A SEGMENTED TISSUE-TO-TISSUE ANCHORING DEVICE AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME

摘要

The invention describes an apparatus and method of use for anchoring two or more body tissue layers to one another. The apparatus includes a plurality of individual anchor segments (28) that are placeable within a body cavity. The segments may assume a first relaxed state wherein the segments are movable relative to each other and alignable along an initial longitudinal axis (20) for initial placement of the apparatus through the body tissue layers. Once placed within the body cavity, the anchor segments are manipulated into a second rigid state with an actuator wherein the.segments assume a rigid configuration at a transverse angle relative to the initial longitudinal axis.