Abstract: Apparatus and methods for treating urinary and fecal incontinence, urinary drainage, and prolapse. In the first preferred embodiment, the invention comprises a device body insertable into an anatomical passageway and includes a stimulus-producing device disposed therein to provide a signal to the user to perform pelvic strengthening exercises or alternatively, an exercise monitoring device for monitoring exercise activity. In an embodiment for facilitating urinary drainage, there is provided an annular base panel coupled to an anchor member, the latter being designed to anchor the device within an anatomical passageway, such as the vagina. A port formed on the annular panel is provided to mate with the urethral meatus so that a continuous conduit is formed between the urethral meatus and the port. The various embodiments disclosed may further be utilized as pessary devices to provide structural support to the pelvis or utilized to construct customized pessary devices.

Abstract: The surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence is disclosed. The disclosed methods include: 1) a technique of probe passage to avoid injuring the bladder and to provide a more accurate and reproducible capture of the pubocervical fascia lateral to the bladder neck and urethra, 2) anchor fixation of the suspending sutures to the pubic bone to decrease the risk of suture pull through from above and to decrease post-operative pain and 3) a simple and reproducible technique to set a limited tension of the suspending sutures. A description of these methods and results of procedures with some of these methods are disclosed. Novel drill guides, suture passers, suture tensioners, and various related tools and devices for use in the surgical method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring and indicating the degree of tension and/or positioning of a surgical sling, in particular, a suburethral sling, during surgery. In a first embodiment, the invention comprises a sensor interposable between a suburethral sling and the urethra supported thereby for measuring either relative spatial positioning and/or pressure. A monitor is provided for providing an indication when such tension/pressure/spacing attains optimal levels that correlate with ideal surgical outcomes. In a second embodiment, the invention comprises a tension monitor that may be connected, via a suture, to either respect one or both ends of a suburethral sling. The device may be utilized to manipulate the tension in or positioning of such sling to enable the surgeon to secure such sling in a manner that causes the sling to maintain a desired tension and/or imparted desired urethral support.

Abstract: Devices for affixing sutures, grafts and tissues to bone, and soft tissue such as periosteum. In a first embodiment, the invention comprises a piton member implantable within bone having a post or eyelet formed thereon to which the suture or tissue may be attached. The piton member is designed to become more firmly secured within the bone when pressure is applied to a first axis pushing the piton member into the bone, but may be easily removed when such force is applied in a generally opposed direction. In a second embodiment, the invention comprises affixation devices that are designed to detachably ensnare with periosteum. Such devices are provided with attachment structures, such as one post, eyelet or other means for securing sutures, grafts, synthetic materials or tissues.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for treating urinary and fecal incontinence, urinary drainage, and prolapse. In the first preferred embodiment, the invention comprises a device body insertable into an anatomical passageway and includes a stimulus-producing device disposed therein to provide a signal to the user to perform pelvic strengthening exercises or alternatively, an exercise monitoring device for monitoring exercise activity. In an embodiment for facilitating urinary drainage, there is provided an annular base panel coupled to an anchor member, the latter being designed to anchor the device within an anatomical passageway, such as the vagina. A port formed on the annular panel is provided to mate with the urethral meatus so that a continuous conduit is formed between the urethral meatus and the port. The various embodiments disclosed may further be utilized as pessary devices to provide structural support to the pelvis or utilized to construct customized pessary devices.

Abstract: The surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence is disclosed. The disclosed methods include: 1) a technique of probe passage to avoid injuring the bladder and to provide a more accurate and reproducible capture of the pubocervical fascia lateral to the bladder neck and urethra, 2) anchor fixation of the suspending sutures to the pubic bone to decrease the risk of suture pull through from above and to decrease post-operative pain and 3) a simple and reproducible technique to set a limited tension of the suspending sutures. A description of these methods and results of procedures with some of these methods are disclosed. Novel drill guides, suture passers, suture tensioners, and various related tools and devices for use in the surgical method are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tissue staple and staple applier for use in suspending tissue from an internal support structure. The present invention also relates to a transvaginal method of suspending a bladder neck from an internal support structure, such as the pubic bone, using the tissue staple and staple applier.

Abstract: A surgical tension/pressure monitor for measuring and indicating the degree of tension of a surgical sling, and in particular, a suburethral sling, as well as the pressure exerted thereby upon the urethra. In a first embodiment, the invention comprises a pressure sensor interposable between a suburethral sling and the urethra supported thereby. The pressure sensor is coupled to a meter that provides an indication as to the degree of tension in the sling and/or pressure exerted on the urethra, as well as provides an indication when such tension/pressure attains optimal levels that correlate with ideal surgical outcomes. In a second embodiment, the invention comprises a tension monitor that may be connected, via a suture, to either a respective one or both ends of a suburethral sling. The device may be utilized to manipulate the tension in such sling and enable the surgeon to secure such sling in a manner that causes the sling to maintain a desired tension and/or imparted desired urethral support.

Abstract: A device and method for treating urinary as well as fecal incontinence by using proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation. The device is adapted to be compressively positioned against the crotch of the user to thus identify target pelvic floor muscles and muscle groups responsible for urinary and/or fecal continence and provide periodic stimulus thereto by way of pressure, stretching, resistance, vibration, and/or heat. The frequency, duration, and extent of the stimulus may be varied as desired for exercise regimens.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument for sequentially cutting and coagulating tissue, including methodology for electrosurgical procedures incorporating principles of the inventive instrument. The instrument comprises a cutting electrode connectable to a first power source having a first power signal sufficient to cut tissue, and a coagulating electrode connectable to a second power source having a second power signal sufficient to coagulate tissue. The electrodes may be separated by an electrical insulator to maintain the electrodes in a spaced relationship such that the coagulating electrode can immediately follow the cutting electrode during movement of the instrument, thereby providing sequential yet substantially simultaneous cutting and coagulating of tissue. Methodology for performing an electrosurgical procedure in tissue includes providing the above described instrument with power delivery to the electrodes.

Abstract: The surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence is disclosed. The disclosed methods include: 1) a technique of probe passage to avoid injuring the bladder and to provide a more accurate and reproducible capture of the pubocervical fascia lateral to the bladder neck and urethra, 2) anchor fixation of the suspending sutures to the pubic bone to decrease the risk of suture pull through from above and to decrease post-operative pain and 3) a simple and reproducible technique to set a limited tension of the suspending sutures. A description of these methods and results of procedures with some of these methods are disclosed. Novel drill guides, suture passers, suture tensioners, and various related tools and devices for use in the surgical method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A bone anchor implantation device is positioned over a bone, and a bone anchor is installed in a bone.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument for sequentially cutting and coagulating tissue, including methodology for electrosurgical procedures incorporating principles of the inventive instrument. The instrument comprises a cutting electrode connectable to a first power source having a first power signal sufficient to cut tissue, and a coagulating electrode connectable to a second power source having a second power signal sufficient to coagulate tissue. The electrodes may be separated by an electrical insulator to maintain the electrodes in a spaced relationship such that the coagulating electrode can immediately follow the cutting electrode during movement of the instrument, thereby providing sequential yet substantially simultaneous cutting and coagulating of tissue. Methodology for performing an electrosurgical procedure in tissue includes providing the above described instrument with power delivery to the electrodes.

Abstract: The surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence is disclosed. The disclosed methods include: 1) a technique of probe passage to avoid injuring the bladder and to provide a more accurate and reproducible capture of the pubocervical fascia lateral to the bladder neck and urethra, 2) anchor fixation of the suspending sutures to the pubic bone to decrease the risk of suture pull through from above and to decrease post-operative pain and 3) a simple and reproducible technique to set a limited tension of the suspending sutures. A description of these methods and results of procedures with some of these methods are disclosed. Novel drill guides, suture passers, suture tensioners, and various related tools and devices for use in the surgical method are also disclosed.

Abstract: The surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence is described. The methods include: 1) a technique of probe passage to avoid injuring the bladder and to provide a more accurate and reproducible capture of the pubocervical fascia lateral to the bladder neck and urethra, 2) anchor fixation of the suspending sutures to the pubic bone to decrease the risk of suture pull through from above and to decrease post-operative pain and 3) a simple and reproducible technique to set a limited tension of the suspending sutures. A description of these methods and results of procedures with some of these methods are provided. Novel drill guides, suture passers, suture tensioners, and various related tools and devices for use in the surgical method are also disclosed.

Abstract: The surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence is described. The methods include: 1) a technique of probe passage to avoid injuring the bladder and to provide a more accurate and reproducible capture of the pubocervical fascia lateral to the bladder neck and urethra, 2) anchor fixation of the suspending sutures to the pubic bone to decrease the risk of suture pull through from above and to decrease post-operative pain and 3) a simple and reproducible technique to set a limited tension of the suspending sutures. A description of these methods and results of procedures with some of these methods are included. Novel drill guides, suture passers, suture tensioners, and various related tools and devices for use in the surgical method are also discussed.

Abstract: The surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence includes: 1) a technique of probe passage to avoid injuring the bladder and to provide a more accurate and reproducible capture of the pubocervical fascia lateral to the bladder neck and urethra, 2) anchor fixation of the suspending sutures to the pubic bone to decrease the risk of suture pull through from above and to decrease post-operative pain and 3) a simple and reproducible technique to set a limited tension of the suspending sutures. These methods and results of procedures with some of these methods are described. Novel drill guides, suture passers, suture tensioners, and various related tools and devices for use in the surgical method are also disclosed.

Abstract: The surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence is disclosed. The disclosed methods include: 1) a technique of probe passage to avoid injuring the bladder and to provide a more accurate and reproducible capture of the pubocervical fascia lateral to the bladder neck and urethra, 2) anchor fixation of the suspending sutures to the pubic bone to decrease the risk of suture pull through from above and to decrease post-operative pain and 3) a simple and reproducible technique to set a limited tension of the suspending sutures. A description of these methods and results of procedures with some of these methods are disclosed. Novel drill guides, suture passers, suture tensioners, and various related tools and devices for use in the surgical method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device and method for evaluating and treating urinary as well as fecal incontinence by using proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation. The device is adapted to be inserted within and retained within an anatomical passageway and provide periodic stimulus to wall or muscles within the anatomic passageway by way of pressure, stretching, resistance, vibration, and/or heat. The frequency, duration, and extent of the stimulus may be varied as desired for exercise regimens.

Abstract: Bone anchor implantation devices for use in the surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence are disclosed. Methods for positioning a bone anchor implantation device over a bone and for installing a bone anchor in a bone are also disclosed.