Minimally invasive implant and method

摘要

Apparatus and methods are provided for treating urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, and other pelvic defects or dysfunctions, in both males and females, using one or more lateral implants to reinforce the supportive tissue of the urethra. The implants are configured to engage and pull (e.g., pull up) pelvic tissue to cause the lateral sub-urethral tissue, such as the endopelvic fascia, to tighten and provide slack reduction for improved support. As such, certain embodiments of 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.

主权项

1. A pelvic implant system to tension the lateral urethral support tissue of a patient, comprising:
at least one implant device having:
a leading end portion, a trailing end portion, and an extension portion extending between the leading end and trailing end portions;a first anchor portion comprising a tissue penetrating tip, the first anchor portion being provided at the leading end portion of the at least one implant device and adapted to penetrate at least a portion of lateral urethral support tissue of the patient on a side of the patient;a second anchor portion provided at the trailing end portion of the at least one implant device, the second anchor portion comprising a tissue-supporting bulk surface adapted to contact and support lateral urethral support tissue on the same side of the patient,wherein the extension portion is of a length that allows the first anchor portion to be placed at tissue on the side of the patient while the second anchor portion supports lateral urethral support tissue on the side of the patient such that the lateral urethral support tissue can be supported to generally place the tissue in a correct anatomical position and the at least one implant device does not directly contact or extend below the urethra of the patient; and
an introducer device adapted to engage the first anchor portion to insert and deploy the at least one implant device within the patient.