Devices and methods for treating E.G. urinary stress incontinence
AssigneeSurgical Connections, Inc.
InventorsClaire T. Hovland, Jerome H. Abrams
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Embodiment of the invention provide a permanent implanted support for e.g. the urethral neck of the bladder, substantially preventing urinary leakage caused by transmission of intra-abdonminal pressure pulse waves. The support is implanted in a straightforward manner without the significant complexity and invasiveness associated with known surgical techniques. Pelvic trauma is dramatically reduced. Embodiments of the invention can be used in treament of stress incontinence, and other types of incontinence, in both males and females.
Claims35
A surgical staple device, comprising:
- a substantially ring-shaped hollow base portion;
- a plurality of needle members upstanding from the base portion;
- and
- a substantially ring-shaped locking member for receiving the needle members, the locking member initially being separated from the base portion and needle members, the locking member having an inside portion and an outside portion, the inside portion of the locking member being constructed to receive the needle members and the needle members being constructed to enter into locking engagement with respect to the locking member;
- wherein the surgical staple device is constructed of a biocompatible material;
- further wherein the locking member is constructed such that the needle members can enter into said locking engagement with respect to the locking member at any angular orientation of the locking member about its central axis.
A surgical treatment device, comprising:
- a surgical staple, the surgical staple comprising a substantially ring-shaped hollow base portion, a plurality of needle members upstanding from the base portion, and a substantially ring-shaped locking member for receiving the needle members, the locking member initially being separated from the base portion and needle members, the locking member having an inside portion and an outside portion, the inside portion of the locking member being constructed to receive the needle members and the needle members being constructed to enter into locking engagement with respect to the locking member, wherein the surgical staple device is constructed of a biocompatible material;
- delivery structure for supporting the surgical staple and delivering the surgical staple to a desired anatomical site of a patient;
- movement apparatus, operatively coupled with the delivery structure, for moving anatomical tissue into position between the needle members and the locking member;
- and
- a staple advancing mechanism for advancing the needle members through the anatomical tissue and into locking engagement with the locking member, the surgical staple thus holding the anatomical tissue in a desired configuration.
A surgical treatment device, comprising:
- delivery structure for supporting a surgical staple and delivering the surgical staple to a desired anatomical site of a patient;
- movement apparatus, operatively coupled with the delivery structure, for moving anatomical tissue into position with respect to the surgical staple, the movement apparatus comprising a vacuum device;
- and
- a staple advancing mechanism for moving the surgical staple into a holding configuration with respect to the anatomical tissue, the surgical staple thus holding the anatomical tissue in a desired configuration.
A method of treating urinary incontinence in a patient, the method comprising:
- inserting a surgical treatment device into at least the urethra of the patient;
- applying a vacuum with the surgical treatment device to draw at least a urethra portion and/or bladder neck portion of the patient into a desired configuration;
- delivering a surgical staple to the patient with the device, the staple holding the desired configuration;
- releasing the staple from the device;
- and
- withdrawing the device from the patient.
Urinary incontinence treatment apparatus, comprising:
- means for applying a vacuum to draw at least a urethra portion and/or bladder neck portion of a patient into a desired configuration;
- means for delivering a surgical staple to the patient, the staple holding the desired configuration;
- and
- means for releasing the staple so that it remains within the patient.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.