Endoscopic mesh delivery system with integral mesh stabilizer and vaginal probe

Abstract

A mesh delivery system for sacral colpopexy procedures is disclosed. The system uses a mesh stabilizer that is introduced in a compressed configuration through a surgical port into the abdomen, and a vaginal probe (inserted through the vagina) with a magnetic or non-magnetic head that engages with the mesh stabilizer, anchoring it in position. The mesh stabilizer employs a pseudoelastic shape memory alloy, and folds compact to deliver multiple mesh straps or a single Y-shaped surgical mesh in a streamlined configuration into the abdomen for facilitating the sacral colpopexy procedure. After delivery, the stabilizer expands to a functional configuration where it interfaces with the probe head and stabilizes and adjustably feeds the mesh strap(s) for suturing while maintaining stabilization of the mesh on the vaginal apex and while keeping excess mesh from obscuring the surgeons view. After suturing, the stabilizer can be removed back through the surgical port.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A method for magnetically anchoring a first surgical device at a surgical site on an anatomical tissue structure interiorly of a human body, comprising the steps of: manipulating a probe in a vagina of said human body, said probe having a probe tip, and positioning said probe tip against one side an anatomical tissue structure at a surgical site; grasping and surgically inserting said first surgical device through a port into a body cavity; maneuvering said first surgical device against another side of said anatomical tissue structure at said surgical site; anchoring said first surgical device at said surgical site against said anatomical tissue structure by magnetic attraction to the probe tip of said probe; releasing said first surgical device at said surgical site; performing a surgical procedure at said surgical site using said first surgical device; and grasping and removing said first surgical device through said port from said body cavity. 
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising a step of attaching a payload to said first surgical device prior to anchoring said first surgical device at said surgical site. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein said payload is a supply of mesh. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 3 , wherein said payload comprises two discrete strips of mesh. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 4 , wherein said anatomical tissue structure is a vaginal wall. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 5 , wherein said step of performing a surgical procedure further comprises performing a sacral colpoplexy procedure by suturing said mesh to said vaginal wall at said surgical site.