Abstract: Systems and methods are provided and adapted to engage and pull (e.g., pull up) or reposition paraurethral support tissue, such as the perineal membrane. The perineal membrane intersects the urethra and vagina at the midurethra or distal location and can thus be stabilized or controlled in a manner that helps restore continence. As such, the implants can be utilized to eliminate the need for mesh or other supportive structures under the urethra that is common with other incontinence slings.

Abstract: Pelvic or other types of implants are provided that can include tensioning feedback components or portions, such as color changing polymer materials, such as polyacetylene. The color changing polymer can be included with, coated on or otherwise provided with a portion of slings or implant devices to provide targeted feedback to the user or physician of the tension applied to a particular device. A first color can be used to indicate a first (initial) tension or compression stage, and a second color can be used to indicate tensioning of the device beyond a predefined threshold.

Abstract: An implantable support member having at least one adjusting portion operable for adjusting a length or tension of the support member after placement of support member anchors. The support member is operable to provide mid-urethral support for treating urinary incontinence.

Abstract: An incontinence treatment device includes a support body and a plication mechanism attached to the support body. The device includes a first and second arms separated by a support zone. The plication mechanism is attached to the support zone and has a strand providing first and second end portions. The strand is removably coupled with a first location of the support zone and removably coupled with a separate second location of the support zone. The separate second location is spaced apart from the first location of the support zone by a central region. The support body is configured to contact tissue around a urethra and tension applied to both of the first and second end portions moves the first location of the support zone and the second location of the support zone to remove slack in the support body relative to the tissue around the urethra.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating female stress urinary incontinence are disclosed. The methods include transvaginally accessing the pelvic cavity and introducing a suburethral sling into the retropubic space. In some embodiments the ends of the sling are attached to an anatomical support structure. In other embodiments, the ends of the suburethral sling are not attached to an anatomical support structure. The devices include a surgical instrument for blunt dissection of the pelvic cavity which includes a curved shaft and a blunt distal end. A hook deployment device may optionally be attached to the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A medical product for use in treating/managing hernias, prolapses, urinary incontinence and/or dyspareunia in humans and/or animals including at least one textile fabric having a textile ground structure and thread structures which protrude from the trextile ground structure, wherein at least some of the thread structures are interloped with the textile ground structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for treatment of fecal incontinence comprises at least one electrode placed in contact with a pelvic muscle of a patient and a control unit that is coupled to the electrode. The at least one electrode comprises a flexible intra-muscular electrode that conducts electromyographic (EMG) signals from the muscle. The control unit comprises a processor that analyzes the EMG signals conducted through the at least one electrode, determines whether the EMG signals are indicative of fecal incontinence and, responsive to the signal being indicative of fecal incontinence, applies an electrical waveform to the muscle through the at least one electrode.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to surgical implants, and in various embodiments to surgical implants configured for promoting growth of well-organized collagenous tissue at an anatomical site.

Abstract: A flexible magnetic membrane based actuation system comprising magnetic nanoparticles loaded into a polymeric material such as polyurethane and adapted to actuation of to and fro pumping motions of the membrane under application of magnetic field on the magnetic nanoparticles loaded membrane. More particularly, the present invention is directed to the said nanoparticles-loaded polyurethane magnetic membrane based actuation system adapted to function as displacement membrane for various activities requiring such to and fro motion. The magnetic membrane actuation is adapted to be controlled using electronic equipments to regulate the rate, force and frequency of displacement pulses.

Abstract: Described are pelvic implants and methods of surgically placing pelvic implants, that provide treatment for pelvic floor disorders by support of the levator.

Abstract: Described are devices, implants, kits, and related methods for treating pelvic conditions such as urinary in incontinence, in a male or a female patient. The invention includes, in one embodiment, a multi-piece implant, including a tissue support piece, extension portion, and one or more self-fixating tips. The device may be employed through a medial incision in the pelvic region of the patient.

Abstract: A bodily implant is provided that includes a support member and an arm member. The support member is configured to be placed within a body of a patient such that the support member surrounds a rectum of the patient. The arm member extends from the support member and is configured to be coupled to a portion of the body of the patient to help retain the support member in place within the body of the patient.

Abstract: A method for treating pelvic organ prolapse conditions via a vaginal approach, including identifying the presumptive apex of the vagina and the ischial spine; pressing the presumptive apex of the vagina onto the ischial spine; while maintaining contact between the presumptive apex of the vagina and the sacrospinous ligament, continuously sweeping the presumptive apex of the vagina in a dorso-medial direction from the ischial spine along the sacrospinous ligament to a first location approximately two centimeters from the ischial spine; and while maintaining contact between the presumptive apex of the vagina and the sacrospinous ligament, attaching the presumptive apex to the sacrospinous ligament at the first location using a first tissue anchor.

Abstract: An incontinence treatment device includes a urethral support and first and second connectors. The urethral support extends between a first end and a second end and has porosity that is configured to allow tissue in-growth through the urethral support. The first connector is attached to the first end of the urethral support and the second connector is attached to the second end of the urethral support. At least one of the first connector and the second connector is a cross-linked polymer connector having a glass transition temperature between 40-70 degrees Celsius. The cross-linked polymer connector has an initial length that is elongated to an implant length that is greater than the initial length. Means for heating the cross-linked polymer connector from an extracorporeal location through intact skin is provided, thereby shortening the cross-linked polymer connector.

Abstract: A negative pressure wound therapy apparatus that can include a wound dressing, a fluid collection device, a vacuum pump comprising a pump motor, and tubing can be powered by auxiliary power sources such as high efficiency batteries, photovoltaic panels or cells, fuel cells, combustion generators, human powered generators, or other mechanical, electrical, or chemical power sources such as hand operated dynamos or wound springs, or any combination of the foregoing. Additionally, the apparatus can include a high efficiency pressure controller for controlling the output of the vacuum pump. In some embodiments, the pressure controller can control the pump without using a processor, and can have other features such as an intermittent delay function and an anti-stall mechanism to reduce the energy consumption of the apparatus.

Abstract: A bowel management system includes a waste collection catheter having at least two distinct sections. The first section is patient proximal when disposed in the patient's rectum and has durometer hardness in the range of about 50 A to about 90 A. The second catheter section is connected to the first section and has durometer hardness in the range of about 5 A to about 49 A. A selectively collapsible, substantially spherical retention balloon is attached coaxially and exterior of the first catheter section such that the proximal-most end of the retention balloon is coincident to the proximal-most end of the first section of the waste collection catheter, the substantially spherical retention balloon having an inflated size so as to be sufficiently large enough to retain the patient proximal end of the catheter in the patient's rectum without being so large as to trigger a defecatory response in the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first arm and a second arm coupled to the first arm. The second arm has a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. The first arm is configured to deposit a first end portion of an implant within a first portion of pelvic tissue when the second arm is in the retracted configuration. The second arm is configured to deposit a second end portion of the implant within a second portion of pelvic tissue on an opposite side of a urethra when in the extended configuration, such that a portion of the implant is positioned substantially beneath the urethra.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical device including an artificial contractile structure which may be advantageously used to assist the functioning of a hollow organ. The medical device includes an artificial contractile structure including at least one contractile element (100) adapted to contract an organ, in such way that the contractile element (100) is in a resting or in an activated position, at least one actuator designed to activate the contractile structure, and at least one source of energy for powering the actuator. The ratio “current which is needed to maintain the contractile element in its activated position/current which is needed to change the position of the contractile element” is less than 1/500, preferably less than 1/800, and more preferably less than 1/1000.

Abstract: A vaginal insert formed from a composition that, prior to introduction to the vagina, has the physical properties of a liquid, semi-soft gel, paste, foam, or viscous material so that it can be effectively delivered to the vaginal canal. After introduction into the vagina, the composition will expand and/or solidify into a semi-solid or solid structure to substantially fill the entire “H” shaped space of the vagina and a portion of the rugal folds along the length of the vaginal canal. Upon solidifying, the composition defines an insert that, in one embodiment, is suitable for use as a tampon and, in another embodiment, is suitable for use as an incontinence device.

Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical instrument for placing an implantable article about a tubular tissue structure is disclosed. The surgical instrument is particularly useful for treating urological disorders such as incontinence. Surgical methods using the novel instrument are also described.

Abstract: A medical sling made from material that is suitably shaped for use in a medical application has sides, portions of which are smoothed to prevent abrasion of surrounding tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of treating a patient with benign hypertrophy of the prostate, comprising providing a compressible attenuation device that is moveable from a first, introduction configuration to a second, implanted configuration and attenuating a pressure change within the bladder by reversibly changing the volume of the attenuation device in response to the pressure change. In one embodiment, the attenuation device is advanced percutaneously into the bladder. In another embodiment, the attenuation device is positioned within the bladder to inhibit a decrease in compliance of the bladder wall as a consequence of the benign hypertrophy of the prostate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a female urinary incontinence-inhibiting device comprising a flexible torus including at least one slot configured to, under compression, flexibly reduce the outer diameter of the flexible torus, the flexible torus having a diameter configured to inhibit female urinary incontinence when placed in a vagina and a stabilizing element, coupled to the flexible torus, the stabilizing element having a size and position configured to stabilize the flexible torus within the vagina.

Abstract: A non-expandable single use pessary device. The pessary device has a top, a base, a length, an outer surface, a longitudinal axis, a maximum diameter, and a minimum diameter that is less than the maximum diameter. The pessary device includes a pressure region adapted to extend between an anterior vaginal wall and a posterior vaginal wall of a user to provide pressure on the user's urethra through the vaginal wall. The pressure region includes the maximum diameter. In addition, the outer surface includes a usage indicator that is visible to a user viewing the outer surface of the device after the device is removed from the user's vagina.

Abstract: A method of treating incontinence in a male patient includes forming a non-scrotal incision in the male patient; traversing an anchor portion of an implant through the incision and through an obturator foramen of the male patient; securing the anchor portion of the implant to a ramus of the male patient; and placing a support portion of the implant in the incision to support a urethra of the male patient.

Abstract: An intravaginal pessary device. The device has a top, a mid-section, and a bottom. The device has a sidewall that extends between the top and the bottom, and the top, the bottom, and the sidewall form an outer periphery defining a total area of the device. The top has a first width and the mid-section has a second width, and the first width is greater than the second width. In addition, the top has a first flexibility and the mid-section has a second flexibility, and the first flexibility is greater than the second flexibility.

Abstract: A non-expandable intravaginal pessary device. The device has a top and a bottom, and a sidewall that extends between the top and the bottom. The sidewall, top and bottom form an outer periphery defining a total area of the device. The device has an interior that is substantially enclosed by the top, the bottom, and the sidewall. The sidewall has a convex bottom portion, a mid-section, and a convex top portion. The convex bottom portion connects the bottom to the mid-section, and the convex upper portion connects the top to the mid-section. The convex bottom portion has a maximum diameter of less than about 25 mm, and the mid-section has a maximum diameter less than the maximum diameter of the convex bottom portion.

Abstract: A method for reducing urinary incontinence in a female. The method includes inserting into the female's vagina a first non-expandable intravaginal pessary device, the pessary device having a top, a base, a length, a longitudinal axis, a maximum diameter, and a minimum diameter that is less than the maximum diameter. The pessary device has a pressure region adapted to extend between an anterior vaginal wall and a posterior vaginal wall of a user to provide pressure on the user's urethra through the vaginal wall, and the pressure region comprising the maximum diameter, wherein the maximum diameter is less than 25 mm. The pessary device is retained within the vagina of the female for about 8 to about 12 hours, and removed and disposed. A second non-expandable intravaginal pessary device is then inserted into the female's vagina.

Abstract: An array of non-expandable pessary devices. The array includes a first pessary device having a top, a base, a length, a sidewall extending between the top and the base, a longitudinal axis, a maximum diameter, and a minimum diameter that is less than the maximum diameter. The first pessary device has a pressure region adapted to extend between an anterior vaginal wall and a posterior vaginal wall of a user to provide pressure on the user's urethra through the vaginal wall, the pressure region comprising the maximum diameter, wherein the maximum diameter is less than 25 mm. The array also includes a second pessary device having a top, a base, a length, a sidewall extending between the top and the base, a longitudinal axis, a maximum diameter, and a minimum diameter that is less than the maximum diameter.

Abstract: A non-expandable pessary device, the pessary device having a top, a base, a length, a longitudinal axis, a maximum diameter, and a minimum diameter that is less than the maximum diameter. The pessary device has a pressure region adapted to extend between an anterior vaginal wall and a posterior vaginal wall of a user to provide pressure on the user's urethra through the vaginal wall. The pressure region includes the maximum diameter, and the maximum diameter is less than 25 mm.

Abstract: An intravaginal pessary device is provided. The device has a top, a bottom, a sidewall that extends between the top and bottom, and a length. The sidewall has a lower lobe, a mid-section, and an upper lobe. The lower lobe connects the bottom to the mid-section, the upper lobe connects the top to the mid-section, and the sidewall has curvilinear transitions from the upper lobe to the mid-section and from the mid-section to the lower lobe.

Abstract: A non-expandable intravaginal pessary device capable of providing varying pressure along the length of a woman's urethra when inserted into the woman's vagina. The device has a top, a bottom, and a sidewall that extends between the top and the bottom, and the sidewall, top and bottom form an enclosed outer periphery defining a total area of the device. The sidewall has a convex bottom portion, a mid-section, and a convex top portion. The convex bottom portion connects the bottom to the mid-section, the convex upper portion connects the top to the mid-section, and the convex bottom portion and the convex upper portion are capable of providing pressure to two distinct locations on a woman's urethra when inserted into a woman's vagina.

Abstract: A non-expandable intravaginal pessary device. The device has a top, a bottom, and a sidewall that extends between the top and the bottom. The top, bottom, and sidewall form an outer periphery defining a total enclosed area of the device. The device has a first region adapted to extend between an anterior vaginal wall and a posterior vaginal wall of a woman to provide pressure on the woman's urethra through the vaginal wall, the first region having a first width and a second region having a second width, wherein the first width is greater than the second width. In addition, the device applies a first pressure to a first portion of the urethra when inserted into the woman's vagina and applies a second pressure to a second portion of the urethra, wherein the second pressure is less than the first pressure.

Abstract: A surgical implant and a surgical apparatus for implanting the implant into a subject. The apparatus includes an insertion needle, a retainer fitted over the needle, and a handle for manipulating the needle. The implant includes a mesh sling, a distal anchor, and a proximal anchor, with the mesh held to the needle by the retainer during implantation. In use, the needle is inserted into the subject, the distal and proximal anchors are set, and the retainer is removed to deploy the mesh into place. A tensioning assembly can be manipulated to tension the mesh. In some embodiments, a lumen in the needle is used to deliver an anesthetic to the surgical site and/or an epoxy to the mesh to form anchors.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to surgically implantable supportive slings. More specifically, in various embodiments, the invention is directed to multilayer mesh slings formed from a tubular mesh material.

Abstract: A tissue support system including an implantable tissue support member is described. The tissue support member includes a tissue support portion, a first arm having a first end joined to a first end of the tissue support portion, a second arm having a first end joined to a second end of the tissue support portion, the second arm defining a lumen, a first tissue anchor fixed to a second end of the first arm, a second tissue anchor slidably positioned over the second arm, and a locking member disposed in the lumen of the second arm between the second tissue anchor and a second end of the second arm.

Abstract: Described are various embodiments of surgical procedures, systems, implants, devices, tools, and methods, useful for treating pelvic conditions in a male or female, the pelvic conditions including incontinence (various forms such as fecal incontinence, stress urinary incontinence, urge incontinence, mixed incontinence, etc.), vaginal prolapse (including various forms such as enterocele, cystocele, rectocele, apical or vault prolapse, uterine descent, etc.), and other conditions caused by muscle and ligament weakness, the devices and tools including devices and tools for anchoring an implant to supportive tissue and adjusting the implant.

Abstract: Described are various embodiments of surgical procedures, systems, implants, devices, tools, and methods, useful for treating pelvic conditions in a male or female, the pelvic conditions including incontinence (various forms such as fecal incontinence, stress urinary incontinence, urge incontinence, mixed incontinence, etc.), vaginal prolapse (including various forms such as enterocele, cystocele, rectocele, apical or vault prolapse, uterine descent, etc.), and other conditions caused by muscle and ligament weakness, the devices and tools including devices and tools for anchoring an implant to supportive tissue and adjusting the implant.

Abstract: Described are various embodiments of surgical procedures, systems, implants, devices, tools, and methods, useful for treating pelvic conditions in a male or female, the pelvic conditions including incontinence (various forms such as fecal incontinence, stress urinary incontinence, urge incontinence, mixed incontinence, etc.), vaginal prolapse (including various forms such as enterocele, cystocele, rectocele, apical or vault prolapse, uterine descent, etc.), and other conditions caused by muscle and ligament weakness, the devices and tools including devices and tools for anchoring an implant to supportive tissue and adjusting the implant.

Abstract: Described are various embodiments of surgical procedures, systems, implants, devices, tools, and methods, useful for treating pelvic conditions in a male or female, the pelvic conditions including incontinence (various forms such as fecal incontinence, stress urinary incontinence, urge incontinence, mixed incontinence, etc.), vaginal prolapse (including various forms such as enterocele, cystocele, rectocele, apical or vault prolapse, uterine descent, etc.), and other conditions caused by muscle and ligament weakness, the devices and tools including devices and tools for anchoring an implant to supportive tissue and adjusting the implant.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices employing a push tube to deliver an implant are disclosed.

Abstract: An incontinence treatment device includes a urethral support and first and second connectors. The urethral support extends between a first end and a second end and has porosity that is configured to allow tissue in-growth through the urethral support. The first connector is attached to the first end of the urethral support and the second connector is attached to the second end of the urethral support. At least one of the first connector and the second connector is a cross-linked polymer connector having a glass transition temperature between 40-70 degrees Celsius. The cross-linked polymer connector has an initial length that is elongated to an implant length that is greater than the initial length. Means for heating the cross-linked polymer connector from an extracorporeal location through intact skin is provided, thereby shortening the cross-linked polymer connector.

Abstract: A method of treating urinary incontinence, the method including introducing a surgical implant through an incision made on an upper wall of a patient's vagina. The surgical implant includes a suburethral support, first and second suspending members, and first and second polymer tissue anchors. Each tissue anchor is coupled with a respective one of the first and second suspending members, wherein a distance between the suburethral support and the second anchor is adjustable. The first tissue anchor is inserted into tissue on a first side of a urethra of the patient without penetrating an abdominal wall. A position of the suburethral support is adjusted relative to the patient's urethra by pulling the second suspending member through the patient's vagina to adjust the distance between the suburethral support and the second anchor. And the distance between the suburethral support and the second anchor is fixed.

Abstract: A urethral stent device comprising a mechanical valve system is provided. The urethral stent device can be delivered up through the urethra via a flexible delivery tool. The valve mechanism is adapted to open when exposed to a certain amount of intraluminal pressure and can remain open until a desired cessation of fluid flow is achieved.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for storing liquid from a tissue site are presented. The apparatus includes a delivery tube that may have at least one lumen. The delivery tube may be operable to transmit reduced pressure to the tissue site and to receive liquid from the tissue site. The apparatus may also include an absorbent material disposed in the at least one lumen. The absorbent material may be operable to absorb the liquid from the tissue site. The delivery tube may be formed with a number of recesses.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatuses for treatment of pelvic organ prolapse are provided. A specialized mesh having a shape for convenient subcutaneous placement to support the levator ani muscles is provided, as is a method of use of such a device. Appropriate devices for introducing such a mesh implant are also disclosed.

Abstract: Adjustable sling as a support of internal organs or anatomical tissues that can be properly positioned into the patient's body without any special instrument, just by using a standard surgical forceps, and it allows to be repositioned, which is provided with a cavity in each of the laterals of the sling, with an opening to be able to introduce a standard surgical forceps to push the sling into the target place, said cavities formed by folding a part of the extremes of the sling inwards and after that sealing them by thread knots or thermal fixation.

Abstract: A portable negative pressure wound therapy system includes a dressing assembly for positioning over a wound to apply a negative pressure to the wound and a canister assembly. The canister assembly includes a control unit having a vacuum source and a controller and a collection canister in communication with the dressing assembly operable to receive fluid from the wound. The collection canister has a filter assembly having a filter and a passageway between the filter and a wall of the collection canister. The collection canister also includes a canister interface having a suction port, an inlet port, and a channel. The vacuum source draws air through the suction port from the channel which draws air from the passageway connected to the channel, the air in the passageway is drawn from the collection canister through the filter, and the air in the collection canister is drawn through the inlet port.

Abstract: A method of treating anal incontinence in a patient comprises providing a sling having a central portion and first and second arms, creating a subcutaneous tunnel between a first buttock incision and a second buttock incision in the patient, mechanically widening the subcutaneous tunnel to create a pocket for the central portion of the sling, grasping the first arm of the sling and pulling the sling through the subcutaneous tunnel such that the central portion of the sling rests underneath the ano-rectum, inserting an introducer needle through a first thigh incision formed in the patient and advancing the introducer needle through the first buttock incision, pulling the first sling arm through the first thigh incision, inserting the introducer needle through a second thigh incision formed in the patient and advancing the introducer needle through the second buttock incision, and pulling the second sling aim through the second thigh incision.

Abstract: An implant or sling device is provided with a tension adjustment system. The adjustment system can include one or more small pressure bulbs placed against the inferior pubic rami for support. By palpating the bulbs (one on left and one on right), the pressure can be adjusted to control the tension of the implant. Other conduits, balloons, introduction tools, ports and fluid adjustment components and mechanisms can be included to provide selective adjustment of the tension of the implant relative to the supported tissue or organ.