Transperitoneal prolapse repair system and method priority

Abstract

A prolapse repair system and procedure are provided. The system can include one or more anchor devices and one or more extending members, such as a suture. The system can further include a mesh or like support or suspension structure provided intermediate the one or more anchor devices and the one or more extending members. The anchors can be directed to the coccygeous sacrospinous ligament or complex via a transperitoneal approach, wherein the one or more anchor devices are engaged directly into the target ligament or tissue complex and the one or more sutures extend back through the thickness of the vaginal wall to provide vaginal wall support.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 380,373, filed Feb. 25, 2013, entitled “Transperitoneal Prolapse Repair System and Method,” which is a national stage application filed under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Application No. PCT / US2013 / 027686, filed Feb. 25, 2013, which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 602,288, filed Feb. 23, 2012, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to surgical methods and apparatus and, more specifically, to systems and methods of treating pelvic conditions, such as urinary or fecal incontinence and female vaginal prolapse conditions, including enterocele, rectocele or posterior prolapse.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Pelvic health for men and women is a medical area of increasing importance, at least in part due to an aging population. Exa...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a method for repairing damaged anatomical structures, such as the coccygeous sacrospinous ligament or complex, using a transperitoneal approach. This allows for improved suspension with less deviation of the vaginal axis. A vaginal retractor can also be used to keep the small bowel from dropping into the field and provide adequate lighting and displacement of the sigmoid colon. The retractor can be inflated to lift the intestinal contents out of the pelvis.

Problems solved by technology

Posterior prolapse, or rectocele, can occur when the fascia that separates the rectum and the vagina weakens or tears, thereby causing a bulge of the vaginal wall.

Pelvic disorders such as these can result from weakness or damage to normal pelvic support systems.

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