SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INSERTING A PLIABLE IMPLANT THROUGH AN INCISION USING A MULTI-STAGE COMPRESSION SLEEVE

摘要

A system and method for advancing an implant (12) into a surgical incision. The implant (12) is placed into a compression sleeve (14). The compression sleeve (14) has a first open end (16), a second open end (18), a first stage (22) of a first length, and a second stage (24) of a second length. The cross-sectional profile of the first stage (22) is larger than the cross-sectional profile of the second stage (24). The implant (12) is inserted into the first stage (22) of the compression sleeve (14) through the open first end (16). The compression sleeve (14) is compressed to advance the pliable prosthetic implant (12) at least partially into the second stage (22) of the compression sleeve (14). The open second end (18) of the compression sleeve is directed into a surgical incision. The compression sleeve (14) is further compressed to advance the pliable prosthetic implant (12) through the second stage (24), through the open second end (18), and into the surgical incision.