Fold-Resistant Pelvic Implant System and Method
A pelvic non-folding hammock implant is provided. Such an implant can be constructed of a polymer material to provide an implant portion, e.g., support portion, having one or more extending and independent teeth-like features defining a fold control portion in a generally comb-like construct. The individual teeth resist folding by providing independently reacting extensions along the fold control portion.
1 . A hammock implant device for treating a pelvic disorder, comprising:
a support portion including a plurality of extending teeth separated by a spacing gap; and
first and second opposing tissue anchors in operable communication with the support portion.
2 . The implant device of claim 1 , further including opposing extension portions extending between the support portion and respective first and second tissue anchors.
3 . The implant device of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of extending teeth includes two separate rows of extending teeth flanking an intermediate portion.
4 . The implant device of claim 3 , wherein the extending teeth are substantially aligned in the two separate rows.
5 . The implant device of claim 3 , wherein the extending teeth in the two separate rows are in offset alignment.
6 . The implant device of claim 1 , wherein at least the support portion is constructed of a non-porous material.
7 . The implant device of claim 1 , wherein at least the support portion is constructed of a porous mesh material.
8 . The implant device of claim 1 , wherein the footprint profile of the support portion is generally rectangular.
9 . The implant device of claim 1 , wherein the footprint profile of the support portion is generally elliptical.
10 . The implant device of claim 1 , wherein end portions of the plurality of teeth are generally rounded.
11 . The implant device of claim 1 , wherein end portions of the plurality of teeth are generally angled.
12 . The implant device of claim 1 , wherein the support portion is adapted for positioning to treat fecal incontinence.
13 . The implant device of claim 1 , wherein the support portion is adapted for positioning to treat urinary incontinence.
11 . An implant device for treating a pelvic disorder, comprising:
a tissue support portion including;
a fold control portion having a first plurality of extending finger members and a second plurality of extending finger members; and
an intermediate portion, wherein the first plurality of extending finger members extend in a first direction from the intermediate portion and the second plurality of extending finger members extend from the intermediate portion in a direction generally opposite the first direction.
12 . The implant device of claim 11 , wherein the first and second extending finger members are substantially in opposing alignment.
13 . The implant device of claim 11 , wherein the first and second extending finger members are generally offset.
14 . The implant device of claim 11 , wherein the support portion is constructed of a non-porous material.
15 . The implant device of claim 11 , wherein the support portion is constructed of a porous mesh material.
16 . The implant device of claim 11 , wherein the fold control portion defines a generally rectangular perimeter profile.
17 . The implant device of claim 11 , wherein the fold control portion defines a generally elliptical perimeter profile.
18 . The implant device of claim 11 , wherein end portions of at least the first plurality of extending finger members are generally rounded.
19 . The implant device of claim 11 , wherein end portions of at least the first plurality of extending finger members are generally angled.
20 . The implant device of claim 11 , wherein at least two adjacent extending finger members in the first and second plurality of extending finger members include a gap spacing therebetween.