Apparatus for repositioning the vagina, cervix, uterus and pelvic floor and method for securing same

Abstract

This invention relates to the pelvic floor and vagina manipulator probes and related systems and methods. In certain aspects of the invention, a vaginal manipulator probe assembly is comprised of an intravaginal body curved along its long axis and with an adjustable pelvic floor ring. The probe assembly can be configured as an apparatus for insertion into a vagina for repositioning the vagina, cervix, uterus and pelvic floor and method for securing same. In certain aspects, the curved intravaginal probe can be configured to receive a cervix. In certain implementations, the vaginal manipulator probe facilitates surgical visibility, dissection, and graft placement, is a device to elevate, support, and expose the pelvic floor and perineal body during surgical repair, is a device to set the proper vaginal insertion depth, is a device to assist with proper tensioning of the repositioned pelvic floor structures, and is a device to facilitate shortening of the anterior or posterior vaginal wall.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 13 / 852,784 filed May 31, 2013. The foregoing application is incorporated by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth herein.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates generally to the field of surgical devices and more specifically to an apparatus for repositioning the vagina, cervix, uterus and pelvic floor and method for securing same.[0003]Women may have weakened or damaged pelvic floor muscles, connective tissue, ligaments and skin, often related to past pregnancy and childbirth or genetic factors. The weakened or damaged connective tissue, muscles and ligaments fail to provide adequate support to the vagina, cervix, uterus and pelvic floor, which may lead to excessive movement of these structures and a falling away from their normal position in the body in a condition called uterovaginal prolapse or pelvic prolapse, causing symptoms and dysfunction of the...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is an apparatus and method for surgical repair of pelvic prolapse, which includes a vaginal manipulator probe, a device to elevate, support, and expose the pelvic floor and perineal body, a device to set the proper vaginal insertion depth, a device to properly tension the repositioned tissue, a device to shorten the vaginal wall, a device to inhibit the escape of abdominal insufflation gas during laparoscopy, a method to elevate, support, and expose the pelvic floor and perineal body, a method to set the proper vaginal insertion depth, a method to properly tension the repositioned tissue, a method to shorten the anterior or posterior vaginal wall, and a method to substantially inhibit the escape of insufflation gas during laparoscopy. These techniques improve safety and efficiency during surgical repair of pelvic prolapse, prevent damage to organs, and decrease the need for additional procedures.

Problems solved by technology

The weakened or damaged connective tissue, muscles and ligaments fail to provide adequate support to the vagina, cervix, uterus and pelvic floor, which may lead to excessive movement of these structures and a falling away from their normal position in the body in a condition called uterovaginal prolapse or pelvic prolapse, causing symptoms and dysfunction of the related organs.

Another type of prolapse involves the perineal body, a pyramid-shaped structure between the most distal portion of the vagina and anus, which may become weakened and detached from its supporting connective tissue, muscles, ligaments, or skin, resulting in excessive movement of the perineal body and entire pelvic floor.

High rates of recurrence and disabling prolapse, pain or scarring sometimes followed these procedures.

Slow recovery and morbidity often followed as a result of the large abdominal incision for this procedure.

First, the manipulator tip intravaginal portion is straight along its long axis which often does not allow adequate exposure for surgical dissection and placement of sutures for the anterior wall under the bladder, or for the posterior vaginal wall, extending down to the perineal body and pelvic floor, which is the optimal technique.

The optional external curved handle, or other available handles, do not compensate for this deficiency, and therefore this tip compromises the surgical technique, safety and efficiency of the sacrocolpopexy procedure.

Secondly, although the distal tip portion of the vaginal manipulator can have a recess for the cervix to be received, or other annular, bladed-type systems as described, none of these provide for the cervix to be repositioned in an anterior or posterior orientation, and therefore do not allow for cystocele and / or rectocele reduction by shortening of the anterior or posterior vaginal wall by such a maneuver.

Furthermore, the vaginal manipulator device does not limit the insertion depth into the vagina, nor does it facilitate proper tensioning of these tissues, oftentimes subjecting the vaginal walls and tissues to injury or breakage during the performance of the procedure due to this deficiency, which exposes the patient to markedly increased risk for infection, mesh exposure, poor wound healing and the need for future additional surgical procedures.

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