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US 2009/0221867 A1Published application
Integral Sling Connection System and Method
AssigneeAMS Research Corporation
InventorsJason Westrum Ogdahl, Mona Nasseff Dahdah, Robert E. Lund, Mark S. Bouchier, Jose' W. Jimenez
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention includes implantable sling systems for treating urinary incontinence and methods of forming such sling systems. In one embodiment, the sling includes connectors which are integrally molded over each end of the sling. The connectors are releasably attachable to a surgical needle during implantation in a tissue pathway to treat incontinence.
Claims20
A process for forming an implantable sling comprising:
- providing an elongate rectangular mesh sized and shaped to be secured in a tissue pathway of a patient to treat incontinence, the mesh having first and second ends and a middle portion extending therebetween;
- reducing the width of the first and second ends relative to the middle portion of the sling;
- and
- molding a first connector around the first end and a second connector around the second end to secure the first and second connectors to the first and second ends.
1 more element
A sling implantation system including:
- a sling adapted to be implanted in a tissue pathway to treat incontinence, the sling including an elongate mesh body having first and second ends;
- first and second sling connectors associated with the first and second ends, the sling connectors including a base portion molded over each end of the sling;
- and
- at least one instrument for implanting the sling that includes a handle and a needle, the needle including a proximal portion extending from the handle, a curved portion adjacent the proximal portion and a distal portion that includes a structure configured to releasably engage the first or second sling connectors during implantation of the sling in the tissue pathway.
1 more element
An implantable sling for treating incontinence comprising
- an elongate rectangular mesh sized and shaped to be secured in a tissue pathway of a patient to treat incontinence, the mesh having first and second ends and a middle portion extending therebetween, the first and second ends having a reduced width compared to the middle portion;
- and
- first a second connectors molded over the respective first and second ends, the first and second connectors each having structure for releasable association with a surgical instrument during implantation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.