Patent ID: 8672828
Filing Date: 2014-03-18
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A method for implanting a sling for treating incontinence, the method comprising: creating a vaginal incision; providing a sling having a support portion, a first end, and a second end; providing a first tack with the sling, the first tack extending from and attached directly to the sling first end and having at least one angled fin; providing a first retractable shield to protect the at least one angled fin of the first tack from initially contacting tissue, the first retractable shield having a body portion and two first shield extensions, the body portion having an outer surface, and the two first shield extensions flaring out away from the outer surface of the body portion and defining an opening therebetween; providing a second tack with the sling, the second tack extending from and attached directly to the sling second end and having at least one angled fin; inserting the sling through the vaginal incision; engaging the first tack to a first internal target tissue location and retracting the first retractable shield such that the first end extends directly from the first tack; positioning the sling such that the sling provides support to an abdominal organ; and engaging the second tack to a second internal target tissue location.