SELF ANCHORING SLING AND INTRODUCER SYSTEM

摘要

A system for supporting the urethra using an introducer needle (3), the ends (4) of which are flattened and which have openings therethrough, a handle (5 ) having a latch mechanism (35) which engages the opening in the flattened portion of the first end of the introducer needle (3), an implant (1), and a connector (7) joining the end of the implant (1) to the flattened portion of one of the ends of the introducer needle (3). These components are used to draw the implant (1) into position, either through vaginal or abdominal incisions, to form a U-shaped loop beneath the urethra. The ends of the implant (1) are adjusted to provide proper support for the urethra. The implant (1) can have slits that open under applied tensile force.