Abstract: Methods for decreasing the size and/or changing the shape of pelvic tissues. Energy, preferably radio frequency or laser energy, may be applied to endopelvic fascia or other subcutaneous tissue transcutaneously, through one or more incisions in skin, or directly to the desired subcutaneous tissue after a strip of mucosa or skin has been removed. Such an application of energy may cause the subcutaneous tissue to shrink, thereby bringing the mucosa or skin edges closer together while minimizing damage to deep nerves and other surrounding tissues. Such manipulation of the layers of the skin may be utilized to decrease the size or change the shape of numerous anatomical structures and may also serve to alleviate the symptoms of urinary incontinence, dyspareunia, or chronic pelvic pain. The method steps of the present invention may further provide for the beneficial pretreatment of a tissue site prior to stem cell implantation.

Abstract: A sexual stimulation apparatus which may comprise a plurality of light sources for photostimulation and microbe reduction of the vagina, clitoris, or both; a plurality of vibrators for mechanical stimulation of the vagina, clitoris, or both; a plurality of modes of operation for achieving improved sexual stimulation in a user; a handle for ease of operation; a controller and programmable memory for containing modes of operation and driving the light sources and vibrators of the invention; a vaginal finger; a clitoral finger; a handle for ease of use; a keypad for user entry of commands; a charging and programming port; and a power source which may be a rechargeable battery which may be rechargeable by direct, inductive or other means; and a handle for ease of operation. The invention also comprises a flexible covering that provides smooth sliding engagement with the vagina and clitoris of a user.

Abstract: Low level laser energy may be delivered transmucosally to the vagina or other pelvic tissue. Such a device and its method of use may lead to healing of tissue, reduction of inflammation and pain, reduction in bladder problems such as urgency, frequency, and urinary incontinence, reshaping of tissue, and creation of a fertile environment for the potential implantation of stem cells. A probe may be moved in and out of the vagina in order to deliver the energy to the selected tissues. The probe may have a bulbous distal end that provides laser energy in a uniform 360 degree pattern or as close to 360 degrees of illumination as is structurally possible. Alternate embodiments may emit laser energy anywhere within the range from 0 degrees to 360 degrees. The scope of the present invention further includes the possibility of substituting alternate energy sources in place of laser energy.

Abstract: Methods for decreasing the size and/or changing the shape of pelvic tissues. In one embodiment a cannula needle having a laser fiber disposed therein is used to delivery energy to the surrounding pelvic tissue. The cannula needle may be advanced into the pelvic tissue, such as the vagina, with the laser fiber in a retracted position and retained within the distal tip of the cannula needle for protection. Upon reaching the initial treatment zone, the laser fiber may be advanced or motivated into an extended position where the distal end of the laser fiber extends beyond the distal tip of the cannula. Laser energy may then be applied as the device is withdrawn from the patient. The application of such energy may be constant, intermittent, increasing, and/or decreasing as needed. The energy application may also be deactivated if a maximum activation time, maximum temperature, or maximum energy level is reached.

Abstract: Surgical meshes having a plurality of aperture reducing a patient's foreign-body reaction and thereby reducing foreign body inoculum at a surgical site. The plurality of apertures within the surgical meshes may be placed against or immediately adjacent a surgical site or incision. The plurality of apertures may be placed within the mesh to avoid critical knots or loops and thus the creation of the plurality of apertures will not weaken or unravel the affected portions of the mesh. Placement of such apertures in close proximity to the surgical site allows for a greater reduction in erosion, extrusion, and incision dehiscence. The surgical meshes of the present invention may comprise a hybrid of materials including at least one permanent material and at least one absorbable material. The scope of the present invention includes the disclosed surgical meshes, their beneficial composition and method of manufacture, and their methods of use.

Abstract: Methods for decreasing the size and/or changing the shape of pelvic tissues. Energy, preferably radio frequency or laser energy, may be applied to endopelvic fascia or other subcutaneous tissue transcutaneously, through one or more incisions in skin, or directly to the desired subcutaneous tissue after a strip of mucosa or skin has been removed. Such an application of energy may cause the subcutaneous tissue to shrink, thereby bringing the mucosa or skin edges closer together while minimizing damage to deep nerves and other surrounding tissues. Such manipulation of the layers of the skin may be utilized to decrease the size or change the shape of numerous anatomical structures and may also serve to alleviate the symptoms of urinary incontinence, dyspareunia, or chronic pelvic pain. The method steps of the present invention may further provide for the beneficial pretreatment of a tissue site prior to stem cell implantation.

Abstract: A pessary comprising a main stem and an inflatable bladder disposed about the proximal larger diameter section of the main stem. The main stem further comprises a distal smaller diameter portion having a cap at its distal tip and a check valve disposed there under. The check valve communicates with a central fluid passage that may extend into the proximal larger diameter section of the main stem. Secondary fluid passages connect the central fluid passage to the inflatable bladder volume disposed about the outer circumference of the proximal larger diameter section of the main stem. The main stem provides support to the pelvic structures and the inflatable bladder acts to hold the device in position. At least one void through the proximal larger diameter portion of the main stem allows bodily material to pass from the vagina through the pessary device thereby decreasing the amount of vaginal discharge.

Abstract: A sling apparatus and method of treatment for stress urinary incontinence, prolapse, and the like. The apparatus and method may comprise a support material of any construction known within the art which is temporarily held in position by at least one tension member. A tension member may be attached to an end of the support material and the remaining free end of the tension member may then be releasably fastened to a fixation device at or above the level of the skin. Both the tension member and the fixation device may have incremental and/or measurable indicia disposed thereon to provide for either incremental increases or decreases in support material tension post-surgery. Upon support material natural fixation, the tension member may be cut at or below the level of the patient's skin. The tension member may comprise either permanent or bio-absorbable material.

Abstract: A bandage and method for securing a tension member comprising a central body and a plurality of tabs disposed about the central body. A tension member may be disposed across or through a slit or aperture of the central body. A body adhesive on the lower surface of the central body may secure the bandage to the patient. The tension member may then be pulled across the upper surface of the central body and a first tab may be folded over and adhered to the tension member and central body. The tension member may then be pulled back across the first tab and a second tab may be folded over and adhered to the tension member and first tab. Likewise, the tension member may then be pulled back across the second tab and a third tab may be folded over and adhered to the tension member and second tab.

Abstract: New methods for inserting slings and other material, wherein such methods may comprise a needle creating a pathway from a first insertion point to a first exit point that may thereafter be utilized as a second insertion point allowing for a change in direction to the needle pathway. A plurality of additional exit and re-insertion points may be repeated to provide a longer circuitous pathway, if so desired. A malleable needle may further allow unique pathways and needle angles when the needle's shape may be adjustable at each respective insertion point. A tapered device may form a final exit pathway having a tapered and reduced diameter that provides a greater friction fit between the implanted material and surrounding tissue. The present inventive method may further incorporate sling ends terminating from previously unused regions of the body including but not limited to the perineum, preprepubic, and supraobturator regions.

Abstract: A penetrating instrument and method for piercing a desired tough or elastic tissue to a controlled and predetermined depth so as to avert any danger of damaging organs or tissues more deeply disposed. The instrument may comprise an introducer needle capable of independently penetrating bodily tissue and having a central hollow channel wherein a piercing needle is axially movable therein. The piercing needle may comprise a distal tip that is preferably fully disposed within the central hollow channel when the piercing needle is in a retracted position, but the piercing needle is capable of being deployed a predetermined distance beyond the distal end of the central hollow channel when disposed in an extended/piercing position. The introducer needle may be advanced through tissue until selected, problematic, or tough tissue is encountered. Subsequently, the piercing needle may be deployed and retracted, as necessary, to facilitate advancement of the instrument through the specific tissue.

Abstract: A material carrying device comprising a delivery element having a tapered distal end for penetrating target tissue and a central channel for housing an axially movable carrier element. The delivery element may further comprise an actuating member for both advancing the carrier element to an extended position and withdrawing the carrier element to a retracted position. The carrier element may be composed of any known shape memory material whose native shape will influence the trajectory of the carrier element upon its extension beyond the distal tip of the delivery element. The exit path of the carrier element from the delivery element may also influence the carrier element's trajectory. The scope of the present invention further comprises both a method of carrying material through tissue as well as a providing a shape memory fastener allowing for fixation where only one side of a tissue is accessible.