Patent ID: 8147397
Filing Date: 2012-04-03
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for augmenting urethral tissue, the apparatus comprising: a handle; and an elongate member rotatably coupled to the handle so that the handle can be held in a stationary position as the elongate member is rotated with respect to the handle about a center of rotation, the elongate member having a channel for receiving a needle and a vacuum lumen for drawing a vacuum; the elongate member further having a distal portion extending distally from the handle, the distal portion having two regions, a proximal region and a distal region; wherein the proximal and distal regions each have generally rounded outer surfaces; wherein the distance around the generally rounded outer surface of the proximal region is greater than the distance around the generally rounded outer surface of the distal region; the proximal region extending to and ending at a shoulder region and the distal region extending beyond the shoulder region in a generally rounded columnar shape having a smooth generally rounded distal end such that the generally rounded outer surface of the distal region is smooth and generally without disruption with the exception of the at least one outwardly opening vacuum port; wherein the vacuum lumen extends through the proximal region and into the distal region where the vacuum lumen is in fluid communication with the at least one outwardly opening vacuum port disposed on the generally rounded outer surface of the distal region; wherein the proximal region ends at the shoulder region and the channel extends the length of the proximal region and communicates with and terminates at a distal aperture disposed in the shoulder region proximate the at least one vacuum port in the generally rounded outer surface of the distal region; wherein the distal region is generally cylindrical in shape along its entire length and rotates about the center of rotation when the elongate member is rotated; wherein the distal region extends beyond the distal aperture and has a generally uniform circumference and an even surface, which allows the urethral tissue to lie evenly along the generally rounded outer surface.