WO2002028315A2 - Sling adjustment and tensioning accessory - Google Patents
Sling adjustment and tensioning accessory Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2002028315A2 WO2002028315A2 PCT/US2001/031360 US0131360W WO0228315A2 WO 2002028315 A2 WO2002028315 A2 WO 2002028315A2 US 0131360 W US0131360 W US 0131360W WO 0228315 A2 WO0228315 A2 WO 0228315A2
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- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- tensioning
- sling
- article
- support material
- anatomical
- Prior art date
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/12—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for ligaturing or otherwise compressing tubular parts of the body, e.g. blood vessels, umbilical cord
- A61B17/122—Clamps or clips, e.g. for the umbilical cord
- A61B17/1227—Spring clips
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/0004—Closure means for urethra or rectum, i.e. anti-incontinence devices or support slings against pelvic prolapse
- A61F2/0031—Closure means for urethra or rectum, i.e. anti-incontinence devices or support slings against pelvic prolapse for constricting the lumen; Support slings for the urethra
- A61F2/0036—Closure means for urethra or rectum, i.e. anti-incontinence devices or support slings against pelvic prolapse for constricting the lumen; Support slings for the urethra implantable
- A61F2/0045—Support slings
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B2017/00743—Type of operation; Specification of treatment sites
- A61B2017/00805—Treatment of female stress urinary incontinence
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for suturing wounds; Holders or packages for needles or suture materials
- A61B2017/0496—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for suturing wounds; Holders or packages for needles or suture materials for tensioning sutures
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B90/00—Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
- A61B90/06—Measuring instruments not otherwise provided for
- A61B2090/061—Measuring instruments not otherwise provided for for measuring dimensions, e.g. length
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B90/00—Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
- A61B90/06—Measuring instruments not otherwise provided for
- A61B2090/064—Measuring instruments not otherwise provided for for measuring force, pressure or mechanical tension
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/0063—Implantable repair or support meshes, e.g. hernia meshes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/0063—Implantable repair or support meshes, e.g. hernia meshes
- A61F2002/0072—Delivery tools therefor
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/30—Joints
- A61F2002/30001—Additional features of subject-matter classified in A61F2/28, A61F2/30 and subgroups thereof
- A61F2002/30316—The prosthesis having different structural features at different locations within the same prosthesis; Connections between prosthetic parts; Special structural features of bone or joint prostheses not otherwise provided for
- A61F2002/30535—Special structural features of bone or joint prostheses not otherwise provided for
- A61F2002/30617—Visible markings for adjusting, locating or measuring
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2250/00—Special features of prostheses classified in groups A61F2/00 - A61F2/26 or A61F2/82 or A61F9/00 or A61F11/00 or subgroups thereof
- A61F2250/0058—Additional features; Implant or prostheses properties not otherwise provided for
- A61F2250/0096—Markers and sensors for detecting a position or changes of a position of an implant, e.g. RF sensors, ultrasound markers
- A61F2250/0097—Visible markings, e.g. indicia
Definitions
- Urinary incontinence or the inability to control urination, is a major and debilitating problem affecting millions of people, especially women.
- the female's natural support system for the urethra is a hammock-like supportive layer composed of endopelvic fascia, the anterior vaginal wall, and a distal attachment to the pubic bone. Weakening and elongation of the pubourethral ligaments and the arcus tendineus fascia pelvis, weakening of the endopelvic fascia and pubourethral prolapse of the anterior vaginal wall are some common characteristics of a patient with urinary incontinence.
- the TVT sling procedure instructs users to place a scissors or hemostat between the urethra and the sling to ensure ample looseness of the sling.
- the type of scissors or hemostat used to tension the sling may differ in size, potentially causing application of different amounts of looseness for the sling.
- one surgeon may use a Mayo scissors while another surgeon may use a hemostat or flat, blunt instrument. It is believed that the use of different instruments with different sizes inherently leads to inconsistency in the amount of slack or looseness provided in a sling. This inconsistency could lead to inconsistent therapeutic results, misleading medical data and other clinical errors.
- the precise portion of the surgical instrument used to set the looseness of the sling may vary along the length instrument.
- some surgeons use the tips of closed Mayo scissors to tension a sling. Mayo scissors are curved and the precise thickness of a scissors along its length varies significantly. See Figure 5 of Rackley et al., Tension-free Vaginal Tape and Percutaneous Vaginal Tape Sling Procedures, Techniques in Urology, Vol. 7, No. 2, pp. 90-100 (2001).
- the actual amount of looseness provided can vary significantly.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,863,315 discloses a method of tensioning a suspended tissue mass.
- the method utilizes a suture tensioner comprising a handle, a main body and an annular recess.
- a Suture Spacer More than a year prior to the filing date of the present application, Vesica Sling Kits were sold (by Boston Scientific, Microvasive, USA) in the United States that included a Suture Spacer. Surgeons were instructed to place the Suture Spacer on the top of the pubic tubercle (which is a location remote from the sling and remote from the urethra, vagina and bladder neck). The surgeon then places a suture about the Suture Spacer and ties a knot. As a knot is tied, the Suture Spacer is pulled downward onto the top of the pubic bone. Six or seven additional throws are tied and the Suture Spacer is withdrawn.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,474,518 discloses a device for correcting urinary incontinence by use of vesical suspension.
- the device includes a box that houses a drum with a toothed wheel that engages a worm gear.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,117,067 discloses a device for the height-adjustable fixing and support of internal organs.
- the device includes a sling, threads, tube, small capsule and chamber.
- a needle is used to introduce or extract liquid.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,068,591 discloses an apparatus for treatment of female stress urinary incontinence with a support harness.
- the patent discloses an adjustable setting and Carter pin.
- the present invention is directed to an article useful in surgical procedures.
- the article assists surgeons in providing consistent, repeatable relationships between implantable materials such as slings, and target tissue such as urethra tissue.
- target tissue such as urethra tissue.
- the present invention can contribute to consistent, repeatable medical results, more reliable medical data and improved medical decisions.
- the article comprises a portion adapted to be grasped, and at least one tensioning member that is sized and shaped to afford predetermined looseness of an anatomical support material, such as a sling, relative to anatomical tissue, such as a urethra.
- a variety of procedures are contemplated, including, for example, pubovaginal sling procedures.
- the present invention is particularly suitable for use in a sling procedure that places a sling in a therapeutically effective position.
- the sling is placed to control the pressure applied to the urethra to obtain or restore normal anatomy and continence.
- the article comprises a plurality of tensioning members.
- the article includes movement means for moving at least one tensioning member between an open position for receiving the anatomical support material and a closed position that associates the article with the anatomical support material.
- the movement means comprises means for affording substantial parallel movement between tensioning members to resist wrinkling of the anatomical support material.
- the article includes means for moving at least one of the tensioning members relative to another tensioning member to change the length of a tortuous path.
- the present invention comprises a device for applying tension to a surgical sling.
- the invention comprises a tensioning device comprises a base member having a plurality of tensioning members extending outwardly from the base member, thereby creating a tortuous pathway for sling material positioned thereon.
- the tensioning device provides additional tensioning support to the urethral body, the bladder neck, or both.
- the tensioning device of the present invention may have a number of different configurations.
- the base member is arcuate.
- the base member is rectangular.
- the base member may include a directional indicator to aid the user in applying the device.
- the base member may include an integral or detachable grasping member.
- the base member may further include at least one sling material locking member having an open position which allows removal of the sling material from the device, and a closed position to the retain sling material within the device.
- the tensioning members of the present invention may comprise a plurality of configurations, including circular members, oval members, or other shaped members capable of retaining material disposed therein.
- the tensioning members may be manufactured from a plurality of materials including, without limitation, silicone elastomer, acetate, acetal polyurethane, acrylic, elastomer, stainless steel, polysulfone, nylon, polycarbonate, polyethermide, acetal, ABS, bioresorbable materials or other biologically-compatible materials for temporary or permanent implantation.
- the device remains implanted and can be adjusted in the subsequent post operative period by removing all or some of the tensioning members or by constructing the tensioning members of a bioresorbable material.
- the tensioning members may be constructed so that they indicate the preload on the sling through a deflection or alignment of the tensioning members.
- the present invention may further include various methods of using the tensioning device for creating and using a tortuous pathway to apply tensioning force to a material disposed therein.
- the present invention comprises a method of providing a uniform distance between the urethra and a sling comprising: providing a sling and tensioning article, associating the tensioning article with the sling, implanting the sling and associated tensioning article in a position substantially adjacent or, alternatively, just touching the urethra, and then removing the tensioning article.
- the step of providing a sling and tensioning article includes the step of providing an insertion sheath surrounding the sling; and the step of associating the tensioning article with the sling includes the step of associating the sling and sheath combination with the tensioning article.
- the present invention comprises a method of reducing the looseness of an implanted sling comprising the steps of: providing a tensioning article, and associating the tensioning article with the sling in vivo to tighten the sling.
- the tensioning member remains implanted and provides an elastic stress relieving component to the sling in the immediate or long term post operative period. This is particularly useful when the sling is made of an elastic material such as a silicone elastomer.
- the present invention comprises a kit for treating incontinence.
- the kit comprises surgical articles for implanting a surgical sling, and a tensioning article.
- FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of tensioning device of the present invention
- FIG. 2a is a perspective view of the tensioning device of Figure 1 engaging sling material positioned thereon;
- FIG. 2b is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the tensioning device of the present invention engaging sling material positioned therein;
- FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of tensioning device of the present invention having an orientation indicator positioned thereon;
- Fig. 4b shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the tensioning device of the present invention having a grasping member disposing a directional indicator thereon positioned on the base member;
- FIG. 5a shows a perspective view of another embodiment of tensioning device of the present invention having a locking member positioned thereon;
- Fig. 5b shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the tensioning device of the present invention having another embodiment of locking member positioned thereon;
- Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the tension device of the present invention wherein at least one tensioning member is oval;
- Figure 7 is another embodiment of tensioning device according to the present invention that includes a securement member
- Figures 8a-8d are views of an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein:
- Figure 8a shows an end view of an alternative embodiment of tensioning device shown in a closed position
- Figure 8b shows a side view of the device of Figure 8a
- Figure 8c is an end view of the device of Figure 8a shown in an open position
- Figure 8d is a side view of the device of Figure 8c;
- FIGS 9a-9d are views of an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein:
- Figure 9a shows an end view of an alternative embodiment of tensioning device shown in a closed position
- Figure 9b shows a side view of the device of Figure 9a
- Figure 9c is an end view of the device of Figure 9a shown in an open position
- Figure 9d is a side view of the device of Figure 9c;
- Figures lOa-lOd are views of an alternative embodiment of the present mvention wherein:
- Figure 10a shows an end view of an alternative embodiment of tensioning device shown in an open position
- Figure 10b shows a side view of the device of Figure 10a
- Figure 10c is an end view of the device of Figure 10a shown in a closed position
- Figure lOd is a side view of the device of Figure 10c;
- Figure 1 la is an end view of another embodiment of tensioning article and sling according to the present invention with tensioning indicia located thereon, which tensioning article is shown in an open position;
- Figure 1 lb illustrates the assembly of Figure 1 la in a closed position
- Figure 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment according to the present invention which embodiment includes an adjustment feature
- Figure 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of tensioning device according to the present invention.
- Figure 14 is an end view of the article of Figure 13 with a sling threaded through the article in a first orientation
- Figure 15 is another end view of the article of Figure 13 with a sling threaded through the article in a second orientation
- Figure 16a is a side view of another embodiment of surgical article according to the present invention.
- Figure 16b is an end view of the article of Figure 16;
- Figure 17a is a side view of another embodiment of tensioning device according to the present invention.
- Figure 17b is a side view of the tensioning device of Figure 17a with a sling inserted therebetween;
- Figure 18a is a side view of another embodiment of tensioning device according to the present invention shown in a closed position
- Figure 18b is a side view of another embodiment of tensioning device according to the present invention shown in an open position;
- Figure 18c is a view of the tensioning device of Figures 18a and 18b with a sling placed therein;
- Figure 19 is a flow chart showing a surgical procedure according to the present invention.
- Figure 20 is a schematic view of a tensioning article, sling and selected portions of the anatomy of a patient, which view illustrates removal of the tensioning article after it sets sling tension;
- Figure 21 is a schematic view of a tensioning article, sling and selected portions of the anatomy of a patient, which view illustrates implantation of the tensioning article to increase the tension of the sling;
- the tension control article is associated with an implantable material (e.g. a sling).
- implantable materials associated with the present invention include synthetic and non-synthetic materials.
- Suitable non-synthetic implantable materials include human fascia lata, treated animal (e.g. bovine or porcine or equine pericardium) tissue, autologous tissue, cadaver tissue, homografts, xenografts, heterografts, allografts and combinations of such materials.
- Suitable synthetic materials include knitted polypropylene slings alone, such slings with surrounding sheaths, or silicone coated polymer slings, such as those described in U.S. Patent Application No.
- the tension control article may be associated with sutures associated with slings.
- sutures typically extend from an implanted bone anchor on the pubic bone, or from the rectus abdominus fascia. These sutures hold the sling in place in the body.
- the present invention may also be used in conjunction with surgical procedures other than those designed to strictly address incontinence.
- the present invention may be used in conjunction with a sacral colpopexy procedure designed to treat vaginal prolapse.
- the tension control article of the present invention when used with fransvaginal or suprapubic surgical anatomical support material (e.g. a sling) or sutures, is designed to provide an adjustable tensioning or spacing mechanism as an objective aid for surgeons in associating the sling or suture with a therapeutically effective position.
- the article of the present invention assists surgeons in consistently and repeatably associating a sling with its intended physiological environment (e.g. the bladder neck or urethra, or both).
- the tension control article is preferably positioned on a portion of anatomical support material.
- the tension control article has a plurality of tensioning members that are sized and shaped to provide a tortuous pathway for the sling material.
- the size and shape of the tensioning members are selected to provide a predetermined slack in the sling material once the article is removed from the sling material.
- the tension control article may be associated with the sling and the sling/tension control article combination may be implanted to just touch the urethra of a patient.
- the tension control article may then be removed to ensure a consistent, uniform amount of slack is provided between the sling and the urethra.
- the tension control article of the present invention may be constructed of a wide variety of materials. Suitable materials include those that may be permanently implanted in the body, temporarily implanted, and/or completely removed prior to the end of the surgical procedure.
- the material used to construct the tension control article should be biocompatible and may comprise bioresorbable materials or permanent, biocompatible materials or combinations thereof.
- Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the anatomical support adjustment and tension control article 10 for use with suspension sutures, surgical slings, or other anatomical supports.
- the present invention includes a base member 12 and three tensioning members 14, 16, and 18 attached thereto.
- more than three tensioning members may be positioned on the base member.
- the base member 12 is preferably arcuate and includes beveled edges to reduce or eliminate damage to the surrounding tissue and anatomical support material disposed thereon.
- the body member 12 may form any other configuration which facilitates support of the urethra and which minimizes damage to the surrounding tissue and anatomical structures.
- the device 10 may be manufactured in a plurality of sizes to accommodate the physiological or anatomical constraints of the patient and the location of use. The configuration of the device 10 enables a user to adjust the length of anatomical support material positioned therein and adjustably control the supportive tension applied to tissue.
- the device 10 may be constructed of a plurality of materials, including, for example, titanium, stainless steel, nylon, polycarbonate, polysulfone, ABS, ultem, polyetherimide, and polyacetate or combinations thereof, thereby providing a relatively rigid device.
- the device 10 maybe manufactured from moderately flexible materials, such as acetal, or soft flexible materials, such as silicon elastomer or polyurethane, should a more flexible support mechanism be desired.
- the device 10 may be manufactured from biodegradable materials or polymers.
- the device 10 may further include or be manufactured from materials having distinct radio opacities or echogenic properties, thereby enabling location of the device 10 in post-surgical procedures.
- the present invention may be manufactured from materials having distinct optical properties, wherein the application of force to device 10 alters the visual appearance of, or light transmission through, the device 10.
- the device 10 may comprise a base member 12 constructed of polyacetate, or a similar rigid material, and the tensioning members 14, 16, and 18, respectively, constructed of a flexible material.
- Other biocompatible materials and material combinations not specifically listed herein, may also be used to fabricate the device 10 and are included within the scope of the claimed invention.
- Figures 2a and 2b show alternative methods of positioning the present invention on a portion of anatomical support material.
- Figure 2a shows one method of using the tensioning device 10 to engage a portion of anatomical support material 20, wherein the material 20 is positioned within a tortuous pathway formed by the plurality of tensioning members 14, 16, and 18 respectively.
- Figure 2b shows an another method of using the tensioning device 10, wherein the anatomical support material 20 traverses an alternate tortuous pathway formed by the plurality of tensioning members 14, 16, and 18.
- the longer the tortuous path the greater the slack provided in the sling 20 once the tension control article 10 is removed. Also, the longer the tortuous path, the more slack is taken up in a sling 20 once the tension control article 10 is associated with the sling.
- the length of the tortuous path in Figure 2a is different than the length of the tortuous path in Figure 2b.
- the same tension control article may be utilized to provide a plurality of different slacks in the anatomical support material (e.g. sling) 20.
- a second embodiment of tension control article 10A is illustrated in Figure 3.
- the tension control article 10A has tensioning members 14A, 16A and 18 A, and base member 12 A.
- the tension control article 10A further comprises a directional indicator 22 A included on the body member 12 A.
- the directional indicator 22 A assists the user in properly applying the device 10A to a portion of anatomical support material.
- the directional indicator 22A may comprise an arrow printed on, embossed or integrally disposed on a surface of the base member 12 A.
- the directional indicator may include figures, shapes, letters, or other markings formed, printed, or otherwise included on the device 10A.
- FIGS 4a and 4b show additional embodiments of the present invention.
- Tension control article 10B has tensioning members 14B, 16B and 18B, and base member 12B.
- Tension control article IOC has tensioning members 14C, 16C and 18C, and base member 12C.
- the device IOC may include a grasping member 24C disposed on or attachable to the base member 12C.
- the grasping member 24B is integral with the base member and comprises an arcuate discontinuity in the base member 12B.
- the free (unattached) ends of tensioning members 14, 16 and 18 could include an enlarged portion or ledge that retains the sling material or sutures in place.
- the grasping member 24C aids the user in applying, positioning, and removing the device 10C from the anatomical support material 20C.
- Figure 4b shows the grasping member 24C further comprising a directional indicator 22C positioned thereon, thereby aiding the user in applying the device IOC.
- a detachable grasping member 24C is contemplated.
- Tension control article 10D has tensioning members 14D, 16D and 18D, and base member 12D.
- Tension control article 10E has tensioning members 14E, 16E and 18E, and base member 12E.
- Base member 12D of the device 10D includes at least one material locking member 26D.
- the locking member 26D has an open position permitting the movement of anatomical support material 20 (see Fig. 2a) between the tensioning members 14D, 16D, and 18D, respectively, and a closed position restricting the movement of the anatomical support material 20 relative to the tension control article 10D.
- the at least one locking member may be manufactured from a plurality of materials having sufficient structural rigidity to prevent material movement, thereby preventing accidental or unintentional adjustment of the tension applied by the anatomical support material.
- the locking member 26E of Figure 5b is located on the sides of the base portion 12E, as opposed to the ends (see Figure 5a).
- the article of the present invention may include a spring biased locking member that is biased toward the closed position. In the closed position, the locking position retains a portion of the sling 20 in a pre-tensioned, elastically deformed condition.
- Placing the pretensioned sling and associated article in the patient and then subsequently removing the association between the article and the pre-tensioned sling can result in an increase in the tension encountered by a target anatomical structure such a urethra.
- the tensioning members 14, 16, and 18 may be manufactured from a plurality of materials.
- the tensioning members 14, 16, and 18 may be manufactured from a flexible material, thereby providing a dynamic tensioning device capable of absorbing temporary variations in supportive loading.
- the tensioning members 14, 16, and 18 may be manufactured from a rigid material, permitting the operator to forcibly remove a tensioning member if desired, thereby resulting in decreased support tension applied by the anatomical support material.
- the tensioning member may be manufactured from a pliable material, thereby permitting the user to easily position and apply the device 10.
- the spacing and number of tensioning members may be adapted to adjust the tension of the anatomical support material disposed on the device 10. For example, a greater number of tensioning members would provide a more tortuous pathway, resulting in greater anatomical support tension or spacing adjustment.
- the exterior of the tensioning members are preferably smooth. In another embodiment of the present invention, the exterior of at least one of the plurality of tensioning members may be textured to increase anatomical support material retention, or to increase stability within the body if the tension control article is permanently implanted, or to promote tissue ingrowth.
- FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of tension control article 10F including tensioning components 14F, 16F, and 18F.
- tensioning member 16F is oval.
- the tensioning members 14F, 16F, and 18F may be formed in a plurality of shapes and combinations thereof, including, without limitation, triangular, rectangular, oval, hexagonal, octagonal and diamond.
- FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of tension control article 10G.
- Tension control article lOG has tensioning members 14G, 16G and 18G, and base member 12G.
- a band 25 may also be used in conjunction with tension control article 10G to retain the association between the sling 20 and tension control article 10G.
- the band 25 is placed on the tension control article 10G after the sling is associated with the tension control article 10G so that the band 25 prevents or blocks separation of the tension control article 10G from the support material 20.
- FIGS 8a-8d show another embodiment of tension control article 20' according to the present invention.
- the tension control article 20' comprises abase portion 22 with integral tensioning member 24, handle 34, and movable tensioning members 27 and 29.
- the tension control article 20' is movable between an open position, ( Figures 8c and 8d) with the tensioning members 27 and 29 spaced from base portion 22 so that the tension control article 20' may readily receive a sling, and a closed position ( Figures 8a and 8b) with the tensioning members 27,29 closer to the base portion 22 than in the open position.
- FIGS 9a-9d show another embodiment of tension control article 40 according to the present invention.
- the tension control article 40 comprises a base portion 42 with integral tensioning member 44, handle 54, and movable tensioning members 47 and 49.
- a spring 52 biases the tension control article 40 toward the closed position.
- Manual pressure on handle 54 moves the tension control article from the closed toward the open position.
- the movement between the open and closed positions is pivotal movement about a point on or substantially adjacent handle 54.
- FIGS 10a- 1 Od show another embodiment of tension control article 60 according to the present invention.
- the tension control article 60 comprises a base portion 62 with integral tensioning member 64, handle 76, and movable tensioning members 67 and 69.
- the tension control article 60 is movable between an open position ( Figures 10c and lOd) with the tensioning members 67 and 69 spaced from base portion 62 so that the tension control article 60 may readily receive a sling, and a closed position ( Figures 10a and 10b) with the tensioning members 67,69 closer to the base portion 62 than in the open position.
- a spring 72 biases the tension control article 60 toward the closed position.
- Manual pressure on handle 76 moves the tension control article from the closed toward the open position.
- the tension control article includes a hinge structure 74 that is preferably designed so that major surfaces of the base portion 62 and tensioning members 67,69 remain substantially parallel during movement between the open and closed positions. Parallel movement between these structures is believed to avoid sling material extruding out of the open end of the tension control article 60 as the sling is being associated with the tension control article 60.
- FIGS 1 la-1 lb show another embodiment of tension control article 80.
- the tension control article comprises a base portion 82 with integral tensioning member 84, a handle, and movable tensioning members 87 and 89.
- the tension control article 80 is movable between an open position ( Figure 11a) with the tensioning members 87 and 89 spaced from base portion 82 so that the tension confrol article 80 may readily receive a sling 85', and a closed position ( Figures 1 lb) with the tensioning members 87,89 closer to the base portion 82 than in the open position.
- the tension control article 80 includes tension level indicators 81, 83 and 85 on tensioning member 84.
- the indicators 81, 83 and 85 may comprise printing, molded in indicia or other forms of indicia.
- Members 87 and 89 may also include indicia thereon. The position of the indicators 81, 83 and 85 relative to the indicia on members 87 and 89 provide an indication of the tension provided by the tension control article 80.
- the tension control article 80 includes structure that releasably indexes the tension members 87,89 between locations adjacent indicators 81, 83 and 85.
- a releasable detent and groove associated with a hinge provides suitable structure.
- Locations 81, 83 and 85 correspond to predetermined positions between the open (Fig. 11a) and fully closed (Fig. 1 lb) positions. Generally, the closer the tension members 87 and 89 are to the base portion 82, the more slack will be provided in sling 85' when the tension control article 80 is removed.
- FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of tension control article 100.
- the tension control article 100 comprises tensioning members 102, 104 and 106, base member 105, and adjustment member 110.
- the tensioning members 102 and 106 are located on arms 112 and 111 that are movable relative to tensioning member 104.
- a geared wheel 110 that engages gears on arms 111 and 112
- the tensioning members 102 and 106 may be moved away from or closer to tensioning member 104.
- Indicia 109 may be printed on or embossed on the arms 111 and 112 to provide an indication of the preselected tension provided by the tension confrol article 100.
- Adjustable tension confrol article 100 allows the surgeon to preselect a tension to account for the vagaries in human anatomy sizes, surgical procedure requirements or personal preference.
- FIG. 13-15 illustrate another embodiment of tension confrol article 120 according to the present invention.
- the tension control article 120 includes major tensioning member 124 and minor retention members 122 and 126.
- Figures 14 and 15 illustrate different tortuous paths associated with tension control article 120.
- Sling 127 is associated with article 120 by being threaded within tension control article 120 along one of the tortuous paths.
- the tortuous path of Figure 14 is shorter than the tortuous path of Figure 15.
- the longer the tortuous path the more slack will be provided in the sling 127 when the tension confrol article 120 is removed.
- the longer the tortuous path the more slack is taken up in an implanted sling when the article 120 is applied to the sling.
- FIGS 16a and 16b illustrate another embodiment of tension control article 130 according to the present invention.
- the tension control article 130 includes spacer jaws 136 and 138, hinge 134, handles 132 and over opening stops 137 and 139.
- the tension control article 130 is preferably a unitary structure with an inherent bias of the jaws toward a closed or clamped position.
- the hinge 134 may comprise an integral or living hinge that biases the jaws 136 and 138 toward a closed position.
- manual pressure is applied to handles 132 to open the jaws.
- a sling is placed in the open jaws and the handle is released. Upon release, the sling is clamped between the jaws 136 and 138.
- the sling is then placed next to the urethra with jaw 136 located between the sling and the urethra.
- the jaw 136 is sized and shaped to provide a predetermined distance between the urethra and sling.
- the tension control article 130 is then removed.
- the predetermined distance or size of jaw 146 assists the surgeon in providing a consistent, uniform and repeatable amount of looseness in a sling.
- FIGs 18a through 18c show another embodiment of tension control article 150 according to the present invention.
- the tension control article 150 includes jaws 152 and 154, a hinge and a spring 151 for biasing jaws 152 and 154 toward a closed position.
- Sling 151' is shown placed between jaws 152 and 154 in Figure 18C.
- the device according to the invention may be easily tailored to provide increased or decreased urethral support.
- the tension control article may allow the surgeon to remove, or break the tensioning members during the surgical procedure or during a post operative period.
- the present invention comprises a method of changing tension of an implantable article using an article according to the present invention.
- the article may be implanted in the body during a surgical procedure. Alternatively it may be removed prior to the end of a surgical procedure.
- the article of the present invention may be modified in a subsequent surgical procedure or by substantially non-invasive means.
- Figures 19 and 20 illustrate a method where the surgical article is removed prior to the end of the surgical procedure.
- Figure 19 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of method 200 according to the present invention.
- Step 202 provides a tension confrol article (tension accessory) and a sling.
- the tension control article e.g. 10
- the tension control article may be part of a surgical kit.
- the kit may be a surgical kit having tools for treating incontinence, such a sling kit.
- the tension control article, sling and the rest of the surgical articles may be independently provided to the surgeon. The latter case is desirable when the elements of the kit have drastically different shelf lives or storage condition requirements (e.g. refrigeration).
- the operator threads the sling along one of the tortuous paths provided by the article 10.
- the sling includes a surrounding, removable plastic sheath
- the sling/sheath combination may be threaded along the tortuous path.
- the sling/sheath combination may include a hiatus (e.g. a portion with no plastic sheath) at about the mid portion of the sling to allow the sling to be threaded between the tensioning members of the article 10 without interference from the sheath.
- the sling is inserted in the body and adjusted to a predetermined position.
- some sling procedures call for a tension free sling.
- the sling/tension control article combination can be situated in a fully inserted position such that the sling and/or the tension control article are just adjacent or even slightly touching the urethra.
- FIG. 20 schematically illustrates article 10 in a fully inserted position with solid lines.
- the article 10 is just adjacent urethra 304.
- Vaginal incision 306, vagina 302, and sling S are also shown.
- step 208 Figure 19
- the surgeon verifies that the sling/tension control article combination are in this fully inserted position. If not, the surgeon continues to adjust 207 the sling. If the combination is fully inserted, then the surgeon verifies the fully inserted position 209. Once the fully inserted position is verified, the surgeon may remove the tension control article in step 210. This removal step is illusfrated with an arrow and dotted lines in Figure 20.
- Step 210 may be conducted before or after any optional insertion sheath is removed from the sling, but it preferably occurs after any such optional insertion sheath is removed.
- Changing the tension of the sling S at a location substantially adjacent the urethra 304 is more effective than attempting to modify the tension of a sling at a location remote from the urethra. This is particularly the case where a synthetic sling (a polypropylene sling with holes) and insertion sheath are used as, once the insertion sheath is removed, adjustment of the entire length of the sling is particularly difficult or problematic due to the interaction between tissue and the sling.
- a synthetic sling a polypropylene sling with holes
- Figure 21 illustrates another embodiment of method according to the present invention.
- the sling is excessively loose.
- Article 10 is placed on the sling (see the arrow and solid lines) to take up excessive slack in the sling.
- article 10 is preferably left in the body after the surgical procedure.
- article 10 effectively increases the path length traversed by the support material, thereby resulting in a reduction or elimination of slack from the support material and an increase in supportive tension unless and until the tension control article is removed.
- multiple degrees of retentive force may be applied to anatomical support material by a device 10.
- Figure 2a shows one method of practice wherein the device 10 provides a tortuous pathway for a section of anatomical support material 20 disposed thereon.
- Figure 2b shows an alternative method of practice.
- Figure 12 illustrates an article with a feature that allows the surgeon to adjust the tension provided by the clip.
- the present invention permits the user to vary the supportive tension applied to the anatomical support material disposed therein by altering the tortuous pathway traversed by the anatomical support material.
- Figure 22 is a flow chart illustrating a method of increasing the tension of a sling by removing a tension control article from its association with the sling.
- Figure 22 illustrates a method of treating incontinence comprising the steps of: (i) providing a support material with at least a portion that is elastically deformable, (ii) elastically deforming at least a portion of the support material to tension the support material (see step 462); (iii) providing a tensioning article, (iv) applying the tensioning article to the tensioned support material to retain at least a portion of the support material in an elastically deformed condition (see step 464); (v) implanting the support material with applied tensioning article in a patient (466); and removing the tensioning article to increase the tension provided by the support material 468.
- the tension control article used in this method is preferably one with a locking member (Fig. 5a or 5b) or one that can clamp the sling between jaw members (e.g. Figures lOa-1 lb) so that the elastic deformation can be held in the sling material.
- Applying the tensioning device 10 to the anatomical support material increases the pathway between the attaching anchors traversed by the anatomical support and increases the support tension applied by the device.
- the practitioner may easily vary the amount of supportive tension by applying more or fewer anatomical support tension control articles.
- the amount of supportive tension applied by the anatomical support tensioning device may be varied by applying tensioning device having more or fewer tensioning members disposed thereon.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (3)
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CA002425138A CA2425138A1 (en) | 2000-10-06 | 2001-10-05 | Sling adjustment and tensioning accessory |
AU2001296689A AU2001296689A1 (en) | 2000-10-06 | 2001-10-05 | Sling adjustment and tensioning accessory |
EP01977580A EP1324718A2 (en) | 2000-10-06 | 2001-10-05 | Sling adjustment and tensioning accessory |
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US09/968,239 US6702827B1 (en) | 2000-10-06 | 2001-10-01 | Sling adjustment and tensioning accessory |
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WO2002028315A3 WO2002028315A3 (en) | 2002-06-20 |
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EP (1) | EP1324718A2 (en) |
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WO (1) | WO2002028315A2 (en) |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA2425138A1 (en) | 2002-04-11 |
WO2002028315A3 (en) | 2002-06-20 |
AU2001296689A1 (en) | 2002-04-15 |
US6702827B1 (en) | 2004-03-09 |
EP1324718A2 (en) | 2003-07-09 |
US20040249396A1 (en) | 2004-12-09 |
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