Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of performing a mastopexy procedure. The method includes the steps of: a) inserting a filament into breast tissue of a patient's breast; b) anchoring said filament at a first location and a second location so that the filament extends between the first and second locations; and c) positioning said filament within the breast tissue so that the filament between the first and second locations acts as a stay supporting at least a part of the weight of the breast.

Abstract: There is disclosed a surgical instrument for inserting material into the body. The surgical instrument generally includes an outer tubular member. The instrument has a longitudinal section and an arcuate section having at least two different radii of curvature. An inner member is movably positioned within the outer tubular member and includes structure for engaging a length of material to draw the material through the outer tubular member and into the body. Methods of using the surgical instrument to position a length of tape beneath the urethra to form a support are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a surgical instrument for inserting material into the body. The surgical instrument generally includes an outer tubular member. The instrument has a longitudinal section and an arcuate section having at least two different radii of curvature. An inner member is movably positioned within the outer tubular member and includes structure for engaging a length of material to draw the material through the outer tubular member and into the body. Methods of using the surgical instrument to position a length of tape beneath the urethra to form a support are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a surgical instrument for inserting material into the body. The surgical instrument generally includes an outer tubular member. The instrument has a longitudinal section and an arcuate section having at least two different radii of curvature. An inner member is movably positioned within the outer tubular member and includes structure for engaging a length of material to draw the material through the outer tubular member and into the body. Methods of using the surgical instrument to position a length of tape beneath the urethra to form a support are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a surgical instrument for inserting material into the body. The surgical instrument generally includes an outer tubular member. The instrument has a longitudinal section and an arcuate section having at least two different radii of curvature. An inner member is movably positioned within the outer tubular member and includes structure for engaging a length of material to draw the material through the outer tubular member and into the body. Methods of using the surgical instrument to position a length of tape beneath the urethra to form a support are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of providing ligamentory like support between two spaced locations in the body of a patient comprising fixing an anchor in each location, connecting the anchors by a filamentary element, adjusting the tension of the filamentary element between the locations to establish the desired spatial relationship between the locations to provide at least a supplementary ligamentory support between the locations. The anchor (115) comprising a base (153), a head (157) having a configuration to facilitate insertion of the head into tissue and retention of the head in the tissue once inserted, the base formed with an aperture (161) adapted to receive a length of a filamentary element (127) and permit slidable movement of the filamentary element through the aperture in one direction but to restrict movement of the filamentary element through the aperture in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A surgical instrument (10) intended for use in location of a filament in a body, where the instrument comprises a rigid shaft (12) having a handle (14) at one end (16), the other end (18) of the shaft being convergent and formed with an eye (22) adjacent to the other end, the eye being dimensioned to receive the filament, the shaft being curved in a portion proximate the other end.