Protective sheath for transvaginal anchor implantation devices
AssigneeSciMed Life Systems, Inc.
InventorsBarry N. Gellman, David J. Sauvageau, Armand A. Morin, Rodney Brenneman
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Abstract
Bone anchor implantation devices and methods for their use are disclosed. The bone anchor implantation devices and methods find particular application in maintaining or improving urinary continence by suspending or stabilizing the bladder neck. Protective sheaths for covering a bone anchor on a bone anchor implantation device are disclosed. The protective sheaths protect the bone anchor from contacting tissue during insertion and prevent contamination of the bone anchor.
Claims19
A bone anchor implantation device, comprising:
- a hook-shaped shaft having a first end and a second end;
- a bone anchor releasably engaged to one end of the shaft;
- and
- a protective sheath for encapsulating the bone anchor prior to implantation, wherein the protective sheath comprises a balloon.
A method of inserting into a bone a bone anchor that is releasably engaged to a bone anchor implantation device and covered by a sheath, comprising:
- (1) locating a bone anchor implantation site on the bone,
- (2) applying a retrograde force to said bone anchor to perforate said sheath and implant said bone anchor into said bone.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.