Abstract: A sling for supporting a urethra in a patient has characteristics for resisting pull-out, roll-over and a combination of both pull-out and roll-over. To facilitate resistance to pull-out, sling material has protuberances or serrations to resist movement once placed in the patient by the surgeon. Improved resistance to roll-over or roll-up is achieved by providing relief on the sling in areas potentially subjected to roll-over forces by endopelvic fascia. The sling may be used on female or male patients, and may be used in conjunction with a wider support portion to support a bladder and a urethra, rather than a urethra alone. The sling may also be used to support other tissues within a patient.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a percutaneous vasectomy comprises first and second members pivotably connected to one another and movable between a closed condition and an open condition. Each of the first and second members has oppositely disposed first and second ends. Each of the first ends includes a handle portion. Each of the second ends includes an arcuate first portion and a second portion that has a semi-annular section. Each of the arcuate first portions terminates at a pointed tip for piercing through skin. The first portion of the first member and the first portion of the second member abut one another in the closed condition to form a unified tip. The semi-annular section of the second portion of the first member and the semi-annular section of the second portion of the second member abut one another in the closed condition to form a ring for encircling and isolating a structure.

Abstract: A sling for supporting a urethra in a patient has characteristics for resisting pull-out, roll-over and a combination of both pull-out and roll-over. To facilitate resistance to pull-out, sling material has protuberances or serrations to resist movement once placed in the patient by the surgeon. Improved resistance to roll-over or roll-up is achieved by providing relief on the sling in areas potentially subjected to roll-over forces by endopelvic fascia. The sling may be used on female or male patients, and may be used in conjunction with a wider support portion to support a bladder and a urethra, rather than a urethra alone. The sling may also be used to support other tissues within a patient.