Soft tissue fixation devices

Abstract

Remodeling of body tissue using a bioabsorbable implant that maintains or otherwise mechanically assists a more permanent implant or other treatment take, for example, by the treatment causing fibrosis. For example, the apparatus and methods can be used for hernia, organ prolapse and cosmetic purposes, such as breast and face lifts.

1 . A method of tissue manipulation, comprising:
 (a) inserting in the body an expandable bioabsorbable element in mechanical association with a soft tissue;   (b) treating said soft tissue to cause remodeling thereof, with mechanical assistance of said bioabsorbable element, said remodeling to last after said bioabsorbable element dissipates.   
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein said bioabsorbable elements is configured, at least on most of its surface to not cause a fibrosis adhesion to tissue. 
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 2 , wherein substantially all of said element is configured to not causes a fibrosis reaction. 
     
     
         4 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein at least part of said element is configured for causing a tissue adhesion reaction. 
     
     
         5 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein said mechanical assistance comprises forming a working volume in or near said soft tissue. 
     
     
         6 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein said mechanical assistance comprises supporting said soft tissue. 
     
     
         7 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein said treatment comprises treatment using an implant and wherein said mechanical assistance comprises causing an implant to engage said soft tissue. 
     
     
         8 . A method according to  claim 7 , wherein said element is configured to bioabsorb after a time when said implant is expected to adhere to said soft tissue. 
     
     
         9 . A method according to  claim 7 , wherein said implant is permanent. 
     
     
         10 . A method according to  claim 7 , wherein said mechanical assistance comprises urging said implant against said soft tissue. 
     
     
         11 . A method according to  claim 7 , wherein said mechanical assistance comprises positioning said implant relative to said soft tissue. 
     
     
         12 . A method according to  claim 7 , wherein said mechanical assistance comprises pulling said implant against said soft tissue. 
     
     
         13 . A method according to  claim 7 , wherein said mechanical assistance comprises maintaining a shape of said implant by said bioabsorbable element. 
     
     
         14 . A method according to  claim 7 , wherein said mechanical assistance comprises sandwiching said implant between two bioabsorbable elements. 
     
     
         15 - 49 . (canceled) 
     
     
         50 . A method of tissue remodeling, comprising:
 (a) inserting a device with a plurality of facing tissue engagement elements mounted thereon, between two tissue layers;   (b) causing a first set of said tissue engagement elements to engage a tissue layer;   (c) moving said device while folding said tissue layer; and   (d) causing a second set of said tissue engagement elements to engage said tissue layer in a folded form.   
     
     
         51 . A method according to  claim 50 , comprising leaving said device in said location, to bioabsorb. 
     
     
         52 . A method according to  claim 50 , comprising urging said barbs against said later using an expandable element. 
     
     
         53 . A method of tissue remodeling, comprising:
 (a) inserting an expandable device against a passageway of a body duct, such that said device causes at least a portion of a layer of said duct to extend into said passageway; and   (b) allowing said device to form fibrosis.   
     
     
         54 . A method according to  claim 53 , wherein said device is bioabsorbable. 
     
     
         55 - 94 . (canceled)