Implantable support with dilator attached to arm

#Supports that are implanted to treat pelvic organ prolapse are generally secured to an anatomical structure within the pelvis. Typically the support is placed inside the pelvis by attaching a suture line to a tissue landmark, attaching the support to the suture line, and pulling on the suture line until the support is located at the landmark. Access to the pelvis is sometimes gained through an incision formed in the vagina. Placement and retrieval of the suture line through the tissue landmark can present challenges.

#FIG. 1A is a schematic side view of a prior art suture line 10 attached to a support 12 by a joint 14. Suitable exemplary supports 12 include suture (shown) or support fabrics or arms attached to other implantable devices. Examples of the joint 14 includes a knot (shown) formed in the suture line 10 or other chemical or mechanical joints that attach the retrieval suture 10 to the support 12. The suture line 10 is directed through a tissue landmark 16 (for example a ligament) until the support 12 is placed in the location desired by the surgeon, after which the joint 14 and any excess portion of the support is trimmed off.

#FIG. 1B is a schematic side view of the joint 14 pulled over the tissue landmark 16. Some joints 14 can undesirably drag, snag, or catch on the tissue landmark 16 and resist movement of the suture line 10 through the tissue landmark 16.

#The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of embodiments and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification.

#The drawings illustrate embodiments and together with the description serve to explain principles of embodiments. Other embodiments and many of the intended advantages of embodiments will be readily appreciated as they become better understood by reference to the following detailed description. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other. Like reference numerals designate corresponding similar parts.

#FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate a prior art suture line of an implant inserted into a ligament.

#In the following Detailed Description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In this regard, directional terminology, such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “leading,” “trailing,” etc., is used with reference to the orientation of the Figure(s) being described. Because components of embodiments can be positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional terminology is used for purposes of illustration and is in no way limiting. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

#It is to be understood that the features of the various exemplary embodiments described herein may be combined with each other, unless specifically noted otherwise.

#Tissue includes soft tissue, which includes dermal tissue, sub-dermal tissue, ligaments, tendons, or membranes. As employed in this specification, the term “tissue” does not include bone.