Surgical instrument and method for the treatment of urinary incontinence

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.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates generally to devices and methods for treating female urinary incontinence, and more particularly to insert and sheath combinations and methods that are especially suitable for placement of suburethral slings. Background technique [0002] More than 11 million women suffer from incontinence, the majority of whom suffer from stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Women with SUI involuntarily lose urine during normal daily activities and movements such as laughing, coughing, sneezing and regular exercise. [0003] SUI can be caused by defective function or weakened tissues or ligaments that connect the vaginal wall to the pelvic muscles and pubic bone. Common causes include repetitive pelvic muscle tension, childbirth, loss of pelvic muscle tone, and estrogen deficiency. Such a defect causes the urethra to function improperly. Unlike other types of incontinence, SUI is not a bladder problem. [0004] Normally, when properly s...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

For devices that rely solely on a friction fit, the device may experience relative movement during surgery if the friction joint is too weak, or otherwise make it difficult for the surgeon to separate the passage of the surgical transmitter for subsequent passage through the body

Complementary interlocking recesses / protrusions require unique surgical passer and tube designs which add to product manufacturing and equipment costs

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