| 摘要 |
<p>An apparatus is disclosed for guiding a medical instrument to a predetermined target location within the periurethral tissues of a patient. The apparatus directs the instrument along a predetermined path with respect to the patient's urethra (250) and limits penetration of the instrument to a predetermined depth. The disclosed embodiment comprises an apparatus for implanting inflatable prostheses (220) within the periurethral tissues to coapt the urethra (250) and thereby manage incontinence. A method for effecting coaptation of a urethra (250) of a patient is also disclosed. According to this method, a pair of working channels are formed within the periurethral tissues, and an inflatable prosthesis (220) is introduced into each working channel. The prostheses (220) are inflated only after both working channels have been formed, and preferably after both prostheses (220) have been positioned within their respective working channels. The inflated prostheses (220) confront the urethra (250) and effect coaptation of the urethra (250).</p> |
