Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical instrument for placing an implantable article about a tubular tissue structure is disclosed. The surgical instrument is particularly useful for treating urological disorders such as incontinence. Surgical methods using the novel instrument are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of use are disclosed to treat urological disorders. The biocompatible device includes a handle, needle, dilator and sling assembly configured to be minimally invasive and provide sufficient support to the target site. In addition, the configuration of the sling assembly also allows the sling to be adjusted during and/or after implantation. The device and treatment procedure are highly effective and produce little to no side effects or complications. Further, operative risks, pain, infections and post operative stays are reduced, thereby improving patient quality of life.

Abstract: Described are pelvic implants and methods of surgically placing pelvic implants, that provide treatment for pelvic floor disorders by support of the levator. A pelvic implant (100, 102) may comprise a tissue support portion (104) to be placed in contact with tissue to be supported, extension portions (106, 110) that extend from the tissue support portion to provide additional support, and tissue fasteners (108, 112) to attach extension portions to supportive tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating pelvic organ prolapse in a patent is provided. The apparatus includes a support portion having first and second ends. A first elongated end portion is connected to the first end of the support portion. The first elongated end portion includes a first dilator configured to attach securely with a tip of a needle. A second elongated end portion is connected to the second end of the support portion. The second elongated end portion includes a second dilator configured to attach securely with a tip of a needle. The first and second needles include a straight portion, a tip, a first radius, and a second radius distinct from the first radius. The first radius and the second radius are disposed between the straight portion and the tip. A method and kit for the treatment is further provided.

Abstract: Described are implants, tools, and related methods, for use in pelvic surgery to treat conditions such as prolapse and incontinence, including one embodiment of a method that uses a transcoccyx tissue path; other embodiments that use particular implants with various features relating to, e.g., end portions; and other embodiments relating to particular tools.

Abstract: The present invention provides a urethral prosthesis including a first and a second arm that join to form a junction, and a stem that is also joined to the junction. The junction is adapted to exert sufficient pressure on a portion of a patient's urethra to prevent unintentional voiding of the patient's bladder. However, upon exerting a tension force on the stem, the pressure exerted by the junction is reduced such that the patient's bladder may be intentionally voided.

Abstract: Surgical articles, implants and components suitable for a transobturator surgical procedure are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a urethral prosthesis including a first and a second arm that join to form a junction, and a stem that is also joined to the junction. The junction is adapted to exert sufficient pressure on a portion of a patient's urethra to prevent unintentional voiding of the patient's bladder. However, upon exerting a tension force on the stem, the pressure exerted by the junction is reduced such that the patient's bladder may be intentionally voided.

Abstract: Described are pelvic implants and methods of surgically placing pelvic implants, that provide treatment for pelvic floor disorders by support of the levator.

Abstract: Described are implants, tools, and related methods, for use in pelvic surgery to treat conditions such as prolapse and incontinence, including one embodiment of a method that uses a transcoccyx tissue path; other embodiments that use particular implants with various features relating to, e.g., end portions; and other embodiments relating to particular tools.

Abstract: Surgical articles, implants and components suitable for a transobturator surgical procedure are described.

Abstract: Described are implants, tools, and related methods, for use in pelvic surgery to treat conditions such as prolapse, including embodiments of methods that involve a tissue path above the arcus tendineus.

Abstract: Tools can be used to assist with the implantation of heart valve prostheses, especially stentless aortic heart valve prostheses. In some embodiments, a heart valve prosthesis includes a plurality of flexible leaflets, a commissure support and a plurality of fasteners inserted into the inner surface of the commissure support and protruding from the outer surface of the commissure support. The fasteners comprise an elongated portion and a tip at an end of the elongated portion. In other embodiments, a heart valve prosthesis includes a plurality of flexible leaflets and a reinforcement secured to an inner surface of a valve commissure support. The reinforcement has an aperture. The heart valve prosthesis and fastener components can be placed into kits. The fasteners can be used to perform improved implantation procedures.

Abstract: A method of treating pelvic organ prolapse is provided. The method generally includes the steps of establishing a first pathway between the external perirectal region of the patient to the region of the ischial spine in tissue on one side of the prolapsed organ, followed by establishing a second pathway in tissue on the contralateral side of the prolapsed organ. A support member, which includes a central support portion and two end portions, is positioned in a position to reposition said prolapsed organ in said organ's anatomically correct location. The end portions of the support member are introduced through the respective tissue pathways, followed by adjustment of the end portions so that the support member is located in a therapeutic relationship to the prolapsed organ that is to be supported. An apparatus and kit for said treatment is further provided.

Abstract: A method of treating pelvic organ prolapse is provided. The method generally includes the steps of establishing a first pathway between the external perirectal region of the patient to the region of the ischial spine in tissue on one side of the prolapsed organ, followed by establishing a second pathway in tissue on the contralateral side of the prolapsed organ. A support member, which includes a central support portion and two end portions, is positioned in a position to reposition said prolapsed organ in said organ's anatomically correct location. The end portions of the support member are introduced through the respective tissue pathways, followed by adjustment of the end portions so that the support member is located in a therapeutic relationship to the prolapsed organ that is to be supported. An apparatus and kit for said treatment is further provided.

Abstract: Articles and procedures for preventing or treating vaginal prolapse, urinary incontinence, and other disorders of the pelvic floor.

Abstract: Surgical articles, implants and components suitable for female pelvic health procedures are described.

Abstract: A method for cystocele repair comprising the steps of: establishing four pathways in tissue around a bladder of a patient, introducing a strap into each of said pathways, and positioning beneath said bladder of said patient a support member having each said strap connected thereto such that said bladder of said patient is supported by said support member and a bulge of said bladder into a vagina of said patient is reduced.

Abstract: Transvaginal delivery instrumentation and methods are disclosed for delivering a biocompatible bulking mass transvaginally into a target tissue mass between the vaginal and urethral walls to constrict the urethra to alleviate female incontinence. Delivery is effected by urging a selected portion of the tissue structure between the vaginal and urethral walls into the vaginal cavity as a target structure, and passing a bulking mass from the vaginal cavity through the vaginal wall and into the target structure. Particular transvaginal delivery instrumentation comprises a vaginal and urethral probes adapted to be introduced into the vagina and urethra and bulking mass delivery instruments adapted to be introduced through a vaginal probe lumen and port into the target tissue structure.

Abstract: Articles and procedures for preventing or treating vaginal prolapse, urinary incontinence, and other disorders of the pelvic floor.