Abstract: Medical implant delivery devices and systems are disclosed. In general, an exemplary delivery device comprises a shaft and a handle. An exemplary system includes any number of the following: a delivery device, a sling assembly, guide members, and connectors that interconnect the above. Embodiments of all the above components and their combinations are disclosed. Methods of using the above system in trans-obturator approaches are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods consistent with embodiments of the present invention may delineate a system for treating urinary incontinence. The system may include a sling for contacting a portion of a patient. The system may also include a plurality of sutures coupled to the sling and a plurality of members including apertures through which the sutures may pass, wherein the plurality of members are for engagement with the sling.

Abstract: Implant systems and methods are provided to include a treatment material with a pelvic implant device. The pelvic implant device, such as an incontinence sling, can include the treatment coating combination of a material, such as Phosphorylcholine (PC), and an infection prevention material, such as InhibiZone® (IZ) technology. The treatment material can be coated onto, or impregnation or integrated with, polypropylene mesh in order to prevent infection and promote healing.

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.

Abstract: Systems and methods are delineated for treating urinary incontinence (UI). An exemplary system comprises a strip of mesh having a primary axis and a secondary axis orthogonal to the primary axis; a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end located at opposite ends of the primary axis; and a first surface located on a first side of the strip, the first surface for providing support to the urethra of a patient under treatment for UI. The system also includes a first fastener including at least one barb coupled to the first end of the strip and a second fastener including at least one barb coupled to the second end of the strip. The system also includes a plurality of cords coupled to the strip for extracting the strip when desired.

Abstract: A support device suitable for urethral support is adjustable for length post operatively. An elongated body has at least one bellows and a line going through a passage in the elongated body. The elongated body is supported in the patient and the line is adjustable by balloon inflation or rotation of a drum. The amount of support can be changed postoperatively using an instrument inserted through the skin with a local anesthetic or even from outside the skin with no surgical intervention. The bellows changes length when adjustments are made.

Abstract: A bladder plication system to treat ISD in a patient is provided. The device can include a needle introducer device, and a plication device. The needle introducer device is advanced through the bladder, with the plication device contained and deployable within the needle introducer device. Once inserted in the bladder and positioned, the needle is passed through portions of the bladder wall. The plication device is then deployed through a distal end of the introducer device, wherein the bladder wall is folded near the inner sphincter to reduce forces on the bladder and resolve the patient's SUI.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with an apparatus for preventing incontinence with a fixing device to be immovably implanted in body tissue, whereby a tubular body (3) features a first elongated guiding element (5; 105) inside, a tube-like retaining element is connected to the tubular body (3) which features a second longitudinal guiding element (13) inside which continues in an axial direction and terminates on its opposing side to the tubular body (3) in a finish. The first elongated guiding element (5; 105) features the fixing device, whereby it defines areas with projections (7) being axially displaced relative to each other, whereby the projections in a non-extended state are formed as slits (23) which protrude out of the surface of the first guiding element (5; 105) and are positioned through the formation of the finished projections when the first guiding element (5; 105) is compressed in an axial direction.

Abstract: A vaginal insert device including a support portion, a stabilizing portion, a removal device, and at least one fluid passageway extending though the support portion is disclosed. The vaginal insert relaxes in the vagina to deliver outward compression force against the bladder neck via the anterior vaginal wall to assist prevention of urinary stress incontinence. The substantially cylindrical support portion has a distal end, a proximal end, and a hollow interior section with a plurality of struts extending from the distal end to the proximal end. Desirably, the plurality of struts helically curve as the plurality of struts extend from the distal end to the proximal end. The largest circumference of the support portion has an insertion diameter when the plurality of struts are twisted together and an in-use diameter wherein the plurality of struts are extended outward into a convex position larger than the insertion diameter.

Abstract: Implantable devices are designed to provide support to the bulbar urethral region of a patient experiencing incontinence. Surgical methods are utilized to implant the devices, and surgical tools are utilized with the surgical methods.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating pelvic organ prolapse in a patient is provided. The apparatus includes a support portion having first and second ends. A first elongated end portion is connected to said first end of said support portion. The first elongated end portion includes a first dilator configured to attach securely with a tip of a needle. A second elongated end portion is connected to said second end of said support portion. The second elongated end portion includes a second dilator configured to attach securely with a tip of a needle. The first and second needles include a straight portion, a tip, a first radius, and a second radius distinct from the first radius. The first radius and the second radius are disposed between the straight portion and the tip. A method and kit for said treatment is further provided.

Abstract: The body of a pressure sensing component includes a pressure sensor, a first opening, and a first pair of electrical contacts. A cap of the pressure sensing component comprises a second opening, a wiper seal, and a second pair of electrical contacts. The cap is rotatable relative to the body. When the cap is in a first rotational position, the first and second openings are in fluid communication with each other; and the first pair of contacts are not coupled with the second pair of contacts. When the cap is in a second rotational position, the seal isolates the first opening from the second opening; and the first pair of contacts are coupled with the second pair of contacts. The pressure sensing component may be coupled with a syringe and needle to externally adjust and monitor the pressure of fluid in an implanted gastric band system.

Abstract: A method for repairing a vaginal wall (35) which has been damaged by one or more prolapsed pelvic organs said method including: (a) mobilizing the vaginal epithelium off the underlying fascia of at least a portion of the damaged vaginal wall; (b) positioning a prosthetic material (36) over the exposed fascia; (c) re-fixing the vaginal epithelium over the prosthetic material (36) and the fascia; and thereafter (d) locating an intra-vaginal splint into the vagina.

Abstract: Equipment for use in changing a catheter, preferably of the type used for drainage of the urinary tract. The urinary catheter is used as an aid in emptying the urinary bladder in conditions where this cannot be done in the normal manner. The equipment of the present invention includes a sleeve mounting unit which is mounted to an indwelling catheter, and which has a branch member formed in one piece therewith and extending at an acute angle therefrom, for reception of an elongated sleeve having a longitudinal slit. The sleeve is positioned on the branch member and then progressively advanced onto the catheter, causing the slit to become enlarged as the sleeve surrounds the upstream portion of the catheter in a yielding manner. The catheter may then be quickly removed through the sleeve and a new catheter inserted in its place.

Abstract: Implantable devices are designed to provide support to the bulbar urethral region of a patient experiencing incontinence. Surgical methods are utilized to implant the devices, and surgical tools are utilized with the surgical methods.

Abstract: A system for supporting an anatomical structure of the pelvis includes a surgical implant for providing support to the anatomical structure of the pelvis. The surgical implant includes a first tissue anchor including a plurality of projections adapted for tissue fixation, a second tissue anchor including a plurality of projections adapted for tissue fixation, and a sub-urethral support having first and second ends, the first and second tissue anchors extending from the first and second ends of the sub-urethral support. The system also includes an introducer for delivering the first tissue anchor to a desired anchoring site of the pelvis.

Abstract: A device for the treatment of female urinary incontinence and vaginal flaccidity including a silicon elastomer catheter of 10 cm in length×2.3 mm width and a rigid silicon connector in the shape of an hour glass that connects the extremities of the catheter to surgically treat female urinary incontinence and vaginal flaccidity.

Abstract: Disclosed are single-incision surgical procedures for treatment of urinary incontinence and/or pelvic floor disorders and related uses, devices, kits, and methods. Implants are also disclosed for use in the exemplary procedures. In certain embodiments, soft tissue anchors are used to anchor the surgical implants to obturator membranes of a patient.

Abstract: A method for supporting a urethra of a patient includes making an incision on an upper wall of a vagina of the patient and inserting a first end of a surgical implant through the incision and on a first side of a urethra of the patient. The first end of the surgical implant has a first fixing zone with a retaining portion that is formed of a fiber entanglement and a mesh.

Abstract: A surgical implant for supporting pelvic anatomy includes a first fixing zone, a second fixing zone, and a supporting zone. The first fixing zone has a retaining portion that is absorbable and formed of a fiber entanglement and a mesh for anchoring the first fixing zone in soft tissues in a space defined by a pelvis. The second fixing zone has a retaining portion that is absorbable and formed of a fiber entanglement and a mesh for anchoring the second fixing zone in soft tissues in a space defined by a pelvis. The supporting zone is formed of a mesh and is interposed between the first and second fixing zones.

Abstract: Implantable devices are designed to provide support to the bulbar urethral region of a patient experiencing incontinence. Surgical methods are utilized to implant the devices, and surgical tools are utilized with the surgical methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for preventing incontinence, having a tube-shaped body (3; 129; 203) comprising a first longitudinal guide element (7; 143; 207) in the interior thereof. A hose-like retaining element connects to the tube-shaped body (3), comprising a second longitudinal guide element (13; 113; 213) in the interior thereof. Said second guide element (13; 113; 213) opens in the axial direction into a termination on the side thereof opposite the tube-shaped body (3). The hose-like retaining element is implemented as a reversible stretchable and collapsible metal mesh (23) comprising a polymer coating (25).

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 arm through the second thigh incision.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to surgical articles useful for implanting support members in patients. The articles disclosed herein include a support member, such as a sling for urinary incontinence, tissue anchors, filamentary elements for associating the support member with the anchors, and introducer needles for placing the anchors in a patient. The support members can also be configured for use in pelvic floor repair, such as for treating cystoceles, rectoceles, and enteroceles.

Abstract: A urological device comprises a urological valve for location in the bladder of a patient and a valve support stem for location in the urethra of a patient. The valve has a normally closed configuration to prevent flow from the bladder and an open configuration for fluid flow through the valve. The valve is automatically movable from the closed configuration to the open configuration in response to a pre-set hydrodynamic pressure applied for a pre-set time. In one case the valve has a plurality of valve leaflets with a region of co-aption between the valve leaflets. In the normally closed configuration the valve leaflets are engaged at the region of co-aption and in the open configuration the leaflets are separated at the co-aption region for fluid flow through the valve.

Abstract: The invention provides, in various embodiments, systems, devices and methods relating to employing thermal treatment of tissue in combination with an implantable sling to treat urinary incontinence.

Abstract: A supplementary urethral support stabilization system and method for supporting the urethra is described.

Abstract: Medical implant delivery devices and systems are disclosed. In general, an exemplary delivery device comprises a shaft and a handle. An exemplary system includes any number of the following: a delivery device, a sling assembly, guide members, and connectors that interconnect the above. Embodiments of all the above components and their combinations are disclosed. Methods of using the above system in trans-obturator approaches are disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical system includes an implant for supporting pelvic anatomy. The implant includes a first suspending member, a second suspending member, and a support portion. The first and second suspending members are formed as flexible strips that extend from proximal to distal ends, the distal ends including first and second anchor portions, respectively, for anchoring to soft tissue in a space defined by a pelvis. The support portion is formed as a flexible strip that extends from a first end to a second end, the support portion having a first opening toward the first end of the support portion, the first opening slidably receiving the proximal end of the first suspending member such that a length of the first suspending member between the first anchor portion and the first end of the support portion is adjustable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for treatment of male incontinence and a method for female cystocele repair in which a sling material is positioned between the descending rami of the pubic bone. In such an operation a “hammock-like” sling material is positioned below the urethra in males, or below the posterior bladder wall in the case of cystocele in females.

Abstract: The invention, in various embodiments, provides systems, devices, and methods for treating urinary incontinence. The invention also provides a driver and methods for advancing needles, cannulas, and other medical devices through the pubic bone. The driver may be used in connection with a driver frame assembly for proper positioning and stabilization of the driver, and with other devices for creating a cavity in the urethral floor and for positioning medical devices therein. The invention also provides simple connections for attaching a suture to a device within the cavity in the urethral floor or in the vagina, an also for attaching sutures to the pubic bone.

Abstract: Described are surgical implants, tools, systems, and related methods, useful for implantation of surgical implants, such as those used to treat pelvic conditions including incontinence.

Abstract: A method for treating urinary incontinence includes making an incision in a region adjacent to the urethra, and positioning a tape under the urethra through the incision such that one portion of the tape extends from under the urethra through one obturator foramen and another portion of the tape extends from under urethra through the other obturator foramen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sling, methods of making and using a sling, and kits comprising a sling for treating urinary incontinence. The sling has multiple elongation properties that serve to improve the support of the urethra. The sling may comprise a coated material adapted for urethral suspension. The coated sling has properties that appear to enhance the sling elongation characteristics. The coated sling further includes properties that reduce its susceptibility to bacterial infections. The sling further includes properties to enhance the proper tensioning of the sling.

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

Abstract: A tubular non-woven soft tissue implant has cell patterns. The cell pattern has a continuous circumferential construction with atraumatic edges and a tubular centre. The implant is suitable for stabilising and/or supporting body tissue for example to treat urinary incontinence and/or pelvic floor prolapse.

Abstract: Devices for treating stress incontinence, having a horizontal proximal portion supported on the pubococcygeus muscle and a distal portion extending downward and away from the proximal portion at an angle approximating the vagina in an erect female as it passes down and between the anterior segments of the pubococcygeus. The distal portion may terminate with a protrusion that is positioned to provide midurethral support, thereby preserving the urethovesical angle.

Abstract: Surgical implants operative to simultaneously function as a pubovaginal sling for the treatment of incontinence and as a support member to effectuate cystocele repair. The implant comprises a first sling portion operative to be positioned beneath the urethra, per conventional pubovaginal sling surgery. The implant further includes a second bladder support portion extending from the sling support portion that is oriented to extend beneath and be surgically attached to a portion of the bladder to thus enable the same to be supported to a degree necessary to effectuate cystocele repair. The implant may be fabricated from a unitary piece of harvested tissue, synthetic material or combinations thereof. Preferably, the sling portion of the implant is fabricated from a synthetic material whereas the bladder support portion of the implant comprises a segment of harvested tissue sewn to the sling portion.

Abstract: The invention describes a surgical introducer comprising a proximal tip portion and a distal tip portion, wherein each tip portion comprises a notch, a base portion comprising an angle, wherein the base portion is between the proximal tip portion and the distal tip portion and wherein the base portion is wider than the remainder of the introducer. The introducer can be used for insertion of arms of a urethral sling into a patient.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for treating female pelvic prolapse comprising a mesh sling for implanting into the pelvis of a female, which provides support to the urethra, the anterior vaginal wall, and the posterior vaginal wall with the sling defining a tissue-anchoring segment attached to opposite ends of the mesh sling. The mesh sling is surgically positioned using a tissue anchor applier instrument. The tissue anchor segment is positioned to attach to durable fascia that is located anatomically to support the sling. The durable fascia anchored vaginal wall support sling is positioned to provide support to the urethra for surgical management of female urinary incontinence, support to the anterior vaginal wall for surgical management of female cystocele, and support to the posterior vaginal wall for surgical management of female rectocele.

Abstract: A system for supporting an anatomical structure of the pelvis includes a surgical implant for providing support to the anatomical structure of the pelvis. The surgical implant includes a first tissue anchor including a plurality of projections adapted for tissue fixation, a second tissue anchor including a plurality of projections adapted for tissue fixation, and a sub-urethral support having first and second ends, the first and second tissue anchors extending from the first and second ends of the sub-urethral support. The system also includes an introducer for delivering the first tissue anchor to a desired anchoring site of the pelvis.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleansing and applying therapy or prophylaxis to wounds, in which irrigant fluid containing a physiologically active material from a reservoir connected to a conformable wound dressing and wound exudate from the dressing are recirculated by a device for moving fluid through a flow path which passes through the dressing and a means for fluid cleansing and back to the dressing. A biodegradable scaffold underlies the dressing on the wound bed to promote tissue growth. The cleansing means (which may be a single-phase, e.g. micro-filtration, system or a two-phase, e.g. dialytic system) removes materials deleterious to wound healing, and the cleansed fluid, still containing materials that are beneficial in promoting wound healing, is returned to the wound bed. The dressing, an assembly comprising the dressing and scaffold, and a method of treatment using the apparatus.

Abstract: An incontinence treatment device includes a band, magnets, and a power source. The band has a length extending between a first end and a second end. A first magnet is connected to a first end portion of the band and a second magnet is connected to a second end portion of the band. The band is implantable around a urethra and configured to constrict a lumen of the urethra when the first magnet is coupled to the second magnet. The power source is electrically coupled to the first and second magnets and configured to electromagnetically couple and decouple the first magnet relative to the second magnet.

Abstract: A method of treating urinary incontinence in a patient includes implanting in the patient a device having a band, two magnets, and a power source; placing the band around a urethra; and implanting the power source outside of a pelvis. The power source is operable to electromagnetically couple the two magnets thus constricting a lumen of the urethra.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implanting pelvic implants (10) In one embodiment, an anterior implant (10) has multiple arms (14, 16, 18, 20) that extend outwardly from a body portion (12) of the implant (10) in opposite directions In one embodiment, a posterior implant (10) has multiple arms (14, 16, 18, 20) that generally extend in the same direction In one embodiment, an anterior introducer (170) includes a needle (178) having a curved section (182) that is sized and configured for implanting an anterior prolapse implant (78) In one embodiment, a posterior introducer (170) includes a needle (178) having a curved section (182) that has a first curved portion (184 and a second curved portion, (186) the two curved portions having radii of curvature that are different from each other.

Abstract: A surgical implant for treating female urinary incontinence. The implant comprises an elongate polymer material suburethral support having a length and a width, first and second elongate and porous polymer material suspending members having a length and a width extending from opposite ends of the suburethral support, and first and second polymer tissue anchors having conical tips and wings on the first and second suspending members. The width of the suspending members is less than the width of the suburethral support. The length of the second suspending member between the suburethral support and the second anchor is adjustable.

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: A method for treating female stress urinary incontinence by implantable tapes. One embodiment are woven and knitted tapes having only macropores, a macropore is constructed by single threads, the threads at the crossing areas are bonded by heating them to the melting point of the surface of the threads. Other embodiment is molded tapes, having only macropores, a macropore is constructed by single threads. The crossing crossing areas of the threads may have a simple crossing configuration, a spherical crossing configuration and a cubical crossing configuration. A molded tape having one or three sections which have different construction. References Cited 1. Uster F C, Chaser J & Tuttle Jr. LLD. Use of Matrix mesh in the repair of incision Hernias. Am Surge 1958; 24:969. 2. Ulmsten U. & Petros P. Intravaginal slingoplasty (IVS) an ambulatory surgical procedure for treatment of female utinary incontinence. Scand J Urol Nephrol 1995; 29 (1):75-82. 3. Birch C.

Abstract: A method for providing support to an anatomical structure of the pelvis includes making a vaginal incision for securing a support portion under a urethra of a patient, passing a narrowed portion of an introducer through an introducer aperture of a first soft tissue anchor, seating the first soft tissue anchor on the introducer, and inserting a second soft tissue anchor through the vaginal incision and pressing the second soft tissue anchor into tissue on a second side of the urethra such that a support portion is suspended from the first and second soft tissue anchors under the urethra without the first and second soft tissue anchors penetrating an abdominal wall of the patient.

Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) is configured to operate as an automatic voiding diary for logging urinary and/or fecal voiding events. The IMD detects urinary and/or fecal voiding events and generates data that identifies detected events as voluntary or involuntary events. In particular, the IMD generates the identification data based on a patient defined action. In one embodiment, the patient defined action is the patient tapping on the skin located above the IMD. The IMD may generate the identification data based on one or more characteristics of the tapping, e.g., the number, frequency, duration, or pattern of taps. The IMD may also generate the identification data based on a lack of input during a specific range of time after a detected voiding event. In some embodiments, the identification data may be used to identify a false positive, i.e., an event that was incorrectly detected by the IMD.