65 results about "Pelvic organ" patented technology

A method of treating pelvic organ prolapse is provided. The method generally includes the steps of establishing a first pathway between the external perirectal region of the patient to the region of the ischial spine in tissue on one side of the prolapsed organ, followed by establishing a second pathway in tissue on the contralateral side of the prolapsed organ. A support member, which includes a central support portion and two end portions, is positioned in a position to reposition said prolapsed organ in said organ's anatomically correct location. The end portions of the support member are introduced through the respective tissue pathways, followed by adjustment of the end portions so that the support member is located in a therapeutic relationship to the prolapsed organ that is to be supported. An apparatus and kit for said treatment is further provided.

An anterior implant adapted to treat central and lateral cystoceles present in a female patient includes laterally extending stabilizing straps for supporting the implant between the patient's bladder and vagina independently of the patient's arcus tendineous fascia pelvis. Rectocele and hysterocele repairs can be carried out using a single posterior implant which, like the anterior implant, is provided with laterally extending stabilizing straps for supporting the implant between the patient's rectum and vagina.

Using a sling that includes a central portion and at least two arms extending from the central portion, a method of treating anal incontinence may include positioning the central portion posteriorly to the rectum and / or anus of a subject, and extending each arm of the sling to a respective obturator region. Using a sling having the same or similar structure, a method of treating pelvic organ prolapse may include positioning the central portion beneath the ano-rectum of a subject, and extending each arm of the sling to a respective thigh incision near the obturator region.

The present invention is a method and apparatus for quantifying nerve and neural-muscular integrity related to pelvic organs or pelvic floor functions. In one embodiment, the invention is a method and device to measure muscle or nerve activity in the pelvis or pelvic floor. In a modification of this embodiment, the invention includes means for inducing an efferent nerve signal in the spinal cord or sacral nerves and then measuring the resulting nerve activity of the nerves of the pelvic floor region. In a preferred embodiment, the invention includes placing a probe in the anal canal or vagina, the probe having proximal recording electrodes along its outer surface. In one possible embodiment, the probe has a distensible sheath having recording electrodes located on its outside surface. In another embodiment, the probe has an inflatable balloon at its distal end with recording electrodes located on the outside surface of the inflatable balloon. In a further embodiment, the proximal recording electrodes will be located on the outside of the distal end of the probe itself. In yet another embodiment, a disk having recording electrodes is placed in the rectum in contact with the tissue above the submucous space. In yet another embodiment of the invention, an essentially “C” shaped clip is provided having a core made of a spring-like material.

The present invention relates to a method for measuring the elasticity of the anterior walls of the human vagina. The elasticity of the vagina walls degrade as women age. When a condition occurs called pelvic organ prolapse, the vaginal walls have lost much of the visco-elastic properties. The ability to measure the elasticity in healthy women at an early age and track the changes over time will give researchers the chance to develop new therapies to manage this growing problem. The present invention makes multiple data measurements of vacuum pressures and proximity measurement, by the use of a small insertable, user friendly and quickly sterilizable vaginal device. The proximity sensor not only measures the deformation of the skin pulled into a small hole of the vaginal probe but also measures the skin deformation after the skin has retracted out of the probe hole.

Methods for assessment of pelvic floor conditions based on tactile imaging are described. The vaginal wall is deformed using a transvaginal probe equipped with tactile pressure sensors and a motion tracking sensor. The vaginal wall coordinates and pressure patterns are obtained during the examination and used to build 3-D tactile image of the vagina and to calculate elasticity modulus profiles and spacing profiles along selected lines inside 3-D tactile image. The profile values at specified locations are then compared with thresholds or profiles for normal conditions of vagina and its support structures. Methods of the invention are disclosed to be used in assessing a risk of pelvic organ prolapse development, estimating an extent of pelvic floor organ traumatic damage after childbirth and estimating an improvement after an interventional procedure.

A system includes surgical instruments, implantable articles and procedural steps for stabilizing, introducing, delivering and affixing an absorbable or permanent biocompatible implantable graft into a patient. The instruments, implantable articles and procedural steps can be employed in transvaginal pelvic reconstructive applications to re-suspend the anterior, posterior and / or apical vaginal compartments including the bladder, rectum, bowels (i.e., enterocele) and vaginal apex with or without a uterus in situ. The surgical instruments can be incorporated into a surgical kit having an implantable graft, a graft-retaining clamp, a tacker guide, a tacker device, an affixing anchor, a retractor and a fenestrated spatula.

Methods for characterizing elasticity of vaginal tissue are provided. A transvaginal probe is used to deform vaginal tissue during examination. The probe is equipped with pressure sensors and a motion tracking sensor. Stress and strain data is recorded during examination. Elasticity of vaginal tissue is then characterized by calculating a stress gradient defined as a ratio of stress over strain for each point of measurement. Vaginal tactile image may also be compiled to include a family of surfaces representing locations of measurement points at predefined constant levels of stress. Pelvic organ abnormality condition may be detected if the stress gradient is below either a predetermined threshold or a normal stress gradient obtained from clinical data.

Improved methods and apparatuses for treatment of pelvic organ prolapse are provided. A specialized mesh having a shape for convenient subcutaneous placement to support the levator ani muscles is provided, as is a method of use of such a device. Appropriate devices for introducing such a mesh implant are also disclosed.

An apparatus for treating pelvic organ prolapse, comprising a main body adapted to provide pelvic organ support when inserted into a vagina; and, an applicator for inserting the main body into a vagina.

A method and device for the diagnosis and treatment of pelvic floor prolapse is provided. The diagnosis and treatment may involve the use of a multiple sensor-enabled device for vaginal insertion capable of providing real-time data regarding the patient's physiology, the position and movement of the urethra, and the muscular strength of the patient's vagina and pelvic floor. The methods and devices of the invention may also be useful to addressing other medical issues, including urinary incontinence, sexual health, and fecal incontinence, as well as facilitate patient home wellness activities.

A thin disposable insert for adherence onto the crotch portion of a female undergarment for reducing pressure otherwise transferred from the undergarment to the external genital organs of the female is referred to as a panty guard. An anatomically correctly shaped pelvic organ support included within or adhered to the panty guard provides three dimensional support to the pelvic floor of a female. The pelvic organ support and the thin disposable insert provide a barrier between the female pelvic organs and abrasive fabrics of the undergarment. The pelvic organ support provides a porous space between tight-fitting non-breathable undergarments and the genitalia of the wearer, allowing air to flow across the wearer's skin. The panty guard with a pelvic organ support to prevent infection, lacerations, pelvic floor prolapse, and incontinence.