Implants And Procedures For Supporting Anatomical Structures For Treating Conditions Such As Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Abstract

Implants for the treatment of pelvic support conditions and methods of implementing the same. The implants comprise relatively soft, flexible bodies and relatively strong arms extending in predetermined orientations therefrom. Methods and devices for placing the implants minimize trauma to the pelvic floor and provide well-anchored support to pelvic organs without interfering with sexual or other bodily functions.

1 . A system for supporting an anatomical structure comprising:
 a support member; and   a plurality of anchors, each anchor comprising a tissue retention portion, at least one of said anchors having an aperture through which a portion of said support member passes.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the support member is mesh. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the portion of said support member that passes through said aperture is an arm of said support member. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the portion of said support member that passes through said aperture is configured to attach to itself. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1  wherein at least one removable filament extends from the support member. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1  wherein at least one removable filament extends from at least one of said plurality of anchors. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1  wherein at least one of said plurality of anchors extends through said support member. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1  wherein at least one of said plurality of anchors comprises a proximal protrusion for engagement with a delivery system. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising an engagement member configured to resist a tension on said support member that passes through said aperture of said anchor. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9  wherein said engagement member is incorporated into an interior surface of said aperture. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 9  wherein said engagement member comprises a ring through which said portion of said support member passes after said portion of said support member passes through said aperture of said anchor. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 9  wherein said engagement member comprises a cover. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 1  wherein said anchor is plastic. 
     
     
         14 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A method for supporting an anatomical structure comprising:
 (a) making a single entry point in the body of the patient;   (b) securing a plurality of anchors within said body through said single entry point;   (c) tensioning a support member between at least two of said plurality of anchors secured within said body;   (d) locking said support member in position relative to said at least two anchors; and   (e) closing said single entry point.   
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21  wherein the step of tensioning a support member between at least two of said plurality of anchors secured within said body comprises introducing a portion of said support member through an aperture of at least one of said plurality of anchors. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 21  wherein the step of tensioning a support member between at least two of said plurality of anchors secured within said body comprises introducing a removable filament extending from at least one of said plurality of anchors through a guide slot of a delivery tool. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 22  wherein the step of locking said support member in position relative to said at least two anchors comprises attaching said portion of said support member introduced through said aperture to itself. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 22  wherein the step of locking said support member in position relative to said at least two anchors comprises attaching said portion of said support member introduced through said aperture to an anatomical structure within said body. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 21  wherein the step of locking said support member in position relative to said at least two anchors comprises introducing said portion of said support member through an engagement member.