Abstract: An improved female condom apparatus includes a pouch that has a wall, an open end, a closed end and a frame. The frame is positioned proximate the open end of the pouch and extends around a perimeter of the open end. An anchoring device is located within the pouch proximate the closed end to secure the condom in position during use. A harness includes a center strap and may include side straps. One end of each strap is secured to the open end of the pouch. Further, one or more of the straps may be detachable from the pouch. At least the center strap may be constructed of a resilient and/or pliable material. As such, during use the center strap extends between a user's legs and resiliently engages the user's back in a clamping or tensioning action. This clamping action assists in securing the condom in position during use.

Abstract: The invention provides intrafallopian devices and non-surgical methods for their placement to prevent conception. The efficacy of the device is enhanced by forming the structure at least in part from copper or a copper alloy. The device is anchored within the fallopian tube by imposing a secondary shape on a resilient structure, the secondary shape having a larger cross-section than the fallopian tube. The resilient structure is restrained in a straight configuration and transcervically inserted within the fallopian tube, where it is released. The resilient structure is then restrained by the walls of the fallopian tube, imposing anchoring forces as it tries to resume the secondary shape.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of use or treatment are disclosed for creating intrauterine adhesions resulting in amenorrhea. In particular, the apparatus relates to an easily deployed intrauterine implant that readily and consistently reduces or eliminates abnormal intrauterine bleeding. In addition, the apparatus is also used as a uterine marker device for visualizing endometrial tissue thickness and potential changes. The method of the present invention serves as a supplement to or a replacement for conventional hysterectomy or ablation/resection procedures used to treat menorrhagia.

Abstract: A contraceptive device for transcervical reversible cornual sterilization includes an implant portion configured for implanting into the patient's uterine myometrium at a uterine cornu and circumscribing the fallopian tube's opening and a cap portion removably connected to the implant portion. The cap portion has an impermeable membrane substantially impermeable to the passage of reproductive cells, wherein when the implant portion is implanted into the uterine myometrium near the fallopian tube opening circumscribing the fallopian tube opening, the cap portion occludes the fallopian tube.

Abstract: A device and method of using the device for contraception or sterilization and particularly for reversible contraception by occluding a reproductive lumen to prevent the passage of reproductive cells through the lumen for a desired period of time until the patient wishes to become fertile again and then be reopened. The occluding member preferably comprises a tubular framework formed from a shape memory material configured to be implanted in a reproductive lumen. The occluding member is implanted within a body lumen, secured to the wall of the reproductive lumen and then collapsed to collapse the wall and occlude the lumen. Alternatively, the occluding member may be collapsed upon a solid plug. The closure of the reproductive lumen may be reversed by introducing a balloon catheter and by a series of inflations of the balloon reexpanding the collapsed occluding member or by removing the plug.

Abstract: An improved female condom apparatus includes a pouch that has a wall, an open end, a closed end and a frame. The frame is positioned proximate the open end of the pouch and extends around a perimeter of the open end. An anchoring device is located within the pouch proximate the closed end to secure the condom in position during use. A harness includes a center strap and may include side straps. One end of each strap is secured to the open end of the pouch. Further, one or more of the straps may be detachable from the pouch. At least the center strap may be constructed of a resilient and/or pliable material. As such, during use the center strap extends between a user's legs and resiliently engages the user's back in a clamping or tensioning action. This clamping action assists in securing the condom in position during use.

Abstract: A device for protecting female genital area while performing grooming activities such as shaving, waxing and dying of pubic hair. The device comprises a substantially oval-shaped pliable sheet body and an elongated tab extending from a narrow end of the sheet body. The sheet body is symmetric about a longitudinal axis. The dimension of the sheet body along the longitudinal axis is larger than its maximum transverse dimension. The oval shape and size of the sheet body is adapted to cover the female genital area, specifically, the clitoris and the vaginal opening, by securely contour fitting between the labia majoras with the elongated tab pointing downwards. The elongated tab facilitates removal of the device.

Abstract: A female condom is provided that includes a pouch of resilient membranous material and a hydrophilic cling mechanism. According to an embodiment of the invention, the cling mechanism includes three or more foam cling elements attached to an outer surface of the pouch. Upon insertion, the foam cling elements cling lightly to vaginal walls proximate a transition zone between the vagina's introitus and its rugated internal tissue. The foam cling elements may be shaped to permit them to nestle into a user's rugated internal vaginal tissue. An inserter may be coupled to the pouch for facilitating insertion of the condom. The inserter may retain a distal portion of the pouch in a collapsed form. The cling mechanism may be contained within the dissolvable inserter. The inserter may be dissolvable in the presence of vaginal moisture. Methods are also provided for collapsing the pouch and compressing it into an insertion package.

Abstract: The present invention reveals a device, a kit and a method for simultaneously delivering and distributing at least one beneficial agent to both the cervical and vaginal lumen sides of a vagina. The device is made of a flexible circular rim and a flexible dome. The device can exist in either a relaxed state or in a compressed state. In the compressed state, pouches are formed for carrying and delivering the beneficial agent to both the cervical and vaginal lumen sides of the vagina.

Abstract: A ring for preventing a prolapse of the uterus and the urinary bladder has an annular part and a flexible curved rod-shaped part whose one end and other end are so formed as to be connected to the annular part and whose intermediate portion interposed between the one end and the other end is so formed as to be disposed over a central region of an annular plane formed with the annular part The annular part has an open portion formed by a partial absence thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus for preventing fluid transfer through an opening connecting an oviduct to a uterine cavity includes a body having a base with a periphery and a seal carried by the body for overlying and engaging uterine tissue leading to the opening. The seal receives fibroblast in-growth to create a hermetic seal between the oviduct and the uterine cavity. A peripheral anchor portion extends from the base for securing the body to the uterine tissue leading to the opening, the base overlying the opening.

Abstract: Contraceptive methods, systems, and devices generally improve the ease, speed, and reliability with which a contraceptive device can be deployed transcervically into an ostium of a fallopian tube. A distal portion of the contraceptive device can function as a guidewire. The proximal portion may remain in a small profile configuration while a sheath is withdrawn proximally, and is thereafter expanded to a large profile configuration engaging the surrounding tissues.

Abstract: A T-shaped intrauterine device includes a longitudinal branch constituting a body of the T, to the upper higher of which is connected a transversal stem constituting the arms of the T. The body of the T is made up of a fiber that releases an active substance. The fiber constituting the body of the T presents a transverse channel on its upper part. The arms are inserted by force into the channel to form two equal arms on opposite side of the body. The stem forming the arms presents a curved form so that a wedging force exercised by the body on the stem is such that the latter is usually held in the channel in a position where the arms are oriented downwards of the body, while it is allowed to pivot in the channel until the arms are oriented upwards of the body under the effect of constraint exercised on the arms at the time of the extraction from the womb by an extraction wire of the device.

Abstract: A device and method of using the device for contraception or sterilization and particularly for reversible contraception by occluding a reproductive lumen to prevent the passage of reproductive cells through the lumen for a desired period of time until the patient wishes to become fertile again and then be reopened. The occluding member preferably comprises a tubular framework formed from a shape memory material configured to be implanted in a reproductive lumen. The occluding member is implanted within a body lumen, secured to the wall of the reproductive lumen and then collapsed to collapse the wall and occlude the lumen. Alternatively, the occluding member may be collapsed upon a solid plug. The closure of the reproductive lumen may be reversed by introducing a balloon catheter and by a series of inflations of the balloon reexpanding the collapsed occluding member or by removing the plug.

Abstract: Employing the known “tensegrity” principle, a female condom is configured such that when the condom is inserted into a woman's vagina, the woman's introitus acts on a proximal section of an elongated pouch extending between internal and external biasing members (e.g., rings) of the condom. Inward compressive forces exerted by the introitus on the inner ring of the condom cause the inner ring to be pushed distally within the vaginal canal, and the proximal pouch section to become a tension member pulling against the external ring. This causes a “tenting” of the proximal pouch section against the introitus. The resulting interaction of compression and tensile forces (a tensegrity effect) serves to provide the condom with a high degree of internal and external stability, including resistance to twisting and slippage.

Abstract: Contraceptive intrauterine devices made of thin film shape memory alloy materials. The devices are formed in three-dimensional shapes which contact uterus tissue of a human or other mammal to prevent conception. In certain embodiments, structural features such as tails, fenestrations, ridges or grooves are formed on the devices to enhance the contraceptive effect.

Abstract: A transvaginal drug delivery system comprising: (a) a deposition comprising an effective amount of said drug and, optionally, a wetting agent; and (b) a polymeric support on which said deposition is deposited. Also disclosed is a catamenial tampon for insertion in a human vagina comprising: (a) an inner core comprising an absorbent material; (b) an outer layer comprising a liquid-permeable material; and (c) a delivery system according to the invention. A method of transvaginal drug delivery is also described.

Abstract: A sterilization device which causes occlusion to the fallopian tubes of a patient is designed to be trancervically positioned in the intramural portion of the tube without perforating the tube. The device includes a flexible hollow catheter having an interior passageway, a distal end for insertion trancervically into a patient, and a proximal end opposite the distal end for grasping and manipulation by a physician. The device further includes a pair of diametrically opposed electrodes, each being movably mounted on the distal end of the catheter and radially movable with respect to the distal end.

Abstract: A method is provided of forming a cervical cap in situ, i.e., within a patient's body, which cap will substantially completely conform to the shape of the patient's cervix, allowing the cap to be left in place over an extended period of time. The method of the invention includes the steps of positioning a snugly fitting rim member around the patient's exocervix, mounting a shell member, having an aperture, onto the rim member such that the rim member, shell member and exocervix define a cavity, and injecting a curable material through the aperture to substantially fill the cavity. After the curable material is allowed to harden, the entire assembly is removed from the patient and the shell removed from the cured material.

Abstract: The invention provides intrafallopian devices and non-surgical methods for their placement to prevent conception. The efficacy of the device is enhanced by forming the structure at least in part from copper or a copper alloy. The device is anchored within the fallopian tube by imposing a secondary shape on a resilient structure, the secondary shape having a larger cross-section than the fallopian tube. The resilient structure is restrained in a straight configuration and transcervically inserted within the fallopian tube, where it is released. The resilient structure is then restrained by the walls of the fallopian tube, imposing anchoring forces as it tries to resume the secondary shape.

Abstract: A sanitary tissue paper roll wherein, when a sanitary tissue paper roll of two-ply or three-ply is laid on a horizontal surface with its center axis in a horizontal orientation; and a circular plate indenter, having an area of 2 cm2 and being arranged at the center of an upper surface of an outer periphery of a body of said roll, is vertically pressed at least at respective pressing pressures of 0.5 gf/cm2 and 50 gf/cm2, a difference in depths upon said respective pressing is within a range of 2.5-3.5 mm. A sanitary tissue paper roll made by winding one sheet or two layered sheets of sanitary tissue papers wherein a roll compressibility of said roll is 0.68-0.74 m/cm2, said roll compressibility being defined as a value obtained by dividing a roll length by a cross section of said roll.

Abstract: The invention provides intrafallopian devices and non-surgical methods for their placement to prevent conception. The efficacy of the device is enhanced by forming the structure at least in part from copper or a copper alloy. The device is anchored within the fallopian tube by imposing a secondary shape on a resilient structure, the secondary shape having a larger cross-section than the fallopian tube. The resilient structure is restrained in a straight configuration and transcervically inserted within the fallopian tube, where it is released. The resilient structure is then restrained by the walls of the fallopian tube, imposing anchoring forces as it tries to resume the secondary shape.

Abstract: The invention provides intrafallopian devices and non-surgical methods for their placement to prevent conception. The efficacy of the device is enhanced by forming the structure at least in part from copper or a copper alloy. The device is anchored within the fallopian tube by imposing a secondary shape on a resilient structure, the secondary shape having a larger cross-section than the fallopian tube. The resilient structure is restrained in a straight configuration and transcervically inserted within the fallopian tube, where it is released. The resilient structure is then restrained by the walls of the fallopian tube, imposing anchoring forces as it tries to resume the secondary shape.

Abstract: Contraceptive methods, systems, and devices generally improve the ease, speed, and reliability with which a contraceptive device can be deployed transcervically into an ostium of a fallopian tube. The contraceptive device may remain in a small profile configuration while a sheath is withdrawn proximally, and is thereafter expanded to a large profile configuration engaging the surrounding tissues, by manipulating one or more actuators of a proximal handle with a single hand. This leaves the other hand free to manipulate a hysteroscope, minimizing the number of health care professional required to deploy the contraceptive device.

Abstract: The invention provides intrafallopian devices and non-surgical methods for their placement to prevent conception. The efficacy of the device is enhanced by forming the structure at least in part from copper or a copper alloy. The device is anchored within the fallopian tube by imposing a secondary shape on a resilient structure, the secondary shape having a larger cross-section than the fallopian tube. The resilient structure is restrained in a straight configuration and transcervically inserted within the fallopian tube, where it is released. The resilient structure is then restrained by the walls of the fallopian tube, imposing anchoring forces as it tries to resume the secondary shape.

Abstract: The invention provides intrafallopian devices and non-surgical methods for their placement to prevent conception. The efficacy of the device is enhanced by forming the structure at least in part from copper or a copper alloy. The device is anchored within the fallopian tube by imposing a secondary shape on a resilient structure, the secondary shape having a larger cross-section than the fallopian tube. The resilient structure is restrained in a straight configuration and transcervically inserted within the fallopian tube, where it is released. The resilient structure is then restrained by the walls of the fallopian tube, imposing anchoring forces as it tries to resume the secondary shape.

Abstract: A biodegradable intra vaginal device for insertion into the vagina of an animal (eg; cattle) useful for herd oestrus synchrony purposes, the device is intra vaginally insertable, intra vaginally retainable and withdrawable by virtue of its ability to change its geometry yet is formed at least almost exclusively from a cyclodextrin and progesterone impregnated moulded matrix of a polyester polymer (eg; poly (&egr;-caprolactone)) or a starch-like polysaccharide polymer. There is preferably a loading of progesterone of from 0.1 to 3 gms. The surface area of the impregnated matrix is preferably from 15 to 200 cm2. Related methods and uses also form part of the invention.

Abstract: Contraceptive methods, systems, and devices generally improve the ease, speed, and reliability with which a contraceptive device can be deployed transcervically into an ostium of a fallopian tube. A distal portion of the contraceptive device can function as a guidewire. The proximal portion may remain in a small profile configuration while a sheath is withdrawn proximally, and is thereafter expanded to a large profile configuration engaging the surrounding tissues.

Abstract: A female condom is provided that includes a pouch of resilient membranous material and a hydrophilic cling mechanism. According to an embodiment of the invention, the cling mechanism includes three or more foam cling elements attached to an outer surface of the pouch. Upon insertion, the foam cling elements cling lightly to vaginal walls proximate a transition zone between the vagina's introitus and its rugated internal tissue. The foam cling elements may be shaped to permit them to nestle into a user's rugated internal vaginal tissue. An inserter may be coupled to the pouch for facilitating insertion of the condom. The inserter may retain a distal portion of the pouch in a collapsed form. The cling mechanism may be contained within the dissolvable inserter. The inserter may be dissolvable in the presence of vaginal moisture. Methods are also provided for collapsing the pouch and compressing it into an insertion package.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an intrauterine device comprising a support 41, and constituents 42, 43 releasing an active ingredient. In accordance with the invention, the active ingredient is constituted by copper with a surface area of 100 to 250 mm2 and by a steroid from the progesterone family with a release rate in the range 10% to 70% of the minimum release rate employed for the steroid concerned when it is used as a contraceptive active ingredient. With the device of the invention, contraceptive efficacy is very high and side effects are substantially reduced.

Abstract: A ring for preventing a prolapse of the uterus and the urinary bladder has an annular part and a flexible curved rod-shaped part whose one end and other end are so formed as to be connected to the annular part and whose intermediate portion interposed between the one end and the other end is so formed as to be disposed over a central region of an annular plane formed with the annular part The annular part has an open portion formed by a partial absence thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides intrafallopian devices and non-surgical methods for their placement to prevent conception. The efficacy of the device is enhanced by forming the structure at least in part from copper or a copper alloy. The device is anchored within the fallopian tube by a lumen-traversing region of the resilient structure which has a helical outer surface, together with a portion of the resilient structure which is biased to form a bent secondary shape, the secondary shape having a larger cross-section than the fallopian tube. The resilient structure is restrained in a straight configuration and transcervically inserted within the fallopian tube, where it is released. Optionally, permanent sterilization is effected by passing a current through the resilient structure to the tubal walls.

Abstract: The invention provides intrafallopian devices and non-surgical methods for their placement to prevent conception. The efficacy of the device is enhanced by forming the structure at least in part from copper or a copper alloy. The device is anchored within the fallopian tube by a lumen-traversing region of the resilient structure which has a helical outer surface, together with a portion of the resilient structure which is biased to form a bent secondary shape, the secondary shape having a larger cross-section than the fallopian tube. The resilient structure is restrained in a straight configuration and transcervically inserted within the fallopian tube, where it is released. Optionally, permanent sterilization is effected by passing a current through the resilient structure to the tubal walls.

Abstract: The invention provides intrafallopian devices and non-surgical methods for their placement to prevent conception. The efficacy of the device is enhanced by forming the structure at least in part from copper or a copper alloy. The device is anchored within the fallopian tube by a lumen-traversing region of the resilient structure which has a helical outer surface, together with a portion of the resilient structure which is biased to form a bent secondary shape, the secondary shape having a larger cross-section than the fallopian tube. The resilient structure is restrained in a straight configuration and transcervically inserted within the fallopian tube, where it is released. Optionally, permanent sterilization is effected by passing a current through the resilient structure to the tubal walls.

Abstract: The invention provides intrafallopian devices and non-surgical methods for their placement to prevent conception. The efficacy of the device is enhanced by forming the structure at least in part from copper or a copper alloy. The device is anchored within the fallopian tube by imposing a secondary shape on a resilient structure, the secondary shape having a larger cross-section than the fallopian tube. The resilient structure is restrained in a straight configuration and transcervically inserted within the fallopian tube, where it is released. The resilient structure is then restrained by the walls of the fallopian tube, imposing anchoring forces as it tries to resume the secondary shape.

Abstract: A protective device particularly suited for use by females after childbirth generally characterized by a plastic shield for protecting the episiotomy or perineal tear surface from urine flow while urinating over the toilet. The device consists of a sole concave interior (20) plastic with adjacent handle (10) and contoured upper lip (22) adaptable to the female genitalia to be placed between the episiotomy or perineal tear surface and the urethra to alleviate the painful contact of urine on the wound and to promote healing.

Abstract: The invention provides intrafallopian devices and non-surgical methods for their placement to prevent conception. The efficacy of the device is enhanced by forming the structure at least in part from copper or a copper alloy. The device is anchored within the fallopian tube by a lumen-traversing region of the resilient structure which has a helical outer surface, together with a portion of the resilient structure which is biased to form a bent secondary shape, the secondary shape having a larger cross-section than the fallopian tube. The resilient structure is restrained in a straight configuration and transcervically inserted within the fallopian tube, where it is released. Optionally, permanent sterilization is effected by passing a current through the resilient structure to the tubal walls.

Abstract: Shields for protecting parts of the body during use of lasers or similar high intensity light. One of the shields is a dental shield shaped to conform to the typical dental alignment in the buccal area of the patient. Other shields are for protecting the genital areas of either a male or female patient. The female shield protects the vulva of a female patient. The male genital shield is a penile guard, in the form of a thick tube that is placed around the upper half of the penis when a procedure is performed for removing the hair follicles on the lower half part of the penis. The shields are made of a light color, preferably white, in order to disperse or reflect the energy and avoid the penetration of the laser or other light instruments all the way through the material.

Abstract: The subject-matter of the invention is a method of retaining and operating an inserter of an intrauterine contraceptive device, and an inserter permitting the application of this method. To this end, the method which, in an inserter of an intrauterine contraceptive device comprising a sheath 4, a needle 1 housed in the sheath and firmly fixed to a thumb-piece 3, and an intrauterine contraceptive device 15, also housed in the sheath, pulled by the needle and provided with a pull thread 22, consists firstly in firmly fixing needle 1 in relation to sheath 4 and maintaining pull thread 22 in the tensioned state, then in releasing needle 1 and pull thread 22, and is characterised in that the release of needle 1 conjointly ensures the release of pull thread 22.

Abstract: An internal artificial vagina for collecting animal semen including a stiff support frame comprising a straight bar portion having at one end thereof a generally circular ring portion substantially perpendicular to the axis of the bar portion and an attachment means at the other end of the bar portion. An elastomeric tube open at both ends is adapted to slide within the frame ring portion with an end portion of the elastomeric tube stretched and pulled outwardly around the frame ring portion whereby the ring portion is retained within the folded portion of the elastomeric tube. The other end portion of the elastomeric tube is fixed to the attachment means of the frame. A replaceable semen collection bag is also provided in the form of an elongated generally cylindrical thin, flexible plastic member having a closed end and an open end.

Abstract: A urethral suppository comprising a non-meltable base member sized to prevent insertion of the base member into the urethra, a non-meltable reinforcement projecting from the base member, and a meltable portion formed around a portion of the reinforcement. The meltable portion tapers along the reinforcement and is shaped for cooperating with the action of the periurethral musculature to retain the suppository within the urethra. A method of delivering one or more therapeutic agents to the female urinary tract, the method involving insertion of the urethral suppository into the urethra. A method for manufacturing a reinforced urethral suppository.

Abstract: An cervical drug delivery apparatus having an absorbent cylindrical structure with a cervical cap attached to one end. One or more therapeutic agents are applied to the internal surface of the cervical cap. The cervical drug delivery apparatus is housed within an applicator and inserted into a patient's vagina. Upon deployment of the cervical drug delivery apparatus, the cervical cap is automatically positioned over the patient's cervix providing for the direct application of the therapeutic agents on the patient's cervix. Alternative features of the cervical drug delivery apparatus include, a break-away cylindrical structure, a collapsible support structure for the cervical cap, an inflatable means for supporting the cervical cap, and the ability of the cylindrical structure and/or the cervical cap to contain one or more therapeutic agents that can be delivered by outside means.

Abstract: The invention provides intrafallopian devices and non-surgical methods for their placement to prevent conception. The efficacy of the device is enhanced by forming the structure at least in part from copper or a copper alloy. The device is anchored within the fallopian tube by a lumen-traversing region of the resilient structure which has a helical outer surface, together with a portion of the resilient structure which is biased to form a bent secondary shape, the secondary shape having a larger cross-section than the fallopian tube. The resilient structure is restrained in a straight configuration and transcervically inserted within the fallopian tube, where it is released. Optionally, permanent sterilization is effected by passing a current through the resilient structure to the tubal walls.

Abstract: The present invention reveals a device, a kit and a method for simultaneously delivering and distributing at least one beneficial agent to both the cervical and vaginal lumen sides of a vagina. The device is made of a flexible circular rim and a flexible dome. The device can exist in either a relaxed state or in a compressed state. In the compressed state, pouches are formed for carrying and delivering the beneficial agent to both the cervical and vaginal lumen sides of the vagina.

Abstract: This is a birth control device that prevents pregnancy for extended periods of time with the same degree of certainty as permanent sterilization: however, this sterilization is easily reversible when childbearing is desired. This device is implanted through a medical procedure. It consists of two tubes that may be positioned either in a closed or open position and held there by a clip to either prevent or allow fertilization of the egg. Accessing this device to change from open to closed or vice versa requires a medical procedure.

Abstract: The present invention reveals a device, a kit and a method for simultaneously delivering and distributing at least one beneficial agent to both the cervical and vaginal lumen sides of a vagina. The device is made of a flexible circular rim and a flexible dome. The device can exist in either a relaxed state or in a compressed state. In the compressed state, pouches are formed for carrying and delivering the beneficial agent to both the cervical and vaginal lumen sides of the vagina.

Abstract: An intravaginal device having an overwrap containing an enclosed material, and a withdrawal string passing through a portion of the overwrap formed into a loop, the withdrawal string enabling a user to remove the intravaginal device after use.

Abstract: An incontinence pessary device for use within a vaginal vault of a woman, the incontinence pessary device comprising a resilient main support body, at least two resilient lateral support bodies, and a suburethral support body. The resilient main support body has a primary plane of orientation that will correspond to the sagittal plane of the woman's pelvis when inserted and be at least responsive to forces oriented along the main plane. The at least two resilient lateral support bodies project from a position on the main support body toward generally opposite sides of the main support body in a secondary plane generally perpendicular to the primary plane. Thus, when inserted, the at least two resilient lateral support bodies provide lateral and additional rotational stabilization, being at least responsive to forces oriented along the secondary plane.

Abstract: In a system with a surgical needle (10) and a handle (20), the surgical needle (10), in its proximal end region opposite the needle tip, comprises a support section which is adapted to be pushed in the handle (20). The handle (20) includes a lumen adapted to support the support section of the surgical needle (10) and a locking means (30, 26), which can be adjusted from a locking position, in which the support section is secured to the handle (20), to a release position, in which the support section can be pulled out of the lumen.

Abstract: A female incontinence device and method for placement of an intravaginal device for repositioning and supporting the prolapsed neck of the urinary bladder and realigning the urethra both vertically and laterally to approximate normal anatomical position enable a patient to remain stress-continent. The device includes an open, generally droplet-shaped base coupled with a pair of elongate spaced parallel legs shaped to extend in orthogonal relationship to the plane of the base in a predetermined configuration. Upon installation, the legs provide support for the anterior wall of the vagina and adjacent neck of the urinary bladder at a preconfigured variable distance from the posterior vaginal wall, as well as lateral and vertical alignment and support of the adjacent urethra. Alternatively, the base may be coupled with a single leg having a predetermined configuration which extends orthogonal to the plane of the base and is attached to the base at both ends.