Surgical instrument and method for treating female urinary incontinence

• US 7,112,210 B2
• Filed: 04/01/2003
• Issued: 09/26/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 11/22/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ethicon Incorporated (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Ethicon Incorporated (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Kammerer, Gene W., Ulmsten, Ulf
• Primary Examiner(s): Woo, Julian W.
• Application Number:
  US10/404,576
• Publication Number:
  US 20030191480A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,274 Days
• Field of Search: 606/151, 606/153, 606/154, 606/155, 606/157, 606/214, 600/29, 600/30, 128/898, 428/320.2, 428/321.5, 428/200, 428/40.1, 602/48, 602/54, 602/57, 602/58
• US Class Current: 606/151
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/00491 Surgical glue applicators surgical adhesives A61L24/00; two-component delivery syringes A61M5/19
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00805 Treatment of female stress urinary incontinence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0419 H-fasteners
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/0045 Support slings

Abstract

The invention relates to a surgical instrument and a method for treating female urinary incontinence. A tape or mesh is permanently implanted into the body as a support for the urethra. In one embodiment, portions of the tape comprise tissue growth factors and adhesive bonding means for attaching portions of the tape to the pubic bone. In a further embodiment, portions of the tape comprise attachment means for fastening portions of the tape to fascia within the pelvic cavity. In both embodiments the tape is implanted with a single incision through the vaginal wall.

Claims

1. A device for treating female urinary incontinence in a patient, comprising:

a substantially flat, flexible tape for providing a sling under the urethra, and having first and second ends;

first and second pouches at first and second ends of the tape respectively;

an adhesive contained within the first and second pouches;

wherein the first and second pouches are configured to release the contained adhesive when a predetermined amount of pressure is applied to the pouches, and wherein the tape is comprised of a combination of bioabsorbable and non-bioabsorbable materials.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the tape further comprises growth factors for stimulating cell growth.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the tape comprises growth factors at least in the areas in which the tape interfaces with the bone when implanted in the patient.