Abstract: Surgical instruments for pelvic repair can include straight portions and helical portions. Surgical methods for treating prolapse and other pelvic disorders can include passing a distal end region of the surgical instruments through pelvic tissue, associating an implant with the surgical instruments, and securing the implant in place to stabilize the vagina.

Abstract: Surgical instruments for pevlic repair are disclosed. The surgical instruments have straight portions and helical portions. Surgical methods for treating prolapse and other pelvic disorders are also disclosed, including passing a distal end region of the surgical instruments through pelvic tissue, associating an implant with the surgical instruments, and securing the implant in place to stabilize the vagina.

Abstract: An implantable article and method are disclosed for treating pelvic floor disorders such as vaginal vault prolase. A surgical kit useful for performing a surgical procedure such as a sacral colpopexy is also described.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided, including an implantable mechanical support comprising a mesh shaped to support a portion of a urethra of a patient. One or more electrodes, coupled to the mesh, so as to contact tissue of the patient when the mechanical support (26) is implanted in the patient. A control unit drives the electrodes to apply a current to the tissue. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Described are methods and devices useful for supporting posterior vaginal tissue for various purposes such as treating or preventing vaginal prolapse or enterocele, especially in a patient not having a uterus, the devices including implants designed to contact the vaginal cuff and connect to sacral anatomy such as the sacrum or the uterosacral ligaments.

Abstract: Surgical articles, implants and components suitable creating composite slings are described. Novel procedures for assembling and utilizing composite slings are also detailed.

Abstract: Surgical instruments, implantable articles and surgical procedures disclosed for treating medical disorders, particularly incontinence. Improved surgical sling procedures are disclosed. Novel surgical instruments and kits for use in sling procedures are also disclosed. The present invention affords options for surgeons with concomitant advantages to the patient and the healthcare provider.

Abstract: In a method of implanting an electrode of an electronic stimulator device into a pelvic floor muscular structure of a patient, a stimulation lead having a proximal end and a distal end comprising an electrode is provided. The distal end of the stimulation lead is fed along a path, which is adjacent the pubic symphysis of a patient, toward a pelvic floor muscular structure of the patient. The distal end of the stimulation lead is then fed into the pelvic floor muscular structure of the patient. In one embodiment, the pelvic floor muscular structure comprises the external urinary sphincter of the patient. In accordance with other embodiments, the pelvic floor muscular structure comprises one of the external anal sphincter, the levator ani muscle, the puborectalis sling muscle and prostate tissue.

Abstract: A tool for driving a helical anchor into a target location, the tool including a proximal portion and a distal portion, the proximal portion having a handle and an actuator, and a shaft extending distally from the proximal portion, the shaft comprising an outer shaft and an inner rotating shaft that is at least partially concentrically positioned within the outer shaft, the shaft having a length that facilitates accessing a location of a posterior pelvic region, wherein the inner rotating shaft is actuated by movement of the actuator in a predetermined motion.

Abstract: Surgical procedures, systems, implants, devices, tools, and methods that are used for treating pelvic conditions in a male or female, the pelvic conditions including incontinence (various forms such as fecal incontinence, stress urinary incontinence, urge incontinence, mixed incontinence, etc.), vaginal prolapse (including various forms such as enterocele, cystocele, rectocele, apical or vault prolapse, uterine descent, etc.), and other conditions caused by muscle and ligament weakness, the devices and tools including devices and tools for anchoring an implant to tissue, adjusting the length of implant components, and cutting the implant to a desired length.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a sling implant system are provided. Embodiments of the implants can include one or more collapsibility and expandability features or portions adapted to improve introduction and deployment of the implant within the patient. The implants can be folded, collapsed or otherwise reduced in size or construct to fit within a delivery tool or catheter for later expandability upon deployment of the implant.

Abstract: Using a sling that includes a central portion and at least two arms extending from the central portion, a method of treating anal incontinence may include positioning the central portion posteriorly to the rectum and/or anus of a subject, and extending each arm of the sling to a respective obturator region. Using a sling having the same or similar structure, a method of treating pelvic organ prolapse may include positioning the central portion beneath the ano-rectum of a subject, and extending each arm of the sling to a respective thigh incision near the obturator region.

Abstract: Described are methods, devices, and systems related to implants for the treatment of a female pelvic condition. The implants include absorbable and non-absorbable materials and can be introduced into the pelvic area transvaginally. Meshes of the invention provide benefits relating to improved tissue integration into the mesh, reduced infection likelihood, improved patient comfort following implantation, or combinations of thereof.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for treating incontinence includes a handle portion elongate along a handle axis and a needle portion connected to the handle portion. The needle portion has a spacer portion along the handle axis, and has a distal end. The needle portion includes a substantially helical portion that is a variable spiral portion, extending from the straight spacer portion. The variable spiral portion is sized and shaped to extend from an incision substantially adjacent the patient's obturator foramen through the obturator foramen along a path in a region between the superior pubic ramus and the inferior pubic ramus. The needle portion has a structure near the distal end that associates the instrument with an implantable material configured to treat incontinence.

Abstract: One embodiment of an electrode lead comprises a lead body, at least one electrode at a distal end of the lead body, an actuatable member and at least one anchor wire. The actuatable member is positioned within a lumen of the lead body. The at least one anchor wire has a proximal end that is attached to the actuatable member. Movement of the actuatable member relative to the lead body moves the at least one anchor wire through at least one opening in the lead body.

Abstract: Described are methods, devices, and systems related to pelvic implants, including implants that include absorbable and non-absorbable materials.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided and adapted to engage and pull (e.g., pull up) or reposition paraurethral support tissue, such as the perineal membrane. The perineal membrane intersects the urethra and vagina at the midurethra or distal location and can thus be stabilized or controlled in a manner that helps restore continence. As such, the implants can be utilized to eliminate the need for mesh or other supportive structures under the urethra that is common with other incontinence slings.

Abstract: An electronic stimulator device comprises a battery, first and second output ports, and an energy discharge circuit. The energy discharge circuit is coupled to the battery and configured to receive an electrical charge from the battery and deliver the electrical charge through an energy output port. A first switch is connected between the energy output and the first output port. A second switch is connected between the second output port and electrical ground. A third switch is connected between the second output port and the energy output. A fourth switch is connected between the first output port and electrical ground. A controller comprising a processor is configured to actuate the first, second, third and fourth switches between open and close states to deliver a biphasic current pulse between the first and second output ports.

Abstract: A suture-less pelvic implant system and method is provided for treating pelvic conditions, such as incontinence or vaginal prolapse. The implant can include a fixation portion, rectangular or suture line, having a plurality of fixation elements, e.g., barbs, extending therefrom to fixate within target pelvic tissue, such as the vaginal apex. In a sacralcolpopexy, an opposing end or anchor of the implant is fixated within the sacrum or like structure to stabilize, raise, support or reposition the vaginal apex.