Surgical instrument and method for treating organ prolapse conditions

Abstract

A mesh, a surgical kit including a mesh, and a method for using the same to restore a prolapsed organ within a patient's pelvic cavity are provided. The surgical kit includes a mesh for supporting the organ including a support sheet portion to be positioned beneath the organ, and first and second front attachment strips extending from a proximal region of the mesh and first and second rear attachment strips extending form a distal region of the mesh. The kit also includes a first guide needle for penetrating tissue to create a passageway through which the attachment strips can be pulled, and coupling means for coupling the ends of the mesh to the attachment strips.

1 - 16  (Cancelled).  
     
     
         17 . A mesh for supporting a prolapsed bladder comprising: 
 a support sheet portion to be positioned substantially beneath the bladder having a distal end region and a proximal end region, the proximal end region having a first recess therein and the distal end region having a second recess therein so that, when the mesh is positioned within a patients body, the proximal end region is positioned substantially under the bladder with the bladder neck positioned substantially within the first recess, and the distal end region is positioned under a posterior end of the bladder with the second recess positioned above the apex of the vagina and/or proximal of the cervix;    first and second front attachment strips extending from the proximal end region at an angle of between approximately 30 and 60 degrees relative to a midline of the mesh; and    first and second rear attachment strips extending from the distal end region at an angle of between approximately 30 and 60 degrees relative to the midline.    
     
     
         18 . The mesh according to  claim 17 , further comprising, for each of the first and second front and rear attachment strips, a removable sheath substantially covering the attachment strip.  
     
     
         19 . The mesh according to  claim 17 , wherein the first and second front attachment strips extend from the proximal end region at an angle of approximately 60 degrees relative to the midline.  
     
     
         20 . The mesh according to  claim 19 , wherein the first and second rear attachment strips extend from the proximal end region at an angle of approximately 40 degrees relative to the midline.  
     
     
         21 . The mesh according to  claim 17 , further comprising coupling elements coupled to a distal end of each of the first and second front and rear attachment strips, the coupling elements each further having a means for attaching to the distal end of a guide needle to couple it thereto, and each being dimensioned to pass through a passageway through the patient's body created by the guide needle.  
     
     
         22 - 29 . (Cancelled).