Adjustable Implant

Abstract

An implantable support member having at least one adjusting portion operable for adjusting a length or tension of the support member after placement of support member anchors. The support member is operable to provide mid-urethral support for treating urinary incontinence.

1 . A method for implanting an adjustable implant comprising:
 attaching a first anchor associated with a first portion of the implant to a first patient tissue;   attaching a second anchor through which a portion of the implant is reversibly slideable to a second patient tissue contralateral to the first patient tissue;   adjusting a tension of the implant between the first and second anchors;   locking the implant at said adjusted tension.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of attaching a first anchor associated with a first portion of the implant to a first patient tissue comprises attaching an anchor that is inserted through the implant to a first patient tissue. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of locking the implant at said adjusted tension comprises substantially preventing movement of the implant through the second anchor in one direction. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of locking the implant at said adjusted tension comprises sliding a locking member over a portion of the implant until the locking member contacts the second anchor. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of locking the implant at said adjusted tension comprises pulling an end of a suture attaching the second anchor to a support member of the implant. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the steps of adjusting a tension of the implant between the first and second anchors and locking the implant at said adjusted tension are performed independently.