Methods and Apparatus for Treating Pelvic Floor Prolapse

Abstract

This invention relates to a surgical implant system for repairing pelvic prolapse in a patient. In particular, the present invention relates to an implant, a delivery device and a method for implanting and securing the implant to tissue structures in the pelvic region of the body.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY[0001]This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 013,619, filed Dec. 13, 2007, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 030,439, filed Feb. 21, 2008 the entire contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates to a surgical implant system for repairing pelvic floor prolapse in a patient. In particular, the present invention relates to an implant, a delivery device and a method for implanting and securing the implant to tissue structures in the pelvic region of the body.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Pelvic floor disorders are a type of abnormality that affects the pelvic region and is a painful and dangerous condition whereby delicate anatomical structures can shift and even protrude into other pelvic structures such as the bladder, rectum and vagina. Typical pelvic floor disorders include vaginal vault; whereby the vagina prolapses on itself usual...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]The present invention generally describes systems and methods to treat pelvic floor disorders, particularly pelvic prolapse conditions and / or urinary incontinence using single incision techniques through the vaginal wall. In this type of procedure, access to the pelvic floor cavity is made through the anterior or posterior vaginal wall so that supporting structures such as slings or mesh implants may be introduced and secured to support the urethra, bladdemeck, vagina, bladder and pelvic floor. Access through the vagina may be used to insert, position, tension and fixate an implant to the pelvic floor without requiring dangerous blind procedures described previously. Devices and methods that utilize single incision surgery may be safer, quicker and less traumatic for the patient.

Problems solved by technology

Pelvic floor disorders are a type of abnormality that affects the pelvic region and is a painful and dangerous condition whereby delicate anatomical structures can shift and even protrude into other pelvic structures such as the bladder, rectum and vagina.

This displacement from a normal position of these organs is caused by damage or stretching of complex supporting structures such as ligaments or muscles.

In some procedures these mesh implants are secured directly to the pelvic region using staples or suture and these can pull out over time and are often the cause of considerable pain and discomfort for the patient.

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