Patent ID: 8974367
Filing Date: 2015-03-10
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A device for delivering an implant to a patient's pelvic region comprising: a guide tube with a proximal end, a distal end and a first radius of curvature; a shaft slidingly interfitted in the guide tube with a proximal end and a distal end, the shaft adapted to extend out from a terminus of the distal end of the guide tube in a first position and retract into the distal end of the guide tube in a second position, the shaft having a lumen defined therein, at least the distal end of the shaft including a shape memory material; at least one of a heating element and a cooling element disposed in the lumen in at least the distal end of the shaft, the at least one of the heating element and the cooling element configured to be energized based on whether the shaft is in the first position or the second position, wherein the heating element is energized to increase a temperature of the shape memory material above a phase transition temperature of the shape memory material when at least the distal end of the shaft is extended to protrude from the distal end of the guide tube; a handle secured to the proximal end of the guide tube; and an actuator slidably disposed on or in the handle for causing the distal end of the shaft to protrude from and be retracted into the guide tube, wherein the shaft has a radius of curvature substantially equal to the first radius of curvature when retracted in the guide tube, and wherein at least the distal end of the shaft assumes a second radius of curvature different from the first radius of curvature of the guide tube, when the distal end of the shaft extends from the guide tube.