Method of suturing prosthetic devices to human tissue
Endomechanical suturing methods using a surgical instrument to deploy fasteners through a prosthesis into human tissue address the challenges of existing suturing techniques, ensuring durable and precise attachment of prostheses for herniated organs, improving surgical precision and patient outcomes.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SURGMATICS INC
- Filing Date
- 2024-07-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-23
Smart Images
Figure 2026524621000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications This application is an international application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty that claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 224,425, filed on July 20, 2023.
[0002] This disclosure relates to the field of surgical methods, and more particularly, to surgical methods of suturing prostheses to human tissues.
Background Art
[0003] Pelvic organ prolapse is a common condition affecting women, whereby organs such as the uterus, bladder, or rectum begin to descend or protrude into the pelvic cavity. Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the muscles and human tissues that support the pelvic organs become weak or damaged. Healthy pelvic organs are supported by the pelvic floor and ligaments from the vagina to the spine.
[0004] Human tissue refers to living or non - living biological material derived from the human body, including cells, organs, or anatomical structures. The prostheses described herein refer to artificial devices or materials designed to be surgically fixed in the body by sutures, fasteners, or staples in order to replace, support, or enhance the function of a particular organ, tissue, or body part. A suture is a thread - like material used by a surgeon to sew or fix tissues together during a surgical procedure for the purpose of attaching a prosthesis, closing a wound, and / or accessing tissue. A fastener can be used by a surgeon to fix tissues together during a surgical procedure for the purpose of closing a wound or accessing tissue. An organ is a distinct anatomical structure composed of specialized human tissues that perform specific functions in the body, such as the heart, lungs, liver, or kidneys.
[0005] When the pelvic floor stretches, weakens, is damaged, or ruptures, the ligaments stretch over time, causing the pelvic organs to slip or droop from their normal positions, resulting in pelvic organ prolapse. Depending on the organ or organ involved, various types of prolapse can occur. These may include uterine prolapse, vaginal prolapse, cystocele, rectocele, and enterocele. In uterine prolapse, the uterus and cervix descend into the vaginal canal and possibly pass through the vaginal opening. Vaginal prolapse occurs when the uppermost part of the vagina descends into the vaginal canal and is common in people who have undergone a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus). Cystocele occurs when the bladder expands into the vagina. Rectocele occurs when the rectum expands into the vagina. Enterocele occurs when the small intestine expands into the vaginal wall.
[0006] Sacrocolpopexy is a commonly used surgical procedure to address pelvic organ prolapse. It involves implanting a mesh material as an artificial device between the sacrum and the vaginal wall to support the prolapsed organs. The mesh material may be initially implanted by passing sutures or needles separately through the mesh material and human tissue (i.e., the vaginal wall), or vice versa. The mesh material may then be fixed using in-situ suturing techniques. In-situ suturing refers to the suturing of tissues while they remain in their natural anatomical positions or locations within the body. During sacrocolpopexy, the surgeon lifts the affected organs into place and fixes them with surgical mesh material. Returning the pelvic organs to their normal positions helps alleviate the side effects of prolapse, such as bloating, pelvic compression, or urinary incontinence (urine leakage).
[0007] Generally, surgeons perform sacrocolpopexy laparoscopically using small incisions and a camera. Some surgeons perform laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy with robot assistance. However, existing surgical methods for suturing prolapsed organs present certain difficulties and limitations, including a limited field of view at the surgical site, handling of tissues, manual dexterity, and variability in patient anatomy. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]
[0008] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 10,492,778 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 9,603,592 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]
[0009] Therefore, there is a need to improve the surgical attachment of prostheses to human tissues to provide durable support for herniated organs using minimally invasive techniques for improved patient outcomes. [Means for solving the problem]
[0010] One aspect of the present disclosure discloses a method for suturing a prosthesis to human tissue. The method includes: accessing a surgical site in a part of a patient's body; identifying human tissue within the surgical site; endomechanically positioning the prosthesis adjacent to the human tissue within the surgical site; aligning a surgical instrument with the prosthesis proximally to the human tissue, wherein the surgical instrument has an elongated member having a distal end, a proximal end, and sides between them; operating the surgical instrument in situ in vivo to propel a deployment member of the surgical instrument outward from the side through the prosthesis into the tissue; and retracting the deployment member back into the original side of the surgical instrument, leaving the prosthesis suspended from the tissue.
[0011] Another aspect of this disclosure discloses a method for endomechanical suturing of a prolapsed organ in a patient's pelvic cavity. The steps of the method include: accessing the patient's pelvic cavity; identifying the prolapsed organ in the pelvic cavity; positioning the prolapsed organ proximal to human tissue; and suturing the prolapsed organ to human tissue via a suturing device to suspend the prolapsed organ in the pelvic cavity.
[0012] Another aspect of this disclosure discloses a method for performing sacrocolpopexy surgery for a herniated organ. The method includes: accessing the patient's pelvic cavity; identifying the herniated organ within the pelvic cavity; preparing a first attachment site on the side of the herniated organ; preparing a second attachment site on the sacrum; inserting a mesh material into the pelvic cavity and extending it from the first attachment site to the second attachment site; suturing the mesh material to the first attachment site on the side of the herniated organ via a suturing device; and suturing the mesh material to the sacrum at the second attachment site via a suturing device to suspend the herniated organ within the pelvic cavity.
[0013] These and other aspects and features of this disclosure will be better understood by reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0014] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view of the pelvic cavity of a human female according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the sequence of suturing an artificial prosthesis to human tissue using surgical instruments, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view showing the sequence of suspending a herniated organ within the pelvic cavity shown in Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the pelvic cavity, showing an embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes an artificial orthosis that suspends a prolapsed organ within the pelvic cavity of Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional top view of the pelvic cavity, which has a herniated organ suspended within the pelvic cavity, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart of a method for suturing an artificial prosthesis to human tissue according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart of a method for endomechanically suturing a mesh material to a prolapsed organ in the pelvic cavity of a patient, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart of a method for performing sacrocolpopexy surgery for a prolapsed organ according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
[0015] The figures illustrate one embodiment of the disclosure presented for purposes of illustration only. Those skilled in the art will readily understand from the following considerations that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein can be used without departing from the principles described herein.
[0016] Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to the illustrated embodiments, a body part 100 of the human body, exemplified as the pelvic cavity 102 of a human female, is shown. The following detailed description describes exemplary aspects related to performing sacrocolpopexy, but it is to be understood that the description is equally applicable to the use of the present disclosure in other surgeries, including but not limited to endomechanical suturing and in vivo in situ suturing of other prostheses to human tissues and organs.
[0017] Referring now to FIG. 1, a cross-section of the pelvic cavity 102 of a human female according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. The pelvic cavity 102 includes the vagina 106, urethra 108, bladder 110, rectum 112, sacrum 114, fallopian tubes 116, uterus 118, and a pelvic floor 104 that supports other muscles, ligaments, and organs (collectively referred to herein as "pelvic organs"), as is generally known in human females.
[0018] The pelvic floor 104 is a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that provide support for pelvic organs in the pelvic cavity 102 for proper positioning and function of the pelvic organs. The pelvic floor 104 provides: (1) maintenance of bladder control by providing support for the bladder 110 and preventing descent and prolapse of the bladder 110; (2) prevention of descent or prolapse of the uterus 118; (3) maintenance of proper function of the rectum 112 and prevention of its descent and prolapse for normal bowel control and normal passage of feces; and (4) providing support in supporting the vagina 106 and assisting in childbirth for contribution to sexual function. The strength and integrity of the pelvic floor 104 are extremely important for maintaining optimal support and function of pelvic organs. In the case of pelvic organ prolapse, one or more of the pelvic organs may descend or protrude due to a weakened or damaged support structure, ligament, tissue, and / or muscle such as the weakened or damaged pelvic floor 104.
[0019] Next, referring to FIG. 2, a perspective view of the sequence of suturing the prosthesis 202 to the human tissue 204 with the surgical tool 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. The surgical tool 200, illustrated as part of a suturing device, can be positioned endomechanically proximal to the human tissue 204, as shown in FIG. 2A. It can be understood that the human tissue 204 may be part of a ligament or an organ of the human body. The prosthesis 202 may be provided as a mesh material and may be positioned between the surgical tool 200 and the human tissue 204.
[0020] The surgical tool 200 may be aligned proximal to the human tissue 204 together with the prosthesis 202. The surgical tool 200 may have an elongated member 208 having a distal end 210, a proximal end 212, and a side surface 214 therebetween. The surgical tool 200 may include a plurality of sutures, fasteners, and / or staples commonly known in the art. For example, the distal end 210 may be aligned with the prosthesis 202 at the side of the vagina 106 along the vaginal wall 107. The surgical tool 200 may include a deployment member 206 that deploys a plurality of surgical fasteners such as surgical sutures, needles, and staples to fix the mesh material to the human tissue 204.
[0021] The surgical instrument 200 may be a suturing device, such as a suture passer, an endoscopic suturing device, a robotic suturing device, or another similar suturing device configured to suture human tissue 204, as is generally known in the art. Two examples are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 10,492,778 and No. 9,603,592, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
[0022] As shown in Figure 2B, the surgical instrument 200 may be operated for in-vivo suturing to deploy multiple surgical fasteners 216 to secure the prosthesis 202 to human tissue 204, by pushing the deployment member 206 of the surgical instrument 200 outward from the side 214 through the prosthesis 202 to one of the human tissues 204 of the pelvic organs. The surgical instrument 200 may be further configured to retract the deployment member 206 back to the side 214 of the surgical instrument 200 while continuing to deploy the multiple surgical fasteners 216 to secure the prosthesis 202 to human tissue 204. As shown in Figure 2C, the surgical instrument 200 is removed after the multiple surgical fasteners 216 have been deployed by the surgical instrument 200 and the prosthesis 202 is securely fastened to human tissue 204. Multiple surgical fasteners 216 remain in human tissue 204, such as the vaginal wall 107, after the multiple deployment members 206 have been retracted and the surgical instruments 200 have been removed. For example, multiple sutures may remain, which will secure the human tissue 204 to the prosthesis 202 or to other tissue, ligaments, or organs in the pelvic cavity 102.
[0023] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the sequence of suspending a prolapsed organ within the pelvic cavity 102 in Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3A, the closure device 300 is inserted into the vagina 106 for the purpose of: (1) incising an open space for the vagina 106 between both the bladder 110 and the rectum 112 to provide access to surgical instruments 200 for suturing the vagina 106; and (2) repositioning the vagina 106 to facilitate matching the lateral angles of the mesh material 308 and the vaginal wall 107 for proper and secure suturing of the mesh material 308 to the vaginal wall 107. The closure device 300 is a uterine manipulator commonly known in the art. The closure device 300 may also be used in laparoscopic vaginal prolapse repair procedures, where an intact cervix is removed and used for the laparoscopic vaginal prolapse repair procedure, as is commonly known in the art to support sacrocolpopexy surgery.
[0024] As shown in Figure 3B, the closure device 300 lifts the vagina 106, facilitating the incision of the vesicovaginal pouch 302 between the vagina 106 and the bladder 110, and the rectovaginal pouch 303 between the rectum 112 and the vagina 106. In the vesicovaginal pouch 302, the surgical instrument 200 is brought into the vagina 106 at the first attachment site 304 to fix the anterior tip 310 of the mesh material 308 to the vaginal wall 107 of the vagina 106. The vesicovaginal pouch 302 facilitates aligning the anterior tip 310 of the mesh material 308 with the lateral angle of the vaginal wall 107 for proper suturing and secure fixation of the mesh material 308 to the vaginal wall 107 using multiple surgical fasteners 216. In the rectovaginal pouch 303, the surgical instrument 200 is brought into the vaginal wall 107 to fix the posterior tip 312 of the mesh material 308 to the vaginal wall 107. The rectovaginal fossa 303 facilitates the alignment of the posterior tip 312 of the mesh material 308 with the lateral angle of the vaginal wall 107, enabling proper suturing and secure fixation of the mesh material 308 to the vaginal wall 107 using multiple surgical fasteners 216.
[0025] A surgical instrument 200, exemplified as a suturing device, may be endomechanically positioned proximal to the vagina 106, which may be identified as a prolapsed organ requiring suspension within the pelvic cavity 102. The surgical instrument 200 may include surgical sutures, fasteners, and / or staples for deployment, as is generally known in the art. For example, the distal end 210 may be aligned with the prosthesis 202 at the lateral side of the vagina 106 along the vaginal wall 107. The surgical instrument 200 may be configured to perform lateral suturing of the prosthesis 202 to human tissue 204 or a pelvic organ.
[0026] The surgical instrument 200 may act toward in-vivo suturing by propelling the deployment member 206 of the surgical instrument 200 outward from the side 214 through the prosthesis 202 toward one of the pelvic organs at the first attachment site 304 and / or the second attachment site 306. The surgical instrument 200 may be further configured to retract the deployment member 206 back into the side 214 of the surgical instrument 200, leaving the prosthesis 202, fastened by multiple surgical fasteners 216, suspended from the human tissue 204 and / or pelvic organs. The multiple surgical fasteners 216, such as sutures, remain in the human tissue 204 and / or pelvic organs, such as the vaginal wall 107, after the multiple deployment members 206 have been retracted. The prosthesis 202 may be further secured at the second attachment site 306 near the sacrum 114 to support lifting the prolapsed vagina 106 so that it is suspended within the pelvic cavity 102.
[0027] The prosthesis 202 may be a mesh material 308 used in surgical procedures for herniated organs, and may be made of synthetic materials such as polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyester, and polyethylene. The mesh material 308 may be positioned between the surgical instrument 200 and the human tissue 204 of the herniated organ. The prosthesis 202 may enable long-term support and reinforcement of weakened or damaged tissue and reduce the risk of complications such as infection or rejection. The mesh material 308 may be sutured endomechanically to the vaginal wall 107 at the side of the vagina 106 using in-vivo suturing techniques. The mesh material 308 may be further sutured endomechanically to the vaginal wall 107 at the side of the vagina 106 using in-vivo suturing techniques at the first attachment site 304.
[0028] The mesh material 308 may be further sutured using in-vivo situs suturing techniques, either endomechanically or by traditional surgical suturing methods, to extend the prosthesis 202 to the sacrum 114 at the second attachment site 306, so as to lift the vagina 106 in the pelvic cavity 102. The surgeon may first fix the prosthesis 202 to the pelvic organs and then subsequently suture the opposite end of the prosthesis 202 to the sacrum 114.
[0029] Next, referring to Figure 4, an example is shown of a cross-sectional view of the pelvic cavity 102 of Figure 1, which includes an artificial orthosis 202 for suspending a prolapsed organ within the pelvic cavity 102 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The artificial orthosis 202 is provided as a mesh material 308 that extends from a first attachment site 304 of the vagina 106 to a second attachment site 306 along the sacrum 114 in order to suspend the vagina 106 within the pelvic cavity 102.
[0030] Referring next to Figure 5, this is a cross-sectional top view of the pelvic cavity of Figure 1 in which a prolapsed organ is suspended within the pelvic cavity 102, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The prolapsed vagina 106 may be lifted using a closure device 300 to reach the sacrospinous ligament 500, and the vagina 106 may be fixed to ligament attachment sites 502 on the sacrospinous ligament 500, which are bilateral structures of the pelvic cavity 102. Fixation of the vagina 106 to human tissue 204 such as the sacrospinous ligament 500 does not require an orthosis 202 because the sacrospinous ligament 500 suspends the vagina 106 from its prolapsed state within the pelvic cavity 102. The vagina 106 may be fixed or secured to suspend to the sacrospinous ligament 500 by one or more surgical fasteners 216 deployed by multiple deployment members 206 of a surgical instrument 200. [Industrial applicability]
[0031] Currently, this disclosure may find applicability in many industries, including but not limited to the medical industry. In particular, the methods of this disclosure may be used to perform gynecological surgery, and more specifically, to perform sacrocolpopexy. While the above detailed description is given with particular reference to sacrocolpopexy, it will be understood that the teachings may also apply to other non-invasive or minimally invasive surgeries requiring prostheses, including but not limited to sacrocolpopexy, rectopexy, and other fixation procedures that suspend organs in a non-prolapsed state.
[0032] Referring next to Figure 6, an example of a method 600 for suturing a prosthesis 202 to human tissue 204 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. Step 602 involves accessing the surgical site of a patient's body portion 100. The surgical site may be accessed through a laparoscope, endomechanically, or through an open abdominal technique. Step 604 involves identifying the human tissue 204 within the surgical site for suturing the prosthesis 202. The suturing may be performed using in-vivo suturing techniques. The suturing may be performed on the side of the human tissue 204 or on one side of a pelvic organ.
[0033] In step 606, the prosthesis 202 is endomechanically positioned adjacent to the human tissue 204 or herniated organ within the surgical site. In step 608, the surgical instrument 200 is positioned proximal to the human tissue 204 together with the prosthesis 202 between the surgical instrument 200 and the human tissue 204. In step 610, the surgical instrument 200 is operated in situ in vivo to propel multiple deployment members 206 of the surgical instrument 200 into the human tissue 204 through the prosthesis 202, more specifically outward from the side 214.
[0034] In endomechanical suturing, the sutures are typically pre-loaded into a suturing device, eliminating the need for the surgeon to handle individual needles. The suturing device may consist of a needle holder, a suture passer, or other devices specifically designed for intraoperative suturing. In-vivo suturing techniques may be performed by endomechanical suturing with a suturing device. Multiple deployment members 206 may be deployed when the surgical instrument 200 is activated, providing numerous sutures, fasteners, and / or needles into human tissue 204 through the prosthesis 202.
[0035] In step 612, the multiple deployment members 206 are retracted into the side 214 of the surgical instrument 200, and the prosthesis 202 remains fixed to the human tissue 204 by the deployment fasteners. When the deployment members are retracted into the surgical instrument 200, they deploy surgical fasteners to fixate the prosthesis 202 to one of the pelvic organs. The deployment members 206 may deploy multiple surgical fasteners 216, multiple surgical sutures, multiple surgical screws, etc. In step 614, the surgical site is closed after the completion of the surgery. In some embodiments or surgeries, if the diameter of the surgical instrument 200 is sufficiently small, i.e., if it has a cross-sectional diameter of 8 mm or less, the surgical site does not necessarily have to be closed.
[0036] Referring next to Figure 7, an example of a method 700 for endomechanical suturing of a mesh material 308 to a herniated organ in the pelvic cavity 102, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Step 702 involves accessing the pelvic cavity 102 of a body portion 100. The pelvic cavity 102 may be accessed through laparoscopy or open surgery. Step 704 involves identifying the herniated organ in the pelvic cavity 102 for endomechanical suturing of the mesh material 308.
[0037] In step 706, the prolapsed organ is positioned proximal to human tissue 204, such as the sacrospinous ligament 500, using a closure device 300 as a uterine manipulator, as is generally known in the art relating to laparoscopic vaginal prolapse repair procedures. In step 708, the prolapsed organ is sutured to the human tissue 204 in the pelvic cavity 102 via a suturing device at the ligament attachment site 502, so that the prolapsed organ is suspended in the pelvic cavity 102, which is directly supported by the human tissue 204, such as the sacrospinous ligament 500. In step 710, access to the pelvic cavity 102 is closed by the surgeon after suturing and completion of the surgery.
[0038] In another embodiment, the prosthesis 202 may be provided as a mesh material 308 and inserted into the pelvic cavity 102 between the herniated organ and the sacrospinous ligament 500. Thus, in step 708, the prosthesis 202 may extend from a first attachment site 304 on the herniated organ to a second attachment site 306 on the human tissue 204 in order to suspend the herniated organ within the pelvic cavity 102. The first attachment site 304 may be prepared along the vaginal wall 107 on the side of the herniated organ, such as the vagina 106, and the second attachment site 306 may be prepared on the human tissue 204 in the pelvic cavity 102, such as on the sacrum 114.
[0039] The mesh material 308 may be sutured to the herniated organ at the first attachment site 304 via a suturing device. The mesh material 308 is sutured to the sacrum 114 inside the pelvic cavity 102 to suspend the herniated organ within the pelvic cavity 102. The mesh material 308 may be sutured endomechanically at the lateral side of the herniated organ. In step 708, a plurality of surgical sutures, surgical fasteners, and / or surgical needles provided within the suturing device may be deployed when the suturing device is activated, thereby providing one or more sutures, fasteners, and / or needles into the herniated organ through the prosthesis 202.
[0040] Next, referring to Figure 8, an example of a method 800 for performing sacrocolpopexy surgery for a prolapsed organ according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. Step 802 involves accessing the pelvic cavity 102 of a body portion 100 through laparoscopic or open surgical techniques. Step 804 involves locating the prolapsed organ within the pelvic cavity 102.
[0041] In step 806, the prosthesis 202, provided as mesh material 308, is inserted into the pelvic cavity 102, extending from a first attachment site 304 to a second attachment site 306 in the pelvic cavity 102, to suspend the prolapsed organ within the pelvic cavity 102. The first attachment site 304 may be prepared on the side of the prolapsed organ, such as the vagina 106 along the vaginal wall 107. The second attachment site 306 may be prepared on the sacrum 114.
[0042] In step 808, the mesh material 308 is sutured to the herniated organ at a first attachment site 304 via a suturing device. The mesh material 308 may also be sutured endomechanically using in-vivo situ suturing techniques. The first attachment site 304 may be positioned laterally to the herniated organ when preparing for suturing. In step 810, the mesh material 308 is sutured to a second attachment site 306 inside the pelvic cavity 102f via a suturing device to suspend the herniated organ, such as the vagina 106, within the pelvic cavity 102. In steps 808 and 810, a plurality of surgical sutures, surgical fasteners, and / or surgical needles provided on the suturing device may be deployed when the suturing device is activated, thereby providing one or more surgical sutures, surgical fasteners, and / or surgical needles into the herniated organ through the mesh material 308. In step 812, access to the pelvic cavity 102 is closed by the surgeon after the surgery is completed.
[0043] In cases of vaginal prolapse, suspension of the vagina 106 through a lateral end mechanical suture of mesh material 308 to the vaginal wall 107 extending to the sacrum 114 may alleviate symptoms associated with vaginal prolapse, as well as assist in repairing pelvic organ support, improving the function of the pelvic floor 104, and preventing further progression of prolapse. Furthermore, the lateral suturing method allows the surgeon better access and visibility to the prolapse, enabling them to position the prosthesis 202 as needed and to accurately suspend or otherwise attach the prosthesis 202 to the human tissue 204 with minimal obstruction or loss of vision.
[0044] From the foregoing, it can be seen that the technologies disclosed herein have industrial applicability in a variety of settings, including but not limited to the medical industry, for performing surgeries related to the suturing of prosthetic devices to human tissues and organs. [Explanation of symbols]
[0045] 100 body parts 102 Pelvic cavity 104 Pelvic floor 106 Vagina 107 Vaginal wall 108 Urethra 110 Bladder 112 Rectum 114 Sacrum 116 Fallopian tubes 118 Uterus 200 Surgical tools 202 Prosthetic devices 204 Human tissue 206 Deployment Member 208 Long and slender member 210 Distal end 212 Proximal end 214 Side view 216 Zippers 300 Closing device 302 Vesicovaginal fossa 303 Rectovaginal fossa 304 First attachment site 306 Second attachment site 308 Mesh Material 310 Anterior leaflet 312 Posterior tip 500 Sacrospinous ligament 502 Ligament attachment sites
Claims
1. A method for fixing an artificial device to human tissue, The process of accessing the surgical site on a part of the patient's body; A step of identifying human tissue within the surgical site; A step of endomechanically positioning an artificial prosthesis adjacent to the human tissue within the surgical site; A step of aligning a surgical instrument with the human tissue, together with the prosthesis, to the prosthesis, wherein the surgical instrument has an elongated member having a distal end and a proximal end; A step of operating the surgical instrument in situ within a living body such that the deployment member of the surgical instrument is propelled outward from the surgical instrument into the human tissue through the prosthesis; and The process involves retracting the deployment member into the surgical instrument, thereby causing the deployment member to unfold the surgical fastener and securely suspend the prosthesis from the human tissue. Methods that include...
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of accessing the surgical site of the patient includes performing a laparoscopic procedure or an open abdominal procedure.
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the human tissue can be selected from the group consisting of a prolapsed uterus, prolapsed bladder, prolapsed rectum, prolapsed vagina, prolapsed intestine, prolapsed urethra, prolapsed fallopian tube, and prolapsed ovary.
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the surgical site is the pelvic cavity.
5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the surgical instrument may be selected from the group consisting of a suture passer, an endoscopic suturing device, and a robotic suturing device.
6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the surgical fastener is one of a plurality of surgical sutures, a plurality of surgical fasteners, and a plurality of surgical staples.
7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the prosthesis is a mesh material made of a polymer mesh material selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyester, and polyethylene.
8. A method for endomechanical suturing of herniated organs in the pelvic cavity of a patient, The process of accessing the pelvic cavity of the patient; A step of identifying the prolapsed organ within the pelvic cavity; The process of positioning the extruded organ proximal to human tissue; and The process of suturing the prolapsed organ to the human tissue via a suturing device, thereby suspending the prolapsed organ within the pelvic cavity. Methods that include...
9. The process of suturing the prolapsed organ to the human tissue via the aforementioned suturing device, thereby suspending the prolapsed organ within the pelvic cavity, A step of inserting a mesh material into the pelvic cavity and extending it from a first attachment site on the prolapsed organ to a second attachment site within the pelvic cavity; A step of suturing the mesh material onto the prolapsed organ at a first attachment site via the suturing device, wherein the suturing device uses one of a plurality of surgical sutures, a plurality of fasteners, a plurality of screws, and a plurality of staples to secure the mesh material to the first attachment site, and the suturing device may be selected from the group consisting of a suture passer, an endoscopic suturing device, and a robotic suturing device; and The process of suturing the mesh material to the tissue inside the pelvic cavity to suspend the prolapsed organ within the pelvic cavity. The method according to claim 8, including the method described in claim 8.
10. The step of accessing the pelvic cavity of the patient includes performing a laparoscopic procedure or an open abdominal procedure, The process of inserting the suturing device into the pelvic cavity when suturing the mesh material to the first attachment site and the second attachment site. The method according to claim 9, further comprising:
11. The method according to claim 8, wherein the prolapsed organ can be selected from the group consisting of a prolapsed uterus, prolapsed bladder, prolapsed rectum, prolapsed vagina, prolapsed intestine, prolapsed urethra, prolapsed fallopian tube, and prolapsed ovary.
12. The method according to claim 8, wherein the human tissue is the sacrospinous ligament.
13. The method according to claim 10, wherein the mesh material comprises a polymer mesh material selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyester, and polyethylene.
14. A method for performing sacrocolpopexy surgery for prolapsed organs, The process of accessing the patient's pelvic cavity; A step of identifying the prolapsed organ within the pelvic cavity; A step of inserting a mesh material into the pelvic cavity and extending it from a first attachment site on the prolapsed organ to a second attachment site within the pelvic cavity; The process of suturing the mesh material onto the prolapsed organ via a suturing device; and The process involves suturing the mesh material to human tissue at the second attachment site within the pelvic cavity, thereby suspending the prolapsed organ within the pelvic cavity. Methods that include...
15. The step of accessing the pelvic cavity of the patient includes performing a laparoscopic procedure or an open abdominal procedure, The process of inserting the suturing device into the pelvic cavity when suturing the mesh material to the first attachment site and the second attachment site. The method according to claim 14, further comprising:
16. The method according to claim 14, wherein the step of suturing the mesh material to the first attachment site and the second attachment site via the suturing device includes using one of a plurality of surgical sutures, a plurality of fasteners, a plurality of screws, and a plurality of staples.
17. The method according to claim 14, wherein the second attachment site is located on the sacrum or on the wall of human tissue proximal to the sacrum.
18. The prolapsed organ may be selected from the group consisting of a prolapsed uterus, prolapsed bladder, prolapsed rectum, prolapsed vagina, prolapsed intestine, prolapsed urethra, prolapsed fallopian tube, and prolapsed ovary. The mesh material includes a polymer mesh material selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyester, and polyethylene. The method according to claim 14.
19. The method according to claim 14, wherein the suturing device may be selected from the group consisting of a suture passer, an endoscopic suturing device, and a robotic suturing device, and the suturing device is configured to include at least one of the following: an automated suture unwinding feature, an adjustable suture tension feature, and a feedback mechanism for accurate and consistent suturing.
20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the first attachment site is located on the side of the prolapsed organ.