Abstract: The invention disclosed herein includes an apparatus and a method for treatment of vaginal prolapse conditions. The apparatus is a graft having a central body portion with at least one strap extending from it. The strap has a bullet needle attached to its end portion and is anchorable to anchoring tissue in the body of a patient. The invention makes use of a delivery device adapted to deploy the graft in a patient. The inventive method includes the steps of making an incision in the vaginal wall of a patient, opening the incision to gain access inside the vagina and pelvic floor area, inserting the inventive apparatus through the incision, and attaching the straps of the apparatus to anchoring tissue in the patient.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an elongate body that defines a lumen and a suture coupled to the elongate body and at least partially disposed within the lumen. The suture extends at least partially from a proximal end of the elongate body and forms a loop configured to couple a portion of a pelvic implant to the elongate body. In another embodiment, an apparatus includes an elongate body having a distal end configured to releasably couple the elongate body to a delivery device. A tubular member is movably disposed over at least a portion of the elongate body. A coupler is disposed at a proximal end of the elongate body and is configured to releasably couple an implant to the elongate body. The tubular member can be slidably disposed over at least a portion of the implant when the pelvic implant is coupled to the elongate body.

Abstract: A method of treating urinary incontinence includes making an incision and exposing urethral tissue in a patient and employing a tool to place an implant into the incision. The method also includes coupling a first end of the implant to the tool and directing the tool and the first end of the implant through a first obturator foramen of the patient and following the same approach on a contralateral side of the patient thus suspending the implant between the first obturator foramen and the second obturator foramen of the patient. The method additionally includes elevating a urethra of the patient with a central portion of the implant, and securing the first end of the implant relative to a first descending ramus of the patient and securing the second end of the implant relative to a second descending ramus of the patient.

Abstract: A medical retrieval device of an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an assembly for positioning a medical device includes a sleeve having a lumen configured to accept a medical device, and a tab. The tab includes a distal portion and a proximal portion. The distal portion is configured to receive the sleeve for positioning the sleeve proximate the proximal portion. The proximal portion is configured such that severing the tab along the proximal portion maintains the tab in one piece.

Abstract: A unitary or homogeneous patterned implant is provided. The implant is constructed of patterned cells formed by way of a molding, die casting, laser etching, laser cutting, extruding, and the like. Portions of the implant can be formed into sinusoid or other waveform strut members to control and promote elongation, expansion or contraction along single or multiple axes. As such, controlled and designated stress, tension and compression distribution is promoted across specific or localized areas of the implant.

Abstract: A specimen measurement system simplifies the function of a measurement device and facilitates measurement under an appropriate condition. Use is made of a specimen measurement device suitable for the system. The specimen measurement device includes a measurement unit, a measurement condition decision unit, and a communication unit. The measurement unit measures a specific component contained in the specimen. The measurement condition decision unit decides suitability of measurement conditions necessary for the measurement, and generates measurement condition data including decision result about the suitability of the measurement conditions. The communication unit transmits the measurement condition data through wireless communication.

Abstract: A method of placing an electrode in a peritoneal cavity including the following steps: inserting an endoscope through a patient's mouth into the patient's stomach; passing the endoscope through an opening in the stomach into the peritoneal cavity; and using the endoscope to place the electrode in contact with tissue within the peritoneal cavity other than stomach tissue. Another aspect of the invention provides a method of electrically mapping tissue accessed from a peritoneal cavity including the following steps: inserting an endoscope through a patient's mouth into the patient's stomach; passing the endoscope through an opening in the stomach into the peritoneal cavity; passing an electrode through the endoscope; placing the electrode in contact with tissue within the peritoneal cavity other than stomach tissue; and applying a mapping stimulation signal to the electrode from a mapping stimulator.

Abstract: An inflated implant, such as an attenuation device, previously implanted in a urinary bladder can later be removed according to a number of different methods. Preferably, removal is accomplished transurethrally. In one embodiment, removal is accomplished by reducing the inflated implant from an enlarged profile to a reduced profile so that it may be withdrawn transurethrally by a removal system. The removal system can be configured differently depending upon whether reduction from the enlarged profile to the reduced profile is accomplished by deflation, compression, and/or other ways.

Abstract: A sling for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) may be placed and stabilized using a midurethral sling stabilizer. First, a sling may be placed beneath the urethra in a position to support the urethra, without tension. The midurethral sling stabilizer may then be inserted in a manner where the distal end partially encompasses and stabilizes the sling through a partial aperture and stabilizes the sling in a desired position, without tension. Once the sling is stabilized in the desired position, the sheath may be removed from the sling.

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: The present disclosure provides systems, methods, devices, and kits for delivering an implant to an anatomical site in a patient. In some instances, a delivery device for delivering an implant includes a receiver with a through-lumen and a transfer pin for associating with the implant and the lumen. In some embodiments, a method for delivering an implant to an anatomical site in a patient comprises transferring the implant or a portion thereof from one section of a delivery device to another.

Abstract: An implantable article and method are disclosed for treating pelvic floor disorders such as vaginal vault prolase. A surgical kit useful for performing a surgical procedure such as a sacral colpopexy is also described.

Abstract: Described are methods, implants, insertion tools, and related systems and kits, for placing an implant to treat urinary incontinence; the implants include soft tissue anchors that are capable of engaging needles of the insertion tools, and the implants are designed to place a central support portion at a location to support a urethra with extension portions and soft tissue anchors extending to tissue at regions of an obturator foramen.

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

Abstract: A system for implanting a catheter in a urethra. The system includes a catheter having a valve disposed at a distal portion of the catheter. The valve may be operable in response to an external magnetic field. The system also includes a tool having a tip member extending into an opening at the distal portion of the catheter to couple the tool to the catheter. the system also includes an element extending from the tool. The catheter has an internal path that provides a conduit for the element to be extended through the valve to engage a proximal portion of the catheter. The tool is adapted use the element to stress the catheter and stiffen the catheter along the length of the catheter. Stiffening the catheter facilitates implantation of the catheter in the urethra by enabling pull forces, push forces, and torque forces to be transmitted from the tool through the catheter to the proximal portion of the catheter without undue stress on the urethra.

Abstract: A passive artificial sphincter includes a tension member, an outer sleeve, and a connecter. The tension member has first and second ends. The outer sleeve contains the tension member and is formed of a biocompatible material. The connecter is configured to couple the first and second ends together to form an artificial sphincter ring. The artificial sphincter ring is configured for implantation around the lumen to provide passive constriction of the lumen. In a method, an artificial sphincter comprising a tension member contained within an outer sleeve is positioned around a lumen of a patient. The lumen is constricted responsive to the tension in the tension member. The passage of material through the lumen and past the artificial sphincter ring is resisted responsive to the constriction of the lumen.

Abstract: A connecting device is made available for connecting the distal part of a penis to a penis extension device, wherein the connecting device (1) has an elongate, rigid hollow body (3), which is open at the proximal end and is used for receiving the distal end of the penis and for securing on the penis extension device and, at its distal end, has an opening (31) that is in operational connection to a vacuum pump (4) or can be brought into such an operational connection, and an elastic tubular sleeve (2) which is placed with its proximal area (5) onto the shaft of the penis and which, when the connecting device (1) is in the assembled state, has its distal area (6) enclosing the proximal end of the hollow body (3) and bearing on the outside thereof.

Abstract: A system for supporting the urethra using an introducer needle, the ends of which are flattened and which have openings therethrough, a handle having a latch mechanism which engages the opening in the flattened portion of the first end of the introducer needle, an implant, and a connector joining the end of the implant to the flattened portion of one of the ends of the introducer needle. These components are used to draw the implant into position, either through vaginal or abdominal incisions, to form a U-shaped loop beneath the urethra. The ends of the implant are adjusted to provide proper support for the urethra. The implant can have slits that open under applied tensile force.

Abstract: Method and system for treating a patient using an inflatable device. A removal device may be used to remove the inflatable device from the body. The removal device can have at least one manually-actuatable member and at least two opposing jaws at a distal end. At least one of the at least two jaws can be movable by actuation of the at least one manually-actuatable member. At least one of the at least two jaws can have a puncturing member.

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: Described are methods, devices, and systems related to pelvic implants, including implants that include absorbable and non-absorbable materials.

Abstract: There is provided a method for controlling a flow of fluid and/or other bodily matter in a lumen formed by a tissue wall of a patient's organ. The method comprises gently constricting (i.e., without substantially hampering the blood circulation in the tissue wall) at least one portion of the tissue wall to influence the flow in the lumen, and stimulating the constricted wall portion to cause contraction of the wall portion to further influence the flow in the lumen. The method can be used for restricting or stopping the flow in the lumen, or for actively moving the fluid in the lumen, with a low risk of injuring the organ. Such an organ may be the esophagus, stomach, intestines, urine bladder, urethra, ureter, renal pelvis, aorta, corpus cavernosum, exit veins of erectile tissue, uterine tube, vas deferens or bile duct, or a blood vessel.

Abstract: A method of placing an implant indwelling in a living body is disclosed. The method can include forming an insertion hole in the living body, the insertion hole extending from a living body surface and passing an obturator foramen on one side and an obturator foramen on the other side, the insertion hole having its end portion on the one side opened in the living body surface and its end portion on the other side closed in relation to the living body surface; inserting a medical tube that permits the implant to be inserted into the medical tube, prior to insertion of the implant; inserting the implant into the medical tube inserted in the insertion hole; and pulling the medical tube out of the insertion hole so that the implant is placed indwelling in the living body.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to dynamic and/or adjustable support devices, methods of providing dynamic and/or adjustable support to target tissues, and kits comprising these devices. These devices may have particular utility in providing support to the urethra. The dynamic support devices generally comprise at least one attachment member for attachment to bodily tissue, and at least one expandable member capable of assuming an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration. The adjustable support devices generally comprise at least one attachment member for attachment to bodily tissue, and at least one shape-changing portion that is capable of assuming first and second configurations, each with different shapes. Additionally, the dynamic support devices may comprise features of the adjustable support devices, and vice versa.

Abstract: Technologies are generally provided for a trans-urethral sling delivery device for deploying a sub-urethral sling to support a urethra to treat urinary incontinence. The delivery device may include a conical-shaped cap attached to a distal end of the sling, the cap configured to puncture the urethra to provide access to an area surrounding the urethra. The sling may be wrapped in a reduced profile around a delivery tool having flexible spreading members extending away from each other at an end of the delivery tool. The spreading members may be inserted within the cap, and the device may be inserted through the urethra to deploy the sling. The delivery tool may be gradually removed from urethra, removing the spreading members from the cap, such that the spreading members may expand to spread the sling to a flattened configuration as the spreading members are moved along a length of the sling.

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: An implant and a method of placing an implant indwelling are disclosed. The implant, to be placed indwelling in a living body, is inserted into a medical tube prior to being placed indwelling. The implant can include an implant main body which is flexible, is elongated, and is shorter than a length of the medical tube; a guide portion which, at the time of insertion of the implant main body into the medical tube, is inserted into the medical tube prior to the implant main body and guides the implant main body; and an interlock portion which interlock the implant main body and the guide portion to each other, the interlock being released after the implant main body is inserted into the medical tube.

Abstract: A method of treating incontinence includes implanting the incontinence treatment device having a sling connected between first and second anchors into a patient, and moving an adjustment device through a channel from a first position to a second position that locates the second anchor between the adjustment device and the sling, thus tightening the sling by shortening an effective distance of the device between the first and second anchors.

Abstract: A connector clip for medical sensors, including a first main body having two main tip contacts in electrical contact with electrical wires connectable to an instrument and a second main body mounted on the first main body and movable with respect to the first main body between an open position and a closed position. Two auxiliary tip contacts and an electric/electronic circuit provided with two connecting leads each electrically connected to one of the two auxiliary tip contacts are positioned in first or second main body. When a disposable sensor tab is correctly located and clamped each of two contacts is in contact with one of the main tip contacts and one of the auxiliary tip contacts and the electric circuit is connected in parallel with an electrical circuit defined by the sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus for repairing cystocele including an adjustable support member, a pair of superior support arms continuously knitted with said support member, and a pair of inferior support arms continuously knitted with said support member, wherein the distance between the pair of superior support arms and pair of inferior support arms can be increased or decreased by modifying the shape of the support member.

Abstract: A puncture device, a puncture apparatus, and a method are disclosed, the puncture apparatus including a puncture device for puncturing a biological tissue, a urethral-insertion member, a vaginal insertion member, and a supporting member which supports the urethral-insertion member, vaginal insertion member and a puncture member of the puncture device. The puncture device includes a puncture needle for puncturing a biological tissue, a shaft portion and a connection portion for connecting the puncture needle and the shaft portion to each other, and an implant assembly positioned at a distal end of the puncture needle and having a needle tip portion for puncturing a biological tissue and a biological tissue supporting implant. The puncture needle has a form of a pipe and has a tubular portion. The biological tissue supporting implant is accommodated in the hollow portion.

Abstract: A method for treating fecal incontinence in a body of a mammal having a rectum formed by a rectal wall extending to an anus wherein the rectal wall includes a sphincter muscle surrounding the anus. At least one nonaqueous solution is introduced into the rectal wall in the vicinity of the anus. A nonbiodegradable solid is formed in the rectal wall from the at least one nonaqueous solution.

Abstract: An implantable device arranged to contact the urethral sphincter allows for manipulation of the device from outside the body by the patient.

Abstract: Described are surgical articles, implants, and components suitable for surgical implant procedures including transobturator surgical procedures.

Abstract: Disclosed are mesh materials adapted for use in an implantable sling. The mesh materials include biodegradable and non-degradable components that may be adapted to facilitate scar-tissue ingrowth as the biodegradable components degrade.

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 medical article is used to repair prolapses of various pelvic organs including vaginal vault prolapse. The medical article can include a first flap comprising a dual density mesh formed of a first and second filament, a second flap comprising a single density mesh formed of the first filament, and a third flap comprising a single density mesh formed of the second filament. The first, second, and third flap can share a common intersection that can form an arc. The medical article can be formed by knitting a uniform piece of mesh and the arc can be configured to conform to a surface of a pelvic organ. Methods of manufacturing and methods of using the medical article are also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for treating incontinence includes a handle portion elongate along a handle axis and a needle portion connected to the handle portion. The needle portion has a spacer portion along the handle axis, and has a distal end. The needle portion includes a substantially helical portion that is a variable spiral portion, extending from the straight spacer portion. The variable spiral portion is sized and shaped to extend from an incision substantially adjacent the patient's obturator foramen through the obturator foramen along a path in a region between the superior pubic ramus and the inferior pubic ramus. The needle portion has a structure near the distal end that associates the instrument with an implantable material configured to treat incontinence.

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 urological device comprises a urological valve having a plurality of valve leaflets with a region of co-aption between the valve leaflets. The valve has a normally closed configuration in which the valve leaflets are engaged at the region of co-aption and an open configuration in which the leaflets are separated at the co-aption region for fluid flow through the valve. The valve is automatically movable from the closed configuration to the open configuration in response to applied urological pressure.

Abstract: Surgical instruments, implantable articles and surgical procedures disclosed for treating medical disorders, particularly incontinence. Improved surgical sling procedures are disclosed. Novel surgical instruments and kits for use in sling procedures are also disclosed. The present invention affords options for surgeons with concomitant advantages to the patient and the healthcare provider.

Abstract: Devices and methods for delivering of a sling assembly and removal of the sleeve at least partially enclosing the sling through a single orifice of incision are disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical implant for treating female urinary incontinence includes a suburethral support, first and second soft tissue anchors, and first and second elongated members connecting the first and second soft tissue anchors to first and second ends of the suburethral support. The first soft tissue anchor includes a central portion, a plurality of projections extending from the central portion, and a plurality of deflection-limiting features. The plurality of projections extends from the central portion, each of the projections being inclined away from a longitudinal axis of the first soft tissue anchor and configured to be deflected inwardly toward the longitudinal axis during delivery. The plurality of deflection-limiting features is configured to limit deflection of the plurality of projections outwardly away from the longitudinal axis beyond a desired angle.

Abstract: Using a sling that includes a central portion and at least two arms extending from the central portion, a method of treating anal incontinence may include positioning the central portion posteriorly to the rectum and/or anus of a subject, and extending each arm of the sling to a respective obturator region. Using a sling having the same or similar structure, a method of treating pelvic organ prolapse may include positioning the central portion beneath the ano-rectum of a subject, and extending each arm of the sling to a respective thigh incision near the obturator region.

Abstract: Described are pelvic implants, systems including the implant and a delivery tool, and methods for the treatment of incontinence or prolapse. The implant has an expansion member associated with a support portion and a tensioning member along an extension portion of the implant. Systems and methods for treating incontinence or prolapse that include a composition having non-absorbable fibers of different sizes that can be applied to and set on an implant are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a urethral prosthesis including a first and a second arm that join to form a junction, and a stem that is also joined to the junction. The junction is adapted to exert sufficient pressure on a portion of a patient's urethra to prevent unintentional voiding of the patient's bladder. However, upon exerting a tension force on the stem, the pressure exerted by the junction is reduced such that the patient's bladder may be intentionally voided.

Abstract: Described are pelvic implants and methods of surgically placing pelvic implants, that provide treatment for pelvic floor disorders by support of the levator. A pelvic implant (100, 102) may comprise a tissue support portion (104) to be placed in contact with tissue to be supported, extension portions (106, 110) that extend from the tissue support portion to provide additional support, and tissue fasteners (108, 112) to attach extension portions to supportive tissue.

Abstract: A surgical implant for treating female urinary incontinence comprises a suburethral support and first and second polymer soft tissue anchors. The suburethral support has a first end portion and a second end portion located opposite the first end portion. Each of the first and second soft tissue anchors is connected to a respective one of the first and second opposite end portions of the suburethral support. The first and second anchors are configured to penetrate and retain in soft tissue. A length of the implant between the first and second soft tissue anchors is configured to allow the suburetnral support to be positioned below a urethra of a patient and to allow the anchors to be retained in soft tissue on first and second sides of the urethra without the anchors penetrating the abdominal wall.

Abstract: A puncture device and method are disclosed, the puncture device includes a puncture member having a puncture needle for puncturing a biological tissue, a shaft portion, and a connection portion for connecting the puncture needle and the shaft portion to each other. The puncture needle includes a needle main body for puncturing the biological tissue, and an extension needle provided for movement relative to the needle main body along a longitudinal direction of the needle main body and configured to puncture the biological tissue. The puncture device includes, as extension means for moving the extension needle in a direction toward the distal end of the needle main body with respect to the needle main body to extend the puncture needle, and/or a pusher for pushing the extension needle to move in the direction toward the distal end of the needle main body.