TUBE MESH FOR ABDOMINAL SACRAL COLPOPEXY
Improved methods and apparatuses for treatment of pelvic organ prolapse are provided. A specialized sacral colpopexy mesh having a mesh cylinder attached to a first end of a main mesh is disclosed, and a method for use thereof in abdominal sacral colpopexy. A novel connector that is used to attach a mesh to the needle, including gripping features that improve the grip and allowing for easier connection and disconnection is disclosed, as well as a novel method and apparatus for connecting a mesh to a needle.
1 . An apparatus for treating pelvic organ prolapse in a patient comprising:
a. a main mesh portion having first and second ends, and
b. a mesh cylinder attached to a first end of said main mesh portion.
2 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said main portion is a mesh implant.
3 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said mesh cylinder is adapted to be placed over the vaginal apex intra-operatively.
4 . A connector adapted to detachably connect a mesh to a needle.
5 . The connector of claim 4 wherein said connector is of an oblong cylindrical shape and has first and second ends.
6 . The connector of claim 4 comprising at least one gripping feature.
7 . The connector of claim 6 , wherein said gripping feature comprises ridges,.
8 . The connector of claim 6 , wherein said gripping feature comprises raised bumps.
9 . A combination comprising the apparatus of claim 1 and a connector adapted to connect the apparatus to a needle.
10 . The combination of claim 9 , wherein said connector comprises a sheath associated with said apparatus.
11 . The combination of claim 10 , wherein said sheath is formed by overmolding.
12 . The combination of claim 10 , wherein said sheath comprises polypropylene.
13 . The combination of claim 9 , wherein said connector is of an oblong cylindrical shape and has first and second ends.