held against each other for effecting liquefaction of the liquefiable material at the interface (5). Under the effect of the force applied to the vibrating and counter element for holding them against each other, the liquefied material flows from the interface (5) through the sheath perforation (2.1) and penetrates the tissue to form therein a positive fit connection on re-solidification. Preferably the sheath (2) is anchored in a plurality of anchoring locations spread out along its axial length for which purpose the interface (5) is displaced within the sheath (2) between successive anchoring steps. When the sheath (2) is anchored as desired, the tool (1) possibly including a rest of the liquefiable material is removed from the sheath (2) leaving an inner space thereof substantially free of the liquefiable material.