Adjustable Tissue Support Member
An adjustable single-incision sling system, includes a tissue support portion, a first tissue anchor, and a second tissue anchor. The first tissue anchor connects to the tissue support portion via a first arm, which spaces the first tissue anchor from the tissue support portion a fixed first distance. The second tissue anchor connects to the tissue support portion via a second arm, which has a free end passing through the second tissue anchor spacing the second tissue anchor from the tissue support portion a variable second distance, such that movement of the free end with respect to the second tissue anchor decreases the second distance.
1 . An adjustable single-incision sling system, comprising:
a tissue support portion;
a first tissue anchor connected to the tissue support portion via a first arm, the first arm spacing the first tissue anchor from the tissue support portion a fixed first distance; and
a second tissue anchor connected to the tissue support portion via a second arm, the second arm having a free end passing through the second tissue anchor spacing the second tissue anchor from the tissue support portion a variable second distance, wherein movement of the free end with respect to the second tissue anchor decreases the second distance.
2 . The tissue support system according to claim 1 , wherein the second arm is formed by a tubular knit construction of a mesh material.
3 . The tissue support system according to claim 1 , wherein the second tissue anchor includes a head with a tissue penetrating tip and a base.
4 . The tissue support system according to claim 3 , wherein the base includes an aperture through which the second arm is positioned.
5 . The tissue support system according to claim 4 , wherein the aperture is normal to a longitudinal axis of the second tissue anchor.
6 . The tissue support system according to claim 4 , wherein the aperture resists unconstrained movement of the second arm therethrough.
7 . The tissue support system according to claim 1 , further comprising a locking member disposed in a lumen of the second arm between the second tissue anchor and a second end of the second arm, wherein the locking member is shaped to permit movement toward the second tissue anchor, but to resist movement away from the second tissue anchor.
8 . The tissue support system according to claim 7 , further comprising a stylet for introduction into the lumen of the second arm, and for urging the locking member in the direction of the second tissue anchor.
9 . The tissue support system according to claim 1 , further comprising an introducer needle capable of releasably securing the first and second tissue anchors.
10 . The tissue support system according to claim 9 , wherein the introducer needle comprises a shaft and a handle.
11 . The tissue support system according to claim 10 , wherein the shaft has a curved portion.
12 . The tissue support system according to claim 11 , wherein the shaft has a substantially helical shape.
13 . The tissue support system according to claim 10 , wherein the handle comprises a manually operable mechanism for releasing the anchor from the distal end of the shaft.
14 . The tissue support system according to claim 1 , wherein the tissue support portion comprises orientating indicia.
15 . The tissue support system according to claim 14 , wherein the orientating indicia comprises a colored feature in the center of the tissue support portion.
16 . The tissue support system according to claim 1 , wherein the first and second tissue anchors are shaped to penetrate tissue when urged in a first direction, and resist movement in a second direction opposite of the first direction.
17 . The tissue support system according to claim 1 , wherein the tissue support portion, the first arm, and the second arm are formed from mesh.
18 . The tissue support system according to claim 17 , wherein the tissue support portion is formed from a single layer of mesh.
19 . The tissue support system according to claim 17 , wherein the tissue support portion, the first arm, and the second arm are constructed from a unitary tubular member.
20 . A method for supporting body tissue, comprising:
making an incision in a vaginal wall of a patient;
inserting a first tissue anchor into the incision in the direction of an obturator membrane on a first side of the patient, the first tissue anchor connected to a tissue support portion via a first arm, the first arm spacing the first tissue anchor from the tissue support portion a fixed first distance;
perforating the obturator membrane on the first side of the patient with the first tissue anchor;
inserting a second tissue anchor into the incision in the direction of an obturator membrane on a second side of the patient, the second tissue anchor connected to the tissue support portion via a second arm, the second arm spacing the second tissue anchor from the tissue support portion a variable second distance;
perforating the obturator membrane on the second side of the patient with the second tissue anchor; and
pulling on the second arm to adjust the tension exerted by the tissue support portion on the body tissue.