Abstract: The invention involves a medical sling, which maintains its shape during placement, and related method. In one embodiment, the invention features a sling having a first portion, a second portion and an intermediate portion, located longitudinally between the first and second portions. The sling further includes a first elongated member extending longitudinally along the first portion and a second elongated member extending longitudinally along the second portion; and the first and second elongated members being separated by the intermediate portion of the sling.

Abstract: A suturing instrument is configured for to apply sutures to approximate, ligate, or fixate tissue in, for example, open, mini-incision, trans-vaginal, or endoscopic surgical procedures. The suturing instrument includes an elongate body member, a needle exit port, a needle receiving port, and a needle deployment mechanism. The suturing instrument eliminates the need for a preassembled needle and suture and reduces or eliminates the possibility of needle loss during suturing.

Abstract: A medical closure device for providing a passage into or out of the body. A resilient member at least partially defines the passage, and a two-part body is disposed to permit relative rotation its parts about the passage axis. The first body portion compresses and supports the resilient member. Cam surfaces on the second body control a compression member which is disposed in a radially extending aperture of the first body portion and biased radially outwardly by the resilient member to maintain contact with the cam surface. Relative rotation of the body portions about the axis moves the cam surface relative to the compression member, causing radial displacement of the compression member from a first position (in which the passage is relatively uncompressed and open) to a second position (in which the passage is restricted).