Sling assembly with secure and convenient attachment
First Claim
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1. An assembly for treating incontinence comprising:
- an elongate needle that is sized and shaped to be initially inserted through an abdominal incision and to then merge from a vaginal incision, the needle having an insertion end and an end opposite the insertion end, a sling for implantation in the body during an incontinence procedure, and a coupler having an axis, the coupler having a first end and a second end with surfaces for conveniently and securely connecting the coupler to the insertion end of the needle by moving the coupler and insertion end of the needle together, wherein the coupler is connected to the needle by being moved together in a substantially axial fashion.
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Abstract
Surgical articles that are conveniently and securely coupled are disclosed. Improved surgical procedures are also disclosed.
342 Citations
15 Claims
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1. An assembly for treating incontinence comprising:
- an elongate needle that is sized and shaped to be initially inserted through an abdominal incision and to then merge from a vaginal incision, the needle having an insertion end and an end opposite the insertion end, a sling for implantation in the body during an incontinence procedure, and a coupler having an axis, the coupler having a first end and a second end with surfaces for conveniently and securely connecting the coupler to the insertion end of the needle by moving the coupler and insertion end of the needle together, wherein the coupler is connected to the needle by being moved together in a substantially axial fashion.
- View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A coupler for use in an incontinence procedure that utilizes a sling and an elongate needle that is sized and shaped to be initially inserted through an abdominal incision and to then emerge from a vaginal incision, the needle having an insertion end, the coupler comprising
an elongate body having an axis, a first end and a second end, and surfaces for conveniently and securely connecting the coupler to the insertion end of the needle by moving the second end of the coupler and the insertion end of the needle together in a substantially axial fashion.
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13. A method of treating incontinence in a female patient comprising the steps of:
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providing a synthetic surgical mesh having first and second ends and a plurality of holes that are sized and shaped to afford tissue ingrowth, and a removable synthetic insertion sheath associated with the surgical mesh, providing a needle that is sized and shaped to be initially inserted through a suprapubic incision and to then emerge from a vaginal incision, the needle having an insertion end and an end opposite the insertion end, providing a coupler having an axis, the coupler having a first end and a second end with surfaces for conveniently and securely connecting the coupler to the insertion end of the needle, creating at least one vaginal incision, creating at least one suprapubic incision, passing the leading end of the needle initially through the suprapubic incision and then through the vaginal incision, then connecting the coupler to the needle by moving the coupler and insertion end of the needle together while the insertion end of the needle protrudes from the vaginal incision, implanting the sling by moving the leading end of the needle from the vaginal incision toward the suprapubic incision, and then removing the synthetic insertion sheath. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15)
pushing the coupler onto the insertion end of the needle together in a substantially axial fashion with an Insertion Force of less than about fifteen pounds.
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15. A method according to claim 13 further including the step of connecting the first end of the coupler to a second needle that is attached to the surgical mesh and insertion sheath.
Specification