Abstract: The present subject matter provides a trocar and sheath assembly for placement of implantable devices adjacent a body lumen, and a method of using the trocar and sheath assembly for implanting an implantable device at a target site for controllable coaptation of a patient's urethra.

Abstract: The present subject matter provides a trocar and sheath assembly for placement of implantable devices adjacent a body lumen, and a method of using the trocar and sheath assembly for implanting an implantable device at a target site for controllable coaptation of a patient's urethra.

Abstract: The present subject matter provides a trocar and sheath assembly for placement of implantable devices adjacent a body lumen, and a method of using the trocar and sheath assembly for implanting an implantable device at a target site for controllable coaptation of a patient's urethra.

Abstract: In an implantable medical device having individual modules, a coupling module couples the modules to one another. The coupling module supports electrical and/or mechanical coupling of the modules. The coupling module may assume a variety of shapes or configurations. The various embodiments of the coupling module may offer the modules varying degrees of freedom of movement relative to one another.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sling, methods of making and using a sling, and kits comprising a sling for treating urinary incontinence. The sling has multiple elongation properties that serve to improve the support of the urethra. The sling may comprise a coated material adapted for urethral suspension. The coated sling has properties that appear to enhance the sling elongation characteristics. The coated sling further includes properties that reduce its susceptibility to bacterial infections. The sling further includes properties to enhance the proper tensioning of the sling.

Abstract: In an implantable medical device having individual modules, a coupling module couples the modules to one another. The coupling module supports electrical and/or mechanical coupling of the modules. The coupling module may assume a variety of shapes or configurations. The various embodiments of the coupling module may offer the modules varying degrees of freedom of movement relative to one another.

Abstract: In an implantable medical device having individual modules, a coupling module couples the modules to one another. The coupling module supports electrical and/or mechanical coupling of the modules. The coupling module may assume a variety of shapes or configurations. The various embodiments of the coupling module may offer the modules varying degrees of freedom of movement relative to one another.

Abstract: The present application includes a system for the preparation of a patient for the implantation of post-operatively adjustable coaptation device. For example, the present subject matter includes a tool having a proximal portion and a distal portion, and an elongate section disposed between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The tool additionally includes jaws hinged at a first joint, the first joint located at the distal portion of the tool, the jaws adapted to vary between an open state and a closed state, the closed state defining a blunt tip. Also, the tool includes a handle located at the proximal portion of the tool. The handle and the jaws are connected so that motion of the handle moves the jaws from the closed state to the open state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sling, methods of making and using a sling, and kits comprising a sling for treating urinary incontinence. The sling has multiple elongation properties that serve to improve the support of the urethra. The sling may comprise a coated material adapted for urethral suspension. The coated sling has properties that appear to enhance the sling elongation characteristics. The coated sling further includes properties that reduce its susceptibility to bacterial infections. The sling further includes properties to enhance the proper tensioning of the sling.

Abstract: In an implantable medical device having individual modules, a coupling module couples the modules to one another. The coupling module supports electrical and/or mechanical coupling of the modules. The coupling module may assume a variety of shapes or configurations. The various embodiments of the coupling module may offer the modules varying degrees of freedom of movement relative to one another.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sling, methods of making and using a sling, and kits comprising a sling for treating urinary incontinence. The sling has multiple elongation properties that serve to improve the support of the urethra. The sling may comprise a coated material adapted for urethral suspension. The coated sling has properties that appear to enhance the sling elongation characteristics. The coated sling further includes properties that reduce its susceptibility to bacterial infections. The sling further includes properties to enhance the proper tensioning of the sling.

Abstract: Surgical apparatus and associated methods of use are provided for enhancing the functional life-span of medical implants and for facilitating their implantation, particularly for medical devices designed to support anatomical structures. The apparatus comprises a reinforcing fastener guide for fixedly mounting or interlocking onto the surface of a medical device such as a urethral sling or the like. Formed of surgical grade metals or plastics, the attached reinforcing fastener guide defines an easily identified location for the implanting surgeon to position one or more surgical fasteners, such as a suture, to the patient's body in order to permanently position the medical implant. This greatly simplifies and shortens the implantation protocol while substantially reducing undesirable mechanical stresses within the implant at these attachment points, thereby increasing the useful life of the implanted medical device.

Abstract: Protective containers are provided for transporting moldable preform charges used in precision molding operations, in which the moldable material includes a conductive filler in a thermosetting resin matrix. The granular moldable material is loaded into the containers and compacted. Next, the loaded containers are transported to a molding station, where each preform of the moldable material is ejected from its container. The containers are sufficiently rigid to hold their shapes under high compaction pressures, thus to determine preform shapes with greater precision. By surrounding the preforms, the containers minimize evaporative loss of monomer, maintaining the preforms in a condition more suitable for molding, and reducing the impact of monomer loss on the surrounding environment. Each such container can take the form of a sleeve, or may have an end wall incorporating a flexure at one end.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for placing a bladder output control device is disclosed in which a tool has a surface which receives the bladder output control device and holds it for accurate placement of the device on the body of a user. The tool includes an illumination device mounted internal to the tool and provides illumination used in placement of the bladder output control device. The tool further includes a mirrored surface to enable better visualization of where the bladder output control device is located relative to its target location during placement of the device on the body of the user.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the size of a body passage is provided. The apparatus comprises a flexible strip having first and second ends. At least one aperture is disposed on the strip between the first and second ends. An indicia of body passage circumference is disposed on the strip in association with the at least one aperture. The body passage may be measured by inserting the strip into a dissected tunnel around the body passage, manipulating the strip such that the strip substantially surrounds the body passage, and observing the indicia on the strip to generally determine the circumference of the body passage.

Abstract: Surgical apparatus and associated methods of use are provided for enhancing the functional life-span of medical implants and for facilitating their implantation, particularly for medical devices designed to support anatomical structures. The apparatus comprises a reinforcing fastener guide for fixedly mounting or interlocking onto the surface of a medical device such as a urethral sling or the like. Formed of surgical grade metals or plastics, the attached reinforcing fastener guide defines an easily identified location for the implanting surgeon to position one or more surgical fasteners, such as a suture, to the patient's body in order to permanently position the medical implant. This greatly simplifies and shortens the implantation protocol while substantially reducing undesirable mechanical stresses within the implant at these attachment points, thereby increasing the useful life of the implanted medical device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sling, methods of making and using a sling, and kits comprising a sling for treating urinary incontinence. The sling has multiple elongation properties that serve to improve the support of the urethra. The sling may comprise a coated material adapted for urethral suspension. The coated sling has properties that appear to enhance the sling elongation characteristics. The coated sling further includes properties that reduce its susceptibility to bacterial infections. The sling further includes properties to enhance the proper tensioning of the sling.

Abstract: A support member having a drive motor on one side and a mixing element on the other is journaled in a frame to permit sealable attachment of an open topped mixing vessel thereto over said mixing element and subsequent inversion thereof prior to mixing.