Minimally invasive tissue support

Abstract

Embodiments of apparatus and methods for tissue lifting, or for correcting a ptosis condition caused by tissue stretching, are described. In some embodiments a tissue is supported by a support member. In some embodiments, tension is applied to a support member through at least one suspension member. The described embodiments provide examples of methods and apparatus effective for use in lifting or otherwise applying tension to various tissues, including tissues of the breast, buttock, thigh, arm, abdomen, neck and face.

1 . A device, for use in supporting a tissue in a patient's body, comprising;
 a support member, adapted to engage at least a portion of a tissue, the support member comprising a first end and a second end, the support member further comprising a plurality of support elements; and   first and second suspension members, the first suspension member being coupled to the first end of the support member, the second suspension member being coupled to the second end of the support member;   wherein at least one of the first and second suspension members is configured to be secured to a location in the patient's body;   wherein the plurality of support elements is configured to distribute a load, from the tissue engaged by the support member, imposed on the support member; and   wherein at least one of the first and second suspension members is configured to transmit a force through the support member, the force effective to move the engaged portion of the tissue from a first position to a second position.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first suspension member is coupled to each support element at a first end of each support element, and the second suspension member is coupled to each support element at a second end of each support element. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the second position is superior to the first position. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the second position is at least one of posterior, medial, and lateral, relative to the first position. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the second position is posterior to the first position. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of support elements is elongate and has a length extending along an are, or line, that extends between the first end of the support member and the second end of the support member;
 wherein a first of the plurality of support elements is spaced apart from a second of the plurality of support elements along at least about 10% of a length of the first of the plurality of support elements; and   wherein the length of the plurality of support elements extends from the first end of the support member to the second end of the support member.   
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein a first of the plurality of support elements is spaced apart from a second of the plurality of support elements along at least about 30% of a length of the first of the plurality of support elements; and
 wherein the length of the plurality of support elements extends from the first end of the support member to the second end of the support member.   
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the support elements is fusiform shaped. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one suspension member is configured to be secured to at least one of muscle, fascia, bone, ligament, tendon, and skin. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the portion of the tissue being engaged comprises at least one of breast tissue, buttock tissue, facial tissue, arm tissue, abdominal tissue, and leg tissue. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein each support element comprises at least one of an elongate member and a mesh. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of support elements is coupled to a separator, effective to maintain spacing between adjacent support elements. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the support member comprise an engagement member, effective to limit movement of the support member relative to the engaged portion of the tissue. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein the engagement member comprises at least one of a barb, a hook, and a suture. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the device comprises a biodegradable material. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a coating effective to enhance at least one of biocompatibility and healing. 
     
     
         17 . A device, for use in supporting a tissue in a patient's body, comprising; a support member, adapted to engage at least a portion of a tissue, the support member comprising a first end, a second end, and an inflatable portion therebetween;
 wherein, upon inflation, the inflatable portion is effective to increase an apparent volume of the tissue;   first and second suspension members, the first suspension member being coupled to the first end of the support member, and the second suspension member being coupled to the second end of the support member;   wherein at least one of the first and second suspension members is configured to be secured to a location in the patient's body;   wherein the support member is configured to distribute a load imposed on the support member from the tissue engaged by the support member; and   wherein at least one of the first and second suspension members is configured to transmit a force through the support member, the force effective to move the engaged portion of the tissue from a first position to a second position.   
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein the second position is superior to the first position. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein the second position is at least one of posterior, medial, and lateral, relative to the first position. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein the tissue being supported comprises at least one of breast tissue, buttock tissue, facial tissue, arm tissue, abdominal tissue, and leg tissue.