Minimally invasive implant and method

Abstract

Apparatus and methods are provided for treating urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, and other pelvic defects or dysfunctions, in both males and females, using one or more lateral implants to reinforce the supportive tissue of the urethra. The implants can be configured as a sling device having at least one extension arm and a tissue support portion having an eyelet, wherein a portion of the at least one extension arm is adapted to slide through and adjustably attach with the eyelet.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An elongate implantable incontinence sling system, comprising:
 a first extension arm having a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion, the first extension arm having a first anchor coupled to the first end portion, the first extension arm having a single eyelet, the eyelet being disposed at the second end portion; and   a second extension arm having a second anchor and an extension member, at least a length of the second extension arm being adapted to slide through the eyelet of the first extension arm.   
     
     
         2 . The sling system of  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the first extension arm is constructed of a mesh material. 
     
     
         3 . The sling system of  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the second extension arm is constructed of a mesh material. 
     
     
         4 . The sling system of  claim 1 , wherein the first extension member includes an extension rod. 
     
     
         5 . The sling system of  claim 4 , wherein the extension rod is a polymer extension rod. 
     
     
         6 . The sling system of  claim 1 , wherein the second extension member includes an extension rod. 
     
     
         7 . The sling system of  claim 6 , wherein the extension rod is a polymer extension rod. 
     
     
         8 . The sling system of  claim 1 , further including a grommet adapted to engage the eyelet to facilitate attachment of the second extension arm. 
     
     
         9 . The sling system of  claim 1 , further including one or more alignment indicia provided along a portion of the first extension arm. 
     
     
         10 . The sling system of  claim 9 , wherein the one or more indicia includes three indicia adapted to guide placement of the elongate sling relative to tissue targeted for support. 
     
     
         11 . The sling system of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first anchor and the second anchor is adapted to engage with obturator tissue. 
     
     
         12 . The sling system of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first anchor and the second anchor is adapted to engage with rectus fascia. 
     
     
         13 . The sling system of  claim 1 , wherein the first extension arm is configured to span under and provides support to a urethra of a patient. 
     
     
         14 . An elongate implantable incontinence sling system, comprising:
 a first extension arm having a first anchor and one and only one eyelet; and   a second extension arm having a second anchor and a mesh portion, at least a length of the mesh portion adapted to slide through the eyelet of the first extension arm, such that the first extension arm is configured to span under and provide support to a urethra of a patient.   
     
     
         15 . The sling system of  claim 14 , wherein at least a portion of the first extension arm is constructed of a mesh material. 
     
     
         16 . The sling system of  claim 14 , wherein at least a portion of the second extension arm is constructed of a mesh material. 
     
     
         17 . The sling system of  claim 14 , wherein the second extension member includes an extension rod. 
     
     
         18 . The sling system of  claim 14 , wherein the extension rod is a polymer extension rod. 
     
     
         19 . The sling system of  claim 14 , further including a grommet adapted to engage the eyelet to facilitate attachment of the second extension arm. 
     
     
         20 . The sling system of  claim 14 , further including one or more alignment indicia provided along a portion of the first extension arm.