MINIMALLY INVASIVE TISSUE SUPPORT
Described are methods and apparatus for use in supporting tissue in a patient's body. In some embodiments, the patient's breast is supported. In some embodiments, the methods provide ways of supporting and adjusting tissue, and the apparatus includes components and embodiments for supporting and adjusting the tissue. Some embodiments include a supporting device, having a first portion, a second portion, and a support member positioned between the first portion and second portion. Some embodiments include advancing the first portion of the supporting device into the body to a first location in the body; advancing the second portion of the supporting device into the body to a second location in the body; securing the first portion of the supporting device at the first location; and shifting soft tissue in the body with the support member.
1 . A minimally invasive method, for elevating soft tissue in a body, comprising:
providing a supporting device, comprising a first portion, a second portion, and a support member positioned between the first portion and second portion;
advancing the first portion of the supporting device into the body, through a single incision, to a first location in the body;
advancing the second portion of the supporting device into the body, through the incision, to a second location in the body;
securing the first portion of the supporting device at the first location; and
shifting soft tissue in the body with the support member.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the shifting comprises elevating the soft tissue superiorly.
3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein both of the first and second locations are located superior to the incision.
4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second locations is located superior to the incision.
5 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising drawing the soft tissue toward at least one of the first and second locations.
6 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the soft tissue comprises breast tissue.
7 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the first and second locations are substantially the same location.
8 . The method of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second locations is at a fascia.
9 . The method of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second locations is at a muscle.
10 . The method of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second locations is at a clavicle.
11 . The method of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second locations is at a rib.
12 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the securing comprises suturing the first portion.
13 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the securing comprises positioning an anchoring member at the first location.
14 . The method of claim 13 , wherein the anchoring member comprises at least one of a hook, a dart, a barb, and a clasp.
15 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising securing the second portion of the supporting device at the second location.
16 . The method of claim 15 , wherein the incision is made during a first time period, and the first and second portions are secured during a second time period, and no additional incision is made in the body between the first and second time periods, and no additional incision is made in the body during the second time period.
17 . The method of claim 15 , wherein a distance between the first and second locations is greater than a longest dimension of the support member.
18 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the first and second portions comprise suspension elements.
19 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the incision is no greater than about 1.0 centimeter in length.
20 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the incision is no greater than about 0.5 centimeters in length.