Surgical article
OwnerRobert E. Lund, Johann J. Neisz +2inventors
InventorsRobert E. Lund, Johann J. Neisz, Brian P. Watschke, John W. Westrum JR.
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A surgical article useful in a sling procedure is disclosed. The surgical article may be used with a sling assembly having a sling, and two end insertion sheaths having a hiatus substantially adjacent a mid portion of the sling.
Claims26
A surgical article for associating with a sling assembly comprising a sling having first and second end portions and a mid portion, a first insertion sheath substantially enclosing the first end portion of the sling, a second insertion sheath substantially enclosing the second end portion of the sling, the first and second insertion sheaths having ends that are spaced apart so that the mid portion of the sling is free of any insertion sheath, the surgical article comprising:
- a first jaw,
- a second jaw,
- the first and second jaws being movable between an open position to receiving the sling assembly therebetween, and a closed position for associating the surgical article with the sling assembly;
- and
- wherein the first jaw has a predetermined size and shape for assisting a surgeon in implanting a sling with appropriate tension.
In combination, a sling assembly comprising a sling having first and second end portions and a mid portion, a first insertion sheath substantially enclosing the first end portion of the sling, a second insertion sheath substantially enclosing the second end portion of the sling, the first and second insertion sheaths having ends that are spaced apart so that the mid portion of the sling is free of any insertion sheath,
- a surgical article comprising a first jaw, a second jaw, the first and second jaws being movable between an open position to receiving the sling assembly therebetween, and a closed position for associating the surgical article with the sling assembly;
- and
- wherein the first jaw has a predetermined size and shape for assisting a surgeon in implanting a sling with appropriate tension.
A method of treating a patient's urological disorder comprising the steps of inserting a sling assembly comprising a sling with a mid-portion, the sling having insertion sheaths enclosing end portions thereof, the insertion sheaths having ends proximate the mid-portion of the sling that are spaced apart, and a spacer article associated with the sling assembly;
- verifying that the spacer article is in at least close proximity to the patient's urethra;
- removing the spacer article;
- and
- removing the insertion sheaths.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.