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Transvaginal suture spacer devices and methods of use

a technology of transvaginal suture and spacer, which is applied in the field of urinary incontinence, can solve the problems of excessive pressure on the bladder neck, urinary incontinence is a widespread problem, and affects patients severely both physiologically and psychologically

Inactive Publication Date: 2001-06-21
SCI MED LIFE SYST
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Urinary incontinence is a widespread problem in the United States and throughout the world.
Urinary incontinence affects people of all ages and can severely impact a patient both physiologically and psychologically.
Currently existing procedures may cause excessive pressure to be exerted on the bladder neck as a result of too little slack in the sutures.
When the patient moves from the dorsal lithotomy position to a standing position the excessive pressure exerted on the bladder neck by the sling may result in chronic urinary retention or bladder instability.

Method used

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  • Transvaginal suture spacer devices and methods of use
  • Transvaginal suture spacer devices and methods of use
  • Transvaginal suture spacer devices and methods of use

Examples

Experimental program
Comparison scheme
Effect test

example 1

[0074] The suture spacers of the present invention such as suture spacer 10 may be used in incontinence treatments in which the urethra and / or bladder neck is compressed or stabilized using a sling. In such procedures the sling may be secured to the vaginal wall through sutures attached to structures which are of sufficient structural integrity so as to support the forces exerted in the region. For example, suitable structures include the pubic bone, ligaments or appropriate muscle groups adjacent to the bladder neck or urethra.

[0075] Preoperatively, the patient receives broad spectrum antibiotics, such as gentamicin and ampicillin. The patient is placed in the dorsal lithotomy position and regional or general anesthesia is administered. Preparation of the patient emphasizes isolation of the anus with a stapled towel or plastic drape. A Foley catheter is inserted into the urethra to indicate its location.

[0076] Starting adjacent to the bladder neck on either side of the urethra, a 1...

example 2

[0113] The use of the suture spacer in a transvaginal bladder neck stabilization procedure will now be described. A sling is introduced into a pocket between the urethra and the upper vaginal wall as described in Example 1. As shown in FIG. 8, the suture spacer 60 is placed on suture 45 such that the surface contacting sides 68 and 78 contact the sling 130. As discussed above, first member 62 and second member 72 may be moved relative to one another to facilitate introduction of a suture 45 into the suture receiving site 84. Alternatively, the suture may be introduce past a flexible protuberances 88 and 90.

[0114] Once a suture 45 has been introduced into the suture receiving site 84, the movement of the suture spacer 60 is limited to sliding on the suture itself. Movement of suture spacer 60 may be further limited by looping the ends of the suture about each other over the device. Limiting the movement of the suture spacer 60 in the surgical field eliminates the need of additional a...

example 3

[0132] A sling is inserted between the urethra and the upper vaginal wall as described in Example 1 above. When the suture spacer 100 is used in a surgical procedure, it operates to provide a reproducible amount of suture slack when used to tie a suture knot. In such a procedure, the suture spacer 100 positioned with the surface contacting end 104 in contact with a surface from which one or more sutures emanate. As shown in FIG. 12, suture 45 is introduced through the suture receiving slot 110 and into the suture receiving lumen 108. Next, the sutures 45 are drawn together, forcing the suture spacer 100 against sling 130. The suture spacer is retained in position on the suture after the sutures are drawn together allowing the physician to use both hands to tie a knot in the suture.

[0133] Once a suture 45 has been introduced into the suture receiving lumen 108, the movement of the suture spacer 100 is limited to sliding on the suture itself. Movement of suture spacer 100 may be furth...

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PUM

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Abstract

The present invention relates to suture spacers and methods for their use. More particularly, the present invention relates to devices which permit a surgeon to create a consistent amount of suture slack in a suture line when tying sutures under very tight space constraints including procedures such as bladder neck stabilization and treatment of hypermobility or intrinsic sphincter deficiency. Further, the present invention relates to methods of tying sutures using the disclosed devices in such procedures.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to suture spacers and methods for their use. More particularly, the present invention relates to devices which permit a surgeon to create a consistent amount of suture slack in a suture line when tying sutures under very tight space constraints including procedures such as bladder neck stabilization and treatment of hypermobility or intrinsic sphincter deficiency. Further, the present invention relates to methods of tying sutures using the disclosed devices in such procedures.BACKGROUND INFORMATION[0002] Urinary incontinence is a widespread problem in the United States and throughout the world. Urinary incontinence affects people of all ages and can severely impact a patient both physiologically and psychologically.[0003] In approximately 30% of the women suffering from urinary incontinence, incontinence is caused by intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD), a condition in which the valves of the urethral sphincter do not properly coapt. In approxima...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): A61B17/04
CPCA61B17/0469A61B17/0483
Inventor GELLMAN, BARRY N.SATER, GHALEB A.
Owner SCI MED LIFE SYST