Apparatus and methods for the treatment of urinary incontinence
OwnerMichael E. Carleyinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Devices and methods for treating urinary incontinence are disclosed. In one embodiment, an implantable device uses non-biodegradable suture(s) positioned under or adjacent to the urethra. The sutures may be anchored by one of several methods including integration with mesh, tines, barbs, or an alternative anchoring system away from the urethra. A delivery system may comprise a hollow trocar with removable tip and handle. Methods for treating urinary incontinence using the devices are disclosed.
Claims20
A device for treating urinary incontinence, comprising:
- a plurality of non-biodegradable sutures configured generally in parallel and forming an implantable sling free from biologic material, the plurality of non-biodegradable sutures integrated with a non-biologic support material, and the non-biodegradable sutures free from intersections with one another, free from barbs and free from tines, and free from junctures with any fiber and free from junctures with any woven material along a length of the implantable sling;
- and
- first and second non-biodegradable anchor portions coupled to opposing ends of the implantable sling.
A system for treating urinary incontinence, comprising:
- a surgical delivery apparatus comprising a handle, a hollow shaft, and a removable tip;
- and
- an implantable sling free from biologic material disposed within the hollow shaft and further comprising a central portion configured for placement adjacent a portion of a urethra and first and second anchor portions attached at opposing ends of the central portion, wherein the central portion of the implantable sling further comprises a plurality of non-biodegradable sutures arranged in parallel, the plurality of non-biodegradable sutures integrated with a non-biologic support material, and the non-biodegradable sutures free from intersections with one another, free from barbs and free from tines, and free from junctures with any fiber and free from junctures with any woven material along a length of the implantable sling.
A method for treating urinary incontinence, comprising:
- providing at least one implantable sling free from biologic material comprising a plurality of non-biodegradable sutures configured in a generally parallel arrangement and further comprising anchor portions comprising non-biodegradable material attached to opposing ends of the plurality of non-biodegradable sutures, the plurality of non-biodegradable sutures integrated with a non-biologic support material, and the non-biodegradable sutures free from intersections with one another, free from barbs and free from tines, and free from junctures with any fiber and free from junctures with any woven material along a length of the implantable sling;
- inserting the at least one implantable sling into a human abdomen and positioning the plurality of non-biodegradable sutures adjacent a portion of a urethra;
- and
- positioning the anchor portions in tissue in the human abdomen a distance away from the urethra.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.