Minimally invasive implant and method
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method of tensioning urethral support tissue, the method comprising:
- producing a skin incision at an external location inferior to a location of an adductor longus inserting into a pubic ramus, on a side of a patient,providing an implant comprising a leading end having an anchor, a trailing end having a member, and an extension portion extending between the leading end and the trailing end;
introducing the leading end through the skin incision,passing the leading end around the pubic ramus, through an obturator foramen and internus muscle, and advancing the leading end and the anchor of the leading end into urethral support tissue lateral to a urethra, on the side of the patient,after advancing the anchor of the leading end into the urethral support tissue, pulling on the trailing end to place tension along the extension portion, andpositioning the member of the trailing end into or proximate to bodily tissue to maintain the tension.
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Abstract
Apparatus and methods are provided for treating urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, and other pelvic defects or dysfunctions, in both males and females, using one or more lateral implants to reinforce the supportive tissue of the urethra. The implants are configured to engage and pull (e.g., pull up) pelvic tissue to cause the lateral sub-urethral tissue, such as the endopelvic fascia, to tighten and provide slack reduction for improved support. As such, certain embodiments of the implants can be utilized to eliminate the need for mesh or other supportive structures under the urethra that is common with other incontinence slings.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A method of tensioning urethral support tissue, the method comprising:
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producing a skin incision at an external location inferior to a location of an adductor longus inserting into a pubic ramus, on a side of a patient, providing an implant comprising a leading end having an anchor, a trailing end having a member, and an extension portion extending between the leading end and the trailing end; introducing the leading end through the skin incision, passing the leading end around the pubic ramus, through an obturator foramen and internus muscle, and advancing the leading end and the anchor of the leading end into urethral support tissue lateral to a urethra, on the side of the patient, after advancing the anchor of the leading end into the urethral support tissue, pulling on the trailing end to place tension along the extension portion, and positioning the member of the trailing end into or proximate to bodily tissue to maintain the tension. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification