Abstract: A method of treating urinary incontinence by implanting a transvaginal mid-urethral sling into a person includes engaging an introducer needle with an extension of an implant; advancing the introducer needle and the extension of the implant from a vaginal incision, along a first path posterior to a pubic bone, and through an abdomen of the patient; and disengaging the introducer needle from the extension of the implant and withdrawing the introducer needle backward along the first path from posterior to the pubic bone out of the vaginal incision.

Abstract: A surgical system for treating urinary incontinence includes an introducer needle and a handle. The introducer needle has a first section that is straight and is provided with a first flat, a second flat opposite the first flat, and a latch receptacle formed into the first section. The introducer needle has a second section extending from the first section, with the second section being curved. The handle includes a housing with a needle opening configured to receive the first section of the introducer needle and a latching mechanism that includes a latch member. The latching mechanism is configured to engage the latch receptacle of the introducer needle.

Abstract: A system for supporting the urethra using an introducer needle, the ends of which are flattened and which have openings therethrough, a handle having a latch mechanism which engages the opening in the flattened portion of the first end of the introducer needle, an implant, and a connector joining the end of the implant to the flattened portion of one of the ends of the introducer needle. These components are used to draw the implant into position, either through vaginal or abdominal incisions, to form a U-shaped loop beneath the urethra. The ends of the implant are adjusted to provide proper support for the urethra.

Abstract: A system for supporting the urethra using an introducer needle, the ends of which are flattened and which have openings therethrough, a handle having a latch mechanism which engages the opening in the flattened portion of the first end of the introducer needle, an implant, and a connector joining the end of the implant to the flattened portion of one of the ends of the introducer needle. These components are used to draw the implant into position, either through vaginal or abdominal incisions, to form a U-shaped loop beneath the urethra. The ends of the implant are adjusted to provide proper support for the urethra. The implant can have slits that open under applied tensile force.

Abstract: A surgical system for treating urinary incontinence includes an introducer needle and a handle. The introducer needle has a first section that is straight and is provided with a first flat, a second flat opposite the first flat, and a latch receptacle formed into the first section. The introducer needle has a second section extending from the first section, with the second section being curved. The handle includes a housing with a needle opening configured to receive the first section of the introducer needle and a latching mechanism that includes a latch member. The latching mechanism is configured to engage the latch receptacle of the introducer needle.

Abstract: A system for supporting the urethra using an introducer needle, the ends of which are flattened and which have openings therethrough, a handle having a latch mechanism which engages the opening in the flattened portion of the first end of the introducer needle, an implant, and a connector joining the end of the implant to the flattened portion of one of the ends of the introducer needle. These components are used to draw the implant into position, either through vaginal or abdominal incisions, to form a U-shaped loop beneath the urethra. The ends of the implant are adjusted to provide proper support for the urethra. The implant can have slits that open under applied tensile force.

Abstract: A system for supporting the urethra using an introducer needle, the ends of which are flattened and which have openings therethrough, a handle having a latch mechanism which engages the opening in the flattened portion of the first end of the introducer needle, an implant, and a connector joining the end of the implant to the flattened portion of one of the ends of the introducer needle. These components are used to draw the implant into position, either through vaginal or abdominal incisions, to form a U-shaped loop beneath the urethra. The ends of the implant are adjusted to provide proper support for the urethra. The implant can have slits that open under applied tensile force.

Abstract: A system for supporting the urethra using an introducer needle, the ends of which are flattened and which have openings therethrough, a handle having a latch mechanism which engages the opening in the flattened portion of the first end of the introducer needle, an implant, and a connector joining the end of the implant to the flattened portion of one of the ends of the introducer needle. These components are used to draw the implant into position, either through vaginal or abdominal incisions, to form a U-shaped loop beneath the urethra. The ends of the implant are adjusted to provide proper support for the urethra.

Abstract: A urethral support system is described, including an introducer device and tissue implant. The introducer device may include a needle with multiple curves, some of the curves having multiple radii. A sheath assembly may be utilized to assist the passing of the tissue implant through a patient's tissue. The sheath assembly may include connectors configured to connect the sheath assembly to an end of the needle and a tab configured to detachably couple sheath sides over the tissue implant.

Abstract: A system for supporting the urethra using an introducer needle, the ends of which are flattened and which have openings therethrough, a handle having a latch mechanism which engages the opening in the flattened portion of the first end of the introducer needle, an implant, and a connector joining the end of the implant to the flattened portion of one of the ends of the introducer needle. These components are used to draw the implant into position, either through vaginal or abdominal incisions, to form a U-shaped loop beneath the urethra. The ends of the implant are adjusted to provide proper support for the urethra. The implant can have slits that open under applied tensile force.

Abstract: A system for supporting the urethra using an introducer needle, the ends of which are flattened and which have openings therethrough, a handle having a latch mechanism which engages the opening in the flattened portion of the first end of the introducer needle, an implant, and a connector joining the end of the implant to the flattened portion of one of the ends of the introducer needle. These components are used to draw the implant into position, either through vaginal or abdominal incisions, to form a U-shaped loop beneath the urethra. The ends of the implant are adjusted to provide proper support for the urethra. The implant can have slits that open under applied tensile force.

Abstract: A urethral support system is described, including an introducer device and tissue implant. The introducer device may include a needle with multiple curves, some of the curves having multiple radii. A sheath assembly may be utilized to assist the passing of the tissue implant through a patient's tissue. The sheath assembly may include connectors configured to connect the sheath assembly to an end of the needle and a tab configured to detachably couple sheath sides over the tissue implant.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes a channel, a first interacting structure, a slider, and a control member. The first interacting structure can extend along at least a portion of the channel. At least a portion of the slider can also be disposed in the channel, so as to move in the channel. The slider can additionally have a first attraction portion. The control member can be rotatably coupled to the slider, and have a second interacting structure and a second attraction portion. The second interacting structure can engage the first interacting structure so as to move the slider in the channel when the control member is rotated. The second attraction portion can be disposed such that a distance between the second attraction portion and the first attraction portion changes as the control member is rotated relative to the slider.

Abstract: An introducer device comprising: an introducer needle having a proximal end and a distal end and a handle having a needle receiving end. The handle can be adapted to receive said distal end of said introducer needle such that said introducer needle is selectably detachably coupled to said handle. A connector for attachment to an implant strip can have an arm having a hole therethrough and an introducer needle including a connection portion having a barb. It can comprise a central portion; a first arm pivotally mounted to the central portion and having a first projection and a second projection extending therefrom. A second arm can be pivotally mounted to the central portion and having a first hole and a second hole defined therein. The first and second holes can be positioned so that when the first arm pivots toward the second arm, the first and second projections are received in the first and second holes. A tube portion can extend from said central portion and define a tube aperture therein.

Abstract: An introducer device comprising: an introducer needle having a proximal end and a distal end and a handle having a needle receiving end. The handle can be adapted to receive said distal end of said introducer needle such that said introducer needle is selectably detachably coupled to said handle. A connector for attachment to an implant strip can have an arm having a hole therethrough and an introducer needle including a connection portion having a barb. It can comprise a central portion; a first arm pivotally mounted to the central portion and having a first projection and a second projection extending therefrom. A second arm can be pivotally mounted to the central portion and having a first hole and a second hole defined therein. The first and second holes can be positioned so that when the first arm pivots toward the second arm, the first and second projections are received in the first and second holes. A tube portion can extend from said central portion and define a tube aperture therein.

Abstract: An introducer device comprising: an introducer needle having a proximal end and a distal end and a handle having a needle receiving end. The handle can be adapted to receive said distal end of said introducer needle such that said introducer needle is selectably detachably coupled to said handle. A connector for attachment to an implant strip can have an arm having a hole therethrough and an introducer needle including a connection portion having a barb. It can comprise a central portion; a first arm pivotally mounted to the central portion and having a first projection and a second projection extending therefrom. A second arm can be pivotally mounted to the central portion and having a first hole and a second hole defined therein. The first and second holes can be positioned so that when the first arm pivots toward the second arm, the first and second projections are received in the first and second holes. A tube portion can extend from said central portion and define a tube aperture therein.

Abstract: A system for supporting the urethra using an introducer needle, the ends of which are flattened and which have openings therethrough, a handle having a latch mechanism which engages the opening in the flattened portion of the first end of the introducer needle, an implant, and a connector joining the end of the implant to the flattened portion of one of the ends of the introducer needle. These components are used to draw the implant into position, either through vaginal or abdominal incisions, to form a U-shaped loop beneath the urethra. The ends of the implant are adjusted to provide proper support for the urethra. The implant can have slits that open under applied tensile force.

Abstract: A medical retrieval device includes a handle, two gear racks movably mounted to the handle for longitudinal movement, and a pinion rotatably mounted to the handle so as to engage the two gear racks. Rotation of the pinion moves the gear racks in opposite directions. A basket has at least three legs, an adjacent two of the legs being connected to one of the gear racks, and the remainder of the legs being connected to the other gear rack such that rotation of the pinion displaces the two legs in a first direction and displaces the remainder of the legs in a second direction. Thus rotation of the pinion articulates the basket.

Abstract: A drain assembly for a fluid collection container includes a housing attached to the container and defining a cavity therewithin. A stop is located within the cavity and is fixed relative to the housing. A switch having a closure member formed thereon is mounted within the cavity for rotary movement relative to the housing. In a disclosed embodiment the switch has a tab extending through the housing to facilitate rotation of the switch from outside the housing. A flexible, resilient tube in fluid communication with the interior of the fluid collection container has a portion disposed within the cavity and extending between the stop and the closure member of the switch. The tube is configured so that fluid discharged from the lower end of the tube is discharged through an opening in a lower portion of the housing. When the switch is rotated in one direction, the tube is compressed between the stop and the closure member, thereby preventing fluid flow through the tube.

Abstract: A medical retrieval device includes a handle, two gear racks movably mounted to the handle for longitudinal movement, and a pinion rotatably mounted to the handle so as to engage the two gear racks. Rotation of the pinion moves the gear racks in opposite directions. A basket has at least three legs, an adjacent two of the legs being connected to one of the gear racks, and the remainder of the legs being connected to the other gear rack such that rotation of the pinion displaces the two legs in a first direction and displaces the remainder of the legs in a second direction. Thus rotation of the pinion articulates the basket.