Abstract:
A suture system (500) includes a tool and a suture assembly (502). The tool includes a head (350) having a proximal portion (365) housing a needle (62) and a distal end (354) spaced apart from the proximal portion by a throat (360), where the needle is movable through a needle exit port (362) formed in the proximal portion of the head to a cavity formed in the distal end of the head. The suture assembly includes a length of suture connected (506) to a suture cap (504) that includes an annular wall (510) that forms a hollow tubular section (512), and a tubular sleeve (514) inserted in the annular wall, with an end of the length of suture inserted into and connected to the tubular sleeve. The needle is operable to engage with the hollow tubular section of the suture cap and move the suture cap between the cavity and the needle exit port.
Abstract:
An incontinence treatment device includes a urethral support and first and second connectors. The urethral support extends between a first end and a second end and has porosity that is configured to allow tissue in-growth through the urethral support. The first connector is attached to the first end of the urethral support and the second connector is attached to the second end of the urethral support. At least one of the first connector and the second connector is a cross- linked polymer connector having a glass transition temperature between 40-70 degrees Celsius. The cross-linked polymer connector has an initial length that is elongated to an implant length that is greater than the initial length. Means for heating the cross-linked polymer connector from an extracorporeal location through intact skin is provided, thereby shortening the cross-linked polymer connector.
Abstract:
An incontinence treatment device includes a urethral support and first and second connectors. The urethral support extends between a first end and a second end and has porosity that is configured to allow tissue in-growth through the urethral support. The first connector is attached to the first end of the urethral support and the second connector is attached to the second end of the urethral support. At least one of the first connector and the second connector is a cross- linked polymer connector having a glass transition temperature between 40-70 degrees Celsius. The cross-linked polymer connector has an initial length that is elongated to an implant length that is greater than the initial length. Means for heating the cross-linked polymer connector from an extracorporeal location through intact skin is provided, thereby shortening the cross-linked polymer connector.