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 surgical assembly including an introducer having a handle portion and a needle portion, and at least a first retaining device extending outwardly therefrom. The assembly also includes first and second sheath elements each having a proximal end, a closed tissue penetrating distal end, a channel extending therein and a side aperture extending into the channel, and an implant having first and second ends coupled to the proximal ends of the sheath elements respectively. Channels of the first and second sheath elements are dimensioned to slidably receive therein through the side aperture the needle portion of the introducer, and for each of the first and second sheath elements when the needle portion of the introducer is so received therein, the peripheral edge of the side aperture is capable of being removably coupled to the retaining device to thereby fixedly secure the sheath element to the introducer.

Abstract: An urogynecologic implant has a curved body that disperses force and reduces the ability of the urethra to expand into the pelvic floor under impulses of abdominal pressure in order to inhibit, reduce or prevent stress urinary incontinence.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatuses for treatment of fecal and urinary incontinence are provided. Methods of placing mesh support strips adjacent the urethra or rectum (as in positions of support for levator ani muscles) through minimal number of incisions, with minimal amount of mesh, are disclosed. Methods combining such mesh support strip placement with injecting proliferative agents for support are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A symmetrical drive system including a drive element associated with and engaging the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct is further provided. In accordance with an alternate embodiment an apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct including an elongated member having a first end and a second end. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member.

Abstract: An intravaginal device has a working portion (e.g., intravaginal urinary incontinence device suppository, tampon) and an anchoring portion comprising at least one member extending beyond at least one end of the working portion to maintain the working portion in place during use.

Abstract: An implantable device for anatomical support includes a sling, a first interconnecting member that is coupled to the sling, and a second interconnecting member that is coupled to the sling. An adjustable anchor is slidably coupled to the first interconnecting member to permit bidirectional movement along the first interconnecting member, and configured to exert a compressive force generating frictional interference between the adjustable anchor and the first interconnecting member, to inhibit the bi-directional movement of the adjustable anchor along the first interconnecting member unless sufficient force is applied to overcome the frictional interference. Also, a fixed anchor is fixedly coupled to the second interconnecting member.

Abstract: An intravaginal device has a working portion (e.g., intravaginal urinary incontinence device suppository, tampon) and an anchoring portion comprising at least one member extending beyond at least one end of the working portion to maintain the working portion in place during use.

Abstract: A method of treating urinary incontinence includes forming a first incision exposing a urethral region a patient and forming first and second suprapubic incisions. The method includes tunneling an introducer from the first suprapubic incision superficially anterior to a pubic symphysis of the patient and out of the first incision, attaching a first portion of an implant to the introducer and retracting the introducer and the first portion of the implant from the first incision to the first suprapubic incision, and repeating these maneuvers on the contralateral side. The method includes forming third and fourth incisions and tunneling a suitable introducer from the third/fourth incisions through separate obturator foramen of the patient to allow retracting portions of the implant from the first incision back through to the third/fourth incision with the introducer.

Abstract: An environmentally sensitive hydrogel material swells or collapses in response to a parameter such as pH level associated with consumption of food by a patient. This swelling or collapsing is harnessed to treat morbid obesity or some other condition of the patient. The swelling or collapsing of the hydrogel may be used to tighten a gastric band or gastric valve when the patient starts eating; then loosen the band or valve when the patient is between meals. The swelling or collapsing of the hydrogel may also be used to increase the size of a space occupying device in the patient's stomach when the patient starts eating; then decrease the size of the space occupying device when the patient is between meals. The swelling or collapsing of the hydrogel may also be used to selectively restrict the absorption of nutrients within a patient's gastrointestinal tract, such as in the duodenum.

Abstract: An implant insertion system includes an implant, such as a surgical mesh, having at least one insertion tip secured to the implant. Each insertion tip has a tapered distal end, a proximal end, a base extending proximally from the tapered distal end, and a central lumen formed in the base having an opening facing the proximal end of the insertion tip. The system includes an insertion device having an outer shaft and a latching assembly provided at a distal end of the outer shaft that is insertable into the opening of the central lumen for selectively locking the insertion tip to the latching assembly. The latching assembly has an outer dimension that is changeable from expanded state for locking the insertion tip to the latching assembly to a non-expanded state for unlocking the insertion tip from the latching assembly.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to surgically implantable supportive slings. More specifically, in various embodiments, the invention is directed to systems, devices and methods relating to surgically implantable supportive sling having an adjustable shape.

Abstract: A magnetic gastric reduction device includes magnetic elements adapted to couple to a stomach and a sensor adapted to detect stomach properties. The device also includes a control device operably coupled to the magnetic elements. The control device is adapted to operably communicate with the sensor and is configured to control the magnetic elements based on a property of the stomach detected by the sensor to cause the magnetic elements to selectively compress or decompress the stomach.

Abstract: An implantable device for anatomical support includes a sling, a first interconnecting member that is coupled to the sling, and a second interconnecting member that is coupled to the sling. An adjustable anchor is slidably coupled to the first interconnecting member to permit bi-directional movement along the first interconnecting member, and configured to exert a compressive force generating frictional interference between the adjustable anchor and the first interconnecting member, to inhibit the bi-directional movement of the adjustable anchor along the first interconnecting member unless sufficient force is applied to overcome the frictional interference. Also, a fixed anchor is fixedly coupled to the second interconnecting member.

Abstract: Described are surgical implants that include a central support portion adapted to be positioned to support pelvic tissue, between mesh end portions adapted to be passed through body tissue, wherein edges of the end portions exhibit extensions that are resistant to deformation.

Abstract: An implantable anatomical support includes a non-rectangular support body with a plurality of arms extending from the support body; an interconnecting member that is coupled to each of the arms; and an adjustable anchor slidably coupled to at least one of the interconnecting members to permit bi-directional movement along the interconnecting member and so configured to exert a compressive force generating frictional interference between the adjustable anchor and the interconnecting member to inhibit the bi-directional movement of the adjustable anchor along the interconnecting member unless sufficient force is applied to overcome the frictional interference.

Abstract: Systems and methods are delineated for treating urinary incontinence (UI). And more generally, systems and methods are delineated for providing medical treatment, wherein such systems and methods include means for attaching a structure to a patient and removing the structure without damage to the structure or the patient. An exemplary system for providing medical treatment comprises a structure for attachment to a patient, the structure having a generally rectangular shape and having extending therefrom a plurality of arms. The exemplary system also may include a plurality of fasteners, each including at least one retractable barb.

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: Improved methods and apparatus to secure a urethral sling to pubic bone in a sub-urethral location to support the urethra and alleviate incontinence are disclosed. The urethral sling is preferably formed of a flexible sheet material extending between opposed first and second sling ends and bounded by opposed first and second sling sides. The urethral sling is selectively tensioned in a central portion intermediate the first and second sling ends and/or in one or both of end portions bracketing the central portion. In one embodiment, pre-positioned plicating lines in the central portion are selectively drawn and tied to slacken the central portion and tension the end portions. In further embodiments, bone anchor lines passed through locations displaced from the sling ends are drawn and fixed to tension the central portion between the displaced locations and slacken the end portions.

Abstract: Systems and methods are delineated for treating urinary incontinence (UI). And more generally, systems and methods are delineated for providing medical treatment, wherein such systems and methods include means for attaching a structure to a patient and removing the structure without damage to the structure or the patient. An exemplary system for providing medical treatment comprises a structure having a first end and a second end for attachment to a patient. A first fastener is coupled to the first end and includes at least one retractable barb for attachment to the patient. The retractable barb may include a member forming an internal aperture through which tissue growth may occur, thereby improving holding strength for the system. A second fastener is coupled to the second end and includes at least one retractable barb for attachment to the patient.

Abstract: A system and associated method for manipulating tissues and anatomical or other structures in medical applications for the purpose of treating incontinence. In one aspect, the system includes a delivery device configured to deploy and implant anchor devices for distracting and/or retracting the urethra or tissues proximate thereto, or to maintain a position of a urethra in response to intra-abdominal pressures.

Abstract: An incontinence treatment device includes a non-porous sub-urethral sling provided with an adjustment device. The device includes first and second anchors coupled to the sling. The second anchor includes a channel formed through the second anchor and a restrictor segment provided in the channel. The adjustment device is movable through the channel formed through the second anchor. The resistor segment is configured to resist movement of the adjustment device through the channel.

Abstract: Surgical procedures, kits and implants for alleviating human incontinence, and particularly providing improved methods and apparatus to secure a urethral sling (30) to pubic bone (24, 26) to support the urethra and alleviate incontinence are disclosed. Bone anchors (64) are driven into pubic bones with elongated bone anchor sutures (84) configured to be passed through openings of a urethral sling. Suture retainers are applied to the sutures to apply retentive force to the urethral sling to maintain the fixation of the urethral sling proximate to the pubic bone.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pressure-to-tension conversion device for treating urinary incontinence. The pressure-to-tension conversion device includes resilient sections which are inserted in and occupy Retzius spaces positioned in left and right sides of the urethra in front of the urinary bladder, respectively, and a support extending below the urethra and across the resilient sections in a “V” shape, wherein if the resilient sections are deformed as the abdominal pressure increases and the Retzius spaces contract, the support is tensioned, thereby supporting the urethra, so that the urinary incontinence can be treated. Consequently, the length of operation time for transplanting the pressure-to-tension conversion device can be shortened, a complication or a side effect can be reduced, and the charges of operation can be reduced. In addition, expensive operation materials can be substituted by the pressure-to-tension conversion apparatus, the costs for operation materials can be saved.

Abstract: An implant for use in a human or animal body can include a flexible housing with an outer wall and having a chamber therein. The implant can have at least one high vapor pressure medium within the chamber. The at one high vapor pressure medium can have a combined vapor pressure equal to or greater than about the average value of the hydrostatic pressure of the implantation site plus the skin tension of the housing minus the gas tension of the dissolved gasses present at the implantation site.

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: A system for providing support to an anatomical structure of the pelvis includes first and second soft tissue anchors, a suburethral support, an introducer, and a filament. The first soft tissue anchor has a proximal end and a distal end and includes a base having a hollow tubular structure, a plurality of barbs, and a tip. The sub-urethral support portion has first and second ends, the first and second soft tissue anchors extending from the first and second ends of the sub-urethral support portion. The introducer has an elongate shaft and a handle, the elongate shaft having a proximal end at the handle and a distal end with an aperture extending through the distal end. The filament extends through the hollow tubular section of the first soft tissue anchor and through the aperture in the distal end of introducer.

Abstract: A device for treating fecal incontinence in a subject is provided. The device includes a plug configured for positioning mostly within an anal canal of the subject.

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 urinary incontinence includes making an incision and exposing tissue of a urethra. The method additionally includes inserting a non-porous sheet into the incision and forming a cuff around the urethra with the non-porous sheet by directing a first end of the non-porous sheet through a slot formed in a second end of the non-porous sheet. The method additionally includes directing an extending member that is attached to the non-porous sheet to a location exterior of a pelvis. The method further includes configuring the cuff to tighten around the urethra when pulling on the first end of the non-porous sheet, and configuring the cuff to be loosely positioned around the urethra when pulling on the extending member.

Abstract: An incontinence treatment device includes a non-porous support and an extending member. The non-porous support has a first end portion provided with a slot and a second end portion. The second end portion is insertable through the slot to form a cuff that is configured for placement around a urethra of a user. The extending member is attached to the support at a junction located between the first end portion and the second end portion. Tension applied to the second end portion is adapted to draw the junction toward the slot to tighten the cuff and thus provide the user with a continent state. Tension applied to the extending member is adapted to draw the juncture away from the slot and expand the cuff and thus allow the user to urinate.

Abstract: Soft tissue anchors can be used in various surgical procedures, including pelvic floor reconstruction procedures. The anchors have one position that allows passage through the body and another position that inhibits passage of the anchors back through the soft tissue when a pull-back force is applied to the anchors by an implant, such as a surgical sling used for support of the urethra.

Abstract: In an embodiment, the present invention discloses a medical assembly, including a sub-urethral implant, a strap, a dilator, and a suture. The implant includes a first end portion and a second end portion such that the strap is configured to be attached to the first end portion of the implant. The strap is attached to the implant through a weld. The strap is further configured to be coupled to the dilator. The suture can be coupled to the dilator.

Abstract: A urinary incontinence treatment apparatus comprises a restriction device implantable in a patient, for engaging the urethra or urine bladder to form a restricted urine passageway in the urethra or urine bladder. The restriction device is operable by an implantable operation device to change the restriction of the urine passageway. A control device is provided for controlling a source of energy, which may or may not be implanted, from outside the patient's body, to release energy for use in connection with the operation of the restriction device, i.e. to power the operation device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of use are disclosed to treat urological disorders. The biocompatible device includes a handle, needle, dilator and sling assembly configured to be minimally invasive and provide sufficient support to the target site. In addition, the configuration of the sling assembly also allows the sling to be adjusted during and/or after implantation. The device and treatment procedure are highly effective and produce little to no side effects or complications. Further, operative risks, pain, infections and post operative stays are reduced, thereby improving patient quality of life.

Abstract: A method of treating incontinence in a patient includes implanting a support by suspending the support from a pair of connectors attached to tissue thereby supporting a urethra of the patient with an implanted support and a pair of implanted connectors. The method additionally includes evaluating the patient for incontinence post-implantation of the support, and reducing the incontinence of the patient by shortening a length of one of the pair of implanted connectors through intact skin from a location extracorporeal of the patient.

Abstract: A method for tissue repair including providing a kit including a mesh placer, mesh stitcher and mesh tacker, placing the mesh at a tissue repair site with the mesh placer, holding the mesh in place with the mesh placer, and fastening the mesh to tissue with at least one of the mesh tacker and mesh stitcher.

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

Abstract: An insertion device includes an elongate member and a stylet. The elongate member has a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and defines a lumen therethrough. The stylet has a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and is slidably coupled to the elongate member. The stylet is configured to move from a first position to a second position with respect to the elongate member. The proximal end portion of the stylet is configured to removably couple a mesh carrier thereto. A portion of the proximal end portion of the stylet is disposed outside of the lumen of the elongate member when the stylet is in its first position and is disposed within the lumen when the stylet is in its second position.

Abstract: Described are implants and tools for use in treating pelvic conditions such as incontinence, including urinary incontinence in a male or female, for example an incontinence sling and delivery system that can include a sling implant and delivery tool system, wherein the implant can include a mesh sling and one or more anchors provided at or extending from a portion of the sling to facilitate tissue fixation; the delivery tool system can include at least a tunneler having a lumen, and an insertion tool; and wherein useful methods can involve inserting the tunneler through an incision and into a pelvic region of a patient, connecting the insertion tool to the sling, and inserting the sling into the tunneler to place the sling to provide tissue support.

Abstract: Systems, method, and devices related to surgically implantable supportive slings are presented herein. More specifically, in various embodiments, the systems, devices and methods relate to a surgically implantable supportive sling adapted to anchor in patient tissue.

Abstract: Where an implanted reservoir (140) for intestinal contents is formed from surgically modified intestine (70) that has been cut along a mutual contact line of laterally adjacent sections of a bent portion of intestine and connected so that the resulting upper and lower halves of the intestine form an intestinal wall of the reservoir, the system for emptying such intestinal reservoir comprises an artificial flow body and adapted to control flow of the intestinal reservoir comprises an artificial flow control device (160) implantable in the patient's body and adapted to control flow of the intestinal contents from said reservoir, the flow control device comprising at least one pump adapted to act on said intestinal wall so as to reduce the reservoir's volume, thereby emptying the reservoir. The system may further comprise an entry valve upstream of the reservoir and an exit valve downstream from the reservoir.

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: The invention generally relates to surgically implantable supportive slings. More specifically, in various embodiments, the invention is directed to systems, devices and methods relating to surgically implantable supportive sling having an adjustable shape.

Abstract: The proposed device includes two segments adapted to enclose a body part in a form-fitting manner. Each segment contains an electroactive-material-based actuator, which is adapted to receive an electrical control signal and in response thereto adjust the actuator's morphology, so as to cause the segment to apply a basic pressure profile to the body part. A pressure transition is adapted to redistribute the basic pressure profiles between the first and second segments. A control signal in respect of the first segment causes the pressure transition system to apply a first adjusted pressure profile to at least part of the second portion of the body part, and vice versa, a control signal in respect of the second segment causes the pressure transition system to apply a second adjusted pressure profile to at least a part of the first portion of the body part.

Abstract: A self-cleaning suction device has a user's suction end that self-sanitizes externally and internally before and after use, as well as self-sanitizes internally during use. A cover opens to reveal the user's suction end within a containment unit. As the cover opens, the suction end travels from a lower chamber, proceeds through a middle chamber of a sanitizing agent, and is presented for use. After suction is complete, the suction end retracts through an upper chamber with, a scraping feature that removes debris from the outer surface of the mouthpiece, and proceeds down through the middle chamber of a sanitizing agent and a scraping feature that removes debris and the sanitizing agent from the outer surface of the user's suction end. Upon the sealing closure of the cover, the upper and middle chambers are flushed with a sanitizing agent, which is suctioned away along with any collected debris.

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: The present invention discloses a medical assembly and method to deliver and place a bodily implant inside a patient's body. The medical assembly includes an insertion tool such that a portion of the insertion tool defines a lumen. The medical assembly further includes a carrier configured to be coupled to the insertion tool and including a passageway. The medical assembly also includes a flexible elongate member configured to pass through the passageway of the carrier and the lumen. The elongate member is also configured to be coupled to the bodily implant such that a portion of the elongate member between the bodily implant and the carrier defines a length.

Abstract: A surgical implant for supporting pelvic anatomy includes a first suspending member, a second suspending member, a first anchor, a second anchor, and a suburethral sling. The first and second suspending members have proximal and distal portions. The first anchor is connected to the distal portion of the first suspending member and the second anchor is connected to the distal portion of the second suspending member. The suburethral sling is configured to support a urethra of a patient and includes a first coupling mechanism configured to receive the proximal portion of the first suspending member and to releasably secure the proximal portion of the first suspending member to the suburethral sling.

Abstract: Various surgical assemblies are provided, one embodiment of which includes a substantially flat template having first and second opposed sides, and having a plurality of graduated markings on said first side, and a substantially flat, flexible, surgical implant removably secured to the template and having first and second substantially flat opposed sides, and at least a first trimable portion. The surgical implant is removably coupled to the template so that the first side of the template is substantially adjacent to the first side of the surgical mesh, and so that the plurality of graduated markings are substantially adjacent to the first trimable portion of the surgical implant.