Readily implantable sling
An implantable sling or support having implantation attachment mechanisms pre-attached thereto. Exemplary of such attachment mechanisms include sutures, attachment segments and/or fabric-like materials for facilitating the ingrowth of tissue. The sling/supports are manufactured and packaged with the attachment mechanisms already pre-attached so that the implantable sling can be readily affixed into position during surgery.
1 . An implant comprising:
a) an elongate sling having first and second opposed ends;
b) a first suture pre-attached to said first opposed end of said sling;
c) a second suture pre-attached to said second opposed end of said sling; and
d) wherein said sling having said first and second pre-attached sutures thereto are held within a sterile packaging.
2 . The implant of claim 1 wherein said sling portion of said implant is operatively positionable beneath a urethra of a patient.
3 . An implant comprising:
a) an elongate sling having first and second ends;
b) a first attachment mechanism pre-attached to said first opposed end of said sling;
c) a second attachment mechanism pre-attached to said second opposed end of said sling; and
d) wherein said sling having said first and second pre-attached attachment mechanisms are held within a sterile packaging.
4 . The implant of claim 3 wherein said first and second attachment mechanisms are selected from the group consisting of sutures, attachment segments and material for facilitating the ingrowth of tissue.
5 . The implant of claim 4 wherein said attachment segment is fabricated from a synthetic material.
6 . The implant of claim 4 wherein said attachment segment is fabricated from a natural material.
7 . The implant of claim 6 wherein said natural material comprises a tissue.
8 . The implant of claim 6 wherein said natural material comprises a graft.
9 . The implant of claim 3 wherein said first attachment mechanism comprises an attachment segment integrally formed with said first opposed end of said sling.
10 . The implant of claim 9 wherein said second attachment mechanism comprises an attachment segment integrally formed upon said second opposed end of said sling.
11 . The implant of claim 3 wherein said elongate sling is fabricated form a natural material, synthetic material or combinations thereof.
12 . An implant comprising:
a) a support structure operative to support at least two anatomical structures selected from the group consisting of the urethra, the bladder, a portion of the small intestine, and rectum of a patient;
b) at least one attachment mechanism pre-attached to said support; and
c) wherein said support having said at least one pre-attached attachment mechanism are held within a sterile packaging.
13 . The implant of claim 1 wherein said sling of said implant is operative to effectuate cyctocele repair.
14 . The implant of claim 1 wherein said sling of said implant is operative to effectuate enterocele repair.
15 . The implant of claim 1 wherein said sling of said implant is operative to effectuate rectocele repair.
16 . The implant of claim 1 wherein said sling of said implant is operative to effectuate treatment of prolapse.
17 . The implant of claim 1 wherein said sling of said implant is operative to effectuate treatment of urinary incontinence.