Implantable article and method for treating urinary incontinence using means for repositioning the implantable article
AssigneeAmerican Medical Systems, Inc.
InventorsJohann J. Neisz, John W. Westrum, Jr., Christopher H. Porter
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An implantable article and method of use are disclosed to treat urological disorders. The biocompatible device includes a sling assembly configured to be minimally invasive and provide sufficient support to the target site. In addition, the configuration of the sling assembly also allows the position of the sling to be permanently changed during and/or after implantation.
Claims36
A sling for treating urinary incontinence in a patient comprising:
- first and second major surfaces,
- a pair of end portions,
- a support portion for placement in a therapeutically effective position relative to a physiological environment intended to be supported, the support portion having an axially elongate mesh, and a pair of ends, and
- repositioning means, associated with the sling, for transferring sling tightening or sling loosening forces along the sling to afford effective, permanent repositioning of the sling without adversely affecting the therapeutic effect of the sling;
- wherein the sling includes a removable sheath and the repositioning means affords permanent tightening of the sling when the sling is partially implanted and the sheath is removed, by pulling on the sling and repositioning means at a suprapubic location.
A sling for treating urinary incontinence in a patient comprising:
- first and second major surfaces,
- a pair of end portions,
- a support portion for placement in a therapeutically effective position relative to a physiological environment intended to be supported, the support portion being constructed of autologous material, and having a pair of ends, and
- repositioning means, associated with the sling, for transferring sling tightening or sling loosening forces along the sling to afford effective repositioning of the sling without adversely affecting the therapeutic effect of the sling, wherein the sling includes a removable sheath and the repositioning means affords permanent tightening of the sling the sling is partially implanted and the sheath is removed, by pulling on the sling and repositioning means at a superpubic location.
A method of treating urinary incontinence in a patient comprising the steps of:
- establishing a pathway in tissue on both sides of a patient's urethra, the pathways extending between an abdominal wall of the patient and a pubic space of the patient;
- atraumatically dilating the pathways after the establishment of the pathways;
- introducing a sling material having repositioning means into the pathways while the pathways are being atraumatically dilated;
- positioning the sling material in the pathways in a therapeutic relationship relative to the urethra, and so that the sling extends upward toward the abdominal wall;
- and
- repositioning the sling, using the repositioning means, to support the urethra of the patient.
A method of treating urinary incontinence in a patient comprising the steps of:
- providing a sling with repositioning means;
- creating a pathway in tissue extending between an abdominal wall of the patient and a pubic region of the patient;
- positioning a sling material into the pathways so that the sling material is in a therapeutic relationship relative to the urethra of the patient and so that the sling extends upwards toward the abdominal wall;
- and
- loosening the sling material by using the repositioning means.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.