Abstract:
A unitary or homogeneous patterned implant is provided. The implant is constructed of patterned cells formed by way of a molding, die casting, laser etching, laser cutting, extruding, and the like. Portions of the implant can be formed into sinusoid or other waveform strut members to control and promote elongation, expansion or contraction along single or multiple axes. As such, controlled and designated stress, tension and compression distribution is promoted across specific or localized areas of the implant.

Description:
PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This Application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/263,557, filed Nov. 23, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to surgical methods and apparatus and, more specifically, to surgically implantable patterned support devices and methods for forming and using the same. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Pelvic health for men and women is a medical area of increasing importance, at least in part due to an aging population. Examples of common pelvic ailments include incontinence (fecal and urinary), pelvic tissue prolapse (e.g., female vaginal prolapse), and conditions of the pelvic floor. 
         [0004]    Urinary incontinence can further be classified as including different types, such as stress urinary incontinence (SUI), urge urinary incontinence, mixed urinary incontinence, among others. Other pelvic floor disorders include cystocele, rectocele, enterocele, and prolapse such as anal, uterine and vaginal vault prolapse. A cystocele is a hernia of the bladder, usually into the vagina and introitus. Pelvic disorders such as these can result from weakness or damage to normal pelvic support systems. 
         [0005]    Urinary incontinence can be characterized by the loss or diminution in the ability to maintain the urethral sphincter closed as the bladder fills with urine. Male or female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) generally occurs when the patient is physically stressed. Physical stresses that can cause urinary incontinence include jumping, coughing, sneezing and laughing to name a few. 
         [0006]    In its severest forms, vaginal vault prolapse can result in the distension of the vaginal apex outside of the vagina. An enterocele is a vaginal hernia in which the peritoneal sac containing a portion of the small bowel extends into the rectovaginal space. Vaginal vault prolapse and enterocele represent challenging forms of pelvic disorders for surgeons. These procedures often involve lengthy surgical procedure times. 
         [0007]    Many strategies have been implemented over the years to provide mesh implants adapted to enhance therapeutic support of the respective pelvic tissues. For instance, sling and other implant devices are known to provide support of the urethra or bladder neck in treating urinary incontinence in patients. Further, various mesh implants have been adapted to provide pelvic floor support to treat certain prolapse disorders. 
         [0008]    Many of the implants promoted for treating incontinence, prolapse and other pelvic disorders were born from and inherited the material and geometric restraints of existing stent and hernia implants. While objectively effective in their respective applications, such stent and hernia implants are naturally constructed to address very different issues. Namely, the requisite barrier, rigidity and tissue integration and compatibility needs of a hernia mesh or vascular stent implant can be very disparate from the implant characteristics required in treating pelvic incontinence and prolapse disorders. 
         [0009]    Although these traditional mesh implants have had a tremendous benefit for those suffering from incontinence and prolapse, there is still room for improvement. As a result, there is a desire to obtain a uniquely applicable, minimally invasive and highly effective implantable mesh support that can be used to treat incontinence, organ prolapse and other pelvic disorders and conditions. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The present invention describes implants and methods for treating pelvic conditions such as incontinence (various forms such as fecal incontinence, stress urinary incontinence, urge incontinence, mixed incontinence, etc.), vaginal prolapse (including various forms such as enterocele, cystocele, rectocele, apical or vault prolapse, uterine descent, etc.), and other conditions caused by muscle or ligament weakness. Other uses include providing a support or platform for plastic surgery, hernia repair, and ortho repairs and support, to name a few. Embodiments of the implants can include a tissue support portion and one or more extending arms or anchoring portions. 
         [0011]    In various embodiments, the implants can be formed of patterned cells by way of a molding, die casting, laser etching, laser cutting, extruding, and the like. Such a pattern cut or formed implant can be constructed of a polymer material to provide a lattice support structure of repeated cells. Unlike woven or knitted conventional implants, the implants of the present invention are a homogeneous unitary construct. 
         [0012]    Portions of the implant can be formed into sinusoid or other waveform strut members to control and promote elongation, expansion or contraction along single or multiple axes. As such, controlled and designated stress, tension and compression distribution is promoted across specific or localized areas of the construct. Further, the implant can be formed such that regions or portions can include anchoring features to facilitate engagement and attachment of the implant to target tissue sites. In addition to anchoring to internal tissue, it is also possible to have one or more portions of the implant extend out of an incision or orifice in a patient. 
         [0013]    In addition, each patterned cell of the implant can include uniquely shaped or cut strut members configured to define cell voids, to optimize or increase tissue in-growth, to promote load bearing along select portions of the implant, to compensate for stiffness, elongation, compression, and tensile strength. The material and cell construct of the implant can be configured to promote flexibility while still providing optimal implant strength and tissue support. Further, the stable geometrical and dimensional attributes of the implant provide a flexible device that can be easily positioned and deployed while also avoiding undesirable implant warping or bunching. 
         [0014]    In addition to molding and laser cutting the struts and other features of the implant, punching, 3-D printing and other methods and techniques can be employed in making the implant. Further, the struts or other portions of the implant can be coated to provide additional control over expansion, compression, and to protect from or promote tissue in-growth. 
         [0015]    The implants, or portions thereof, can be adapted to provide desirable adjustability, stress distribution, anchoring, stabilization, variable elongation, and the like. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is a front view of a unitary patterned implant in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a front view of a unitary patterned implant in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is a partial close-up view of an eyelet feature for a unitary patterned implant in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3   a  is a partial close-up perspective view of an eyelet and support portion for a unitary patterned implant in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 3   b  is a partial close-up perspective view of an eyelet and support portion for a unitary patterned implant in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is a partial close-up view of cellular patterns and structures for a unitary patterned implant in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 4   a  is a cross-section schematic view of a strut member from  FIG. 4 . 
           [0023]      FIGS. 5-7  are partial views of cellular patterns and structures for unitary patterned implants in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIGS. 7   a - 7   b  are partial close-up views of cellular patterns and stretch elements for a unitary patterned implant in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is a partial view of a cellular pattern and extending members for a unitary patterned implant in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  is a close-up view of a portion of the cellular pattern and extending members from  FIG. 8 . 
           [0027]      FIGS. 10-12  are close-up views of a weakening or marking method for use with a portion of a patterned implant in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 13  is a partial close-up view of cellular patterns and void nub structures for a unitary patterned implant in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 14  is a side view of an anchor or fixation arm for use in anchoring a portion of a unitary patterned implant in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIGS. 15-16  are views of insertion tools adapted for use to position and deploy a unitary patterned implant in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIGS. 17-18  are side views of anchor and insertion tool portions for use to position and deploy a unitary patterned implant in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0032]      FIGS. 19-22  are front views of exemplary unitary patterned implants in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0033]    Referring generally to  FIGS. 1-22 , various embodiments of a patterned implant  10  and methods are shown. In general, the implants  10  can include at least a support portion  12  and in other embodiments a support portion  12  and anchoring portions  16 . Various portions of the implant  10  can be constructed of polymer materials, e.g., into a molded generally planar structure or cut from a thin generally planar film or sheet material. Examples of acceptable polymer materials available in constructing or forming the implant  10  and its components and related systems and kits can include polypropylene, polyethylene, fluoropolymers or like biocompatible materials. 
         [0034]    The various implants  10 , structures, features and methods detailed herein are envisioned for use with many known implant and repair devices (e.g., for male and female), features and methods, including those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,500,945, 7,407,480, 7,351,197, 7,347,812, 7,303,525, 7,025,063, 6,691,711, 6,648,921, and 6,612,977, International Patent Publication Nos. WO 2008/057261 and WO 2007/097994, and U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2010/0261955, 2002/151762 and 2002/147382. Accordingly, the above-identified disclosures are fully incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
         [0035]    Referring generally to  FIGS. 1-13 , various embodiments of the implant  10  are shown. Portions of the implant  10 , such as the support portion  12 , can be formed or patterned by way of a polymer molding process to create a unitary homogeneous non-woven, or non-knitted, device or construct. Other embodiments can be formed from an already unitary homogeneous sheet or film via laser cutting, die cutting, stamping and like procedures. 
         [0036]    As a result of the manufacturing process, molding or cutting, repeating cells form a lattice structure for at least the support portion  12  of the implant  10 . Portions of the implant  10  can be formed into sinusoid, or other waveforms or undulating struts  14  to control elongation or compression along single or multiple axes, to define a desirable pattern density with overall reduced surface area, and to control the distribution and shaping from applied loads. The ability to mold, form or cut the struts  14  in a nearly endless array of sinusoidal or like configurations provides an implant  10  that can better tailor or mimic the anisotropic behaviors of physiological tissue. 
         [0037]    One or more portions of the implant  10  can be constructed of a polymer coated, or impregnated or molded with a coloring. As such, the entire implant  10 , or simply a portion of the implant such as the support portion  12 , can be colored to stand out relative to the surrounding tissue. Coloring (e.g., blue) of the implant or implant portions can improve visualization and positioning of the implant  10  by the physician during implantation by providing desirable surface contrast. Further, various embodiments of the implant  10  can be constructed of opaque, or translucent, polymer materials. 
         [0038]    In certain embodiments, such as those depicted in  FIGS. 1-6 , the patterned struts  14  define a general pinwheel design including first angular strut lines  20  and second angular strut lines  22  crossing or intersecting at repeating fixed junctions  24  to define cellular voids  26 . The thickness, size and separation of the struts  14  can be modified to create an implant  10  with different surface area and cellular density attributes. For instance, the implant  10  embodiment of  FIG. 5  shows a relatively dense implant pattern, while  FIG. 6  shows a less dense implant pattern. 
         [0039]    The embodiment of  FIG. 7  demonstrates an implant  10  constructed of patterned struts  14  including a first generally horizontal strut line  30  and a second generally vertical strut line  32  crossing or intersecting at repeating fixed junctions  34  to define cellular voids  36 . Again, the thickness, size and separation of the struts  14  can be modified to create an implant  10  with different surface area and cellular density attributes. 
         [0040]    As demonstrated in  FIGS. 1-2 , embodiments of the implant  10  can include a symmetry axis A. The Axis A can take on shapes and dimensions similar to that of the surrounding sinusoidal cell configurations. In addition to providing physical compression and support characteristics similar to the surrounding cells, the axis A can serve as an important marker or line of reference during implantation. As such, the axis A can be colored or otherwise marked to visually stand out relative to the implant  10  as a whole. In various embodiments, the axis A can be colored or marked along a length shorter than its entire length. Variations on the visual marking of the axis A are envisioned for embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0041]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , the dimensional design of the implant struts  14  can be configured to promote targeted strength and flexibility. For instance, the material width J at the fixed junctions  24 ,  34  can be measurably greater than the material width I of the struts  14  intermediate the junctions to allow for increased strength at the junctions. Strengthened and widened junctions  24 ,  34  can handle and absorb greater stress or torque resulting from implant positioning, twisting and general manipulation. Conversely, thinner strut portions intermediate the junctions  24 ,  34  promote increased flexibility and controllability of the implant  10  during positioning and device manipulation. This flexibility will also provide an implant  10  adapted to properly conform to unique patient anatomy and lay flat against such anatomy to provide optimal support distribution, tissue in-growth and like characteristics. In one embodiment, the junctions  24 ,  34  can range in material size or width (J) from 0.017 inches to 0.020 inches. The intermediate strut portions  35  can range in material size or width (I) from 0.014 inches to 0.017 inches. Other dimensional ranges and proportions are envisioned for embodiments of the struts and strut portions depending on the particular application, strength, flexibility, stress distribution or other performance needs of the implant. In various embodiments, the general thickness or depth D of the struts  14  and implant construct ranges from 0.010 inches to 0.020 inches. Of course, the structures of the implant  10  can be provided in other sizes as well. 
         [0042]    Additional benefits are presented with the homogenous non-woven design and targeted strength regions (e.g., fixed junctions) of the implant  10 . Namely, a flexible but strong implant  10  is provided, while still maintaining a low surface area, lower inflammatory response, less scarring and increased density. 
         [0043]    The patterned implant  10  also provides benefits over traditional knitted or woven mesh in the area of compression and the reaction to longitudinal extension strain. Traditional knitted or woven mesh implants can tend to compress and narrow during longitudinal stretching, thereby displaying a positive Poisson affect or ratio. Conversely, the sinusoidal cell and strut configurations of the patterned implants  10  of the present invention can display a Negative Poisson affect or ratio. In particular, as the implant  10  is loaded or stretched (e.g., at ends, anchors, corners or upon the planar surfaces), the strut and cell structures resist compression and measurably expand to provide a stable and generally planar surface area for tissue or organ support. The combination of the struts and fixed junctions facilitate this Negative Poisson affect. 
         [0044]    As shown in  FIGS. 4-4A , the cross section of the non-woven strut members  14  are generally circular with exemplary embodiments of the present invention. This is a significant advantage over the woven or knitted filament mesh stands of conventional implants. The circular cross-section of the struts  14  of the present invention provide a improved implantation feel and a consistent surface adapted to lay flat and retain its shape against target tissue, and to reduce or eliminate snagging or resistance during deployment and positioning. 
         [0045]    Embodiments of the implant  10  can include one or more transition portions or zones  40 , as shown particularly in  FIGS. 1-3   b.  In general, the zones  40  provide a material transition between the cellular construct of the support portion  12  and anchoring or like features  16  of the implant  10 , e.g., anchors, eyelets, etc. The transition zones  40  can take on various sizes, shapes and designs to provide increased strength and stress absorption/distribution for portions of the implant  10  being pulled, pushed and twisted during deployment and positioning of the implant  10 . Embodiments of the zones  40  can include arcuate lattice or cell structures fanning out from or into the support portion  12  and the anchoring portions  16 . The zones  40  can be tapered into or away from the support portion  12  or anchoring portion  16  to facilitate stress and tension distribution such that the struts  14  and cell structures of the support portion  12  are protected from tearing, ripping or other material breaches. 
         [0046]    The structure and design of anchoring features of portions  16  of the implant  10  can vary greatly depending on the particular implantation and support needs of the particular device. In certain embodiments, the anchor portions  16  can include first and second anterior and opposing anchors  42 ,  44  extending out angulary from an anterior end region of the implant  10 . A barrel  46  can extend out from the transition zone  40  to an anchor rod  48 . A tissue anchor  50  is provided at a distal end of the anchor rod  48  such that the rod  48  extends intermediate the anchor  50  and barrel  46 , or transition zone  40 . The tissue anchor  50  can include one or more tines  51  adapted to engage and/or penetrate soft tissue, e.g., the obturator internus muscles. The anchor rod  48  can be generally cylindrical in certain embodiments ( FIG. 1 ), or generally flat or rectangular in other embodiments ( FIG. 2 ). The cylindrical anchor rod  48  is adapted to absorb and comply with twisting or other like motions imposed on the anchor portion  16  during deployment and positioning of the implant  10 . While the anchor rod  48  is shown as being substantially linear (e.g.,  FIGS. 1-2 ), other embodiments of the anchor rod  48  can include kinks, curved sections, and like features to facilitate manipulation of the implant during deployment and to better engage and disengage with introducer tools and devices. Further, sections of the anchor portion  16 , including the anchor rod  48 , can be generally rigid, or flexible, depending on the particular strength and anchor displacement needs. 
         [0047]    In addition to the anchors  50  and rods  48  depicted herein, other configurations are also envisioned. For instance, the anchor  50  can be rotatably or pivotably affixed to the rods  48 , any other portion of the anchor portions  16 , or the transition zones  40 . Any of the anchors depicted or described herein can be integrally formed with a portion of the implant  10 , or separately attachable or detachable therefrom. 
         [0048]    The support portion  12  can include one or more eyelets  18 , with transitioning zones  40  extending or spanning intermediate the eyelets  18  and the strut  14  cell structures. An aperture extends through each of the eyelets  18 . The eyelets  18  can simply include corresponding apertures for engagement with anchoring members or devices, or the eyelets  18  can be integrally formed with a grommet  19  having a plurality of extending or angular teeth  19   a.  The teeth  19   a  are adapted to engage and retain various anchoring structures, such as anchor mesh, extensions, apertures or protruding members. The eyelets  18 , and any corresponding material or structures associated with the eyelets  18 , can be provided along any side, end or body portion of the implant  10 , depending on the particular anatomical and treatment application. Moreover, a variety of sizes, quantity and shapes are envisioned for the eyelet  18  configurations for embodiments of the implant  10 . 
         [0049]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , a formed or cut component, such as the eyelet  18 , can include one or more apertures adjacent the feature  18   a  to facilitate secondary molding operations allowing other polymer materials or components to locate and form a surface protection fused to the initial main body or support portion  12  without damaging the surrounding structure. 
         [0050]    Referring again to  FIGS. 1-2  generally, the implant  10  can include a posterior end region  15  adapted for implantable orientation at or proximate the posterior pelvic region. The end region  15  can be constructed to have varying lengths and shapes. In certain embodiments, the length of the end region  15  can extend out a length longer than that depicted in  FIGS. 1-2 . The anatomical dimensions of the patient, a desire to fold or later cut or remove a “tail” from the region  15 , and other factors can dictate or influence the dimensions and proportions of the region  15 . 
         [0051]    Various embodiments of the region  15  can include markings or indicia to indicate lines or sections of trimming, tearing or for cutting extra material from the region  15 . In addition, scoring, indenting, crushing, weakening and like procedures or features can be included along one or more portions of the region  15  to indicate trimming lines or zones.  FIGS. 10-12  show an exemplary method of crushing a trim line  19  along a length or portion of the struts or film of the region  15  with a crushing apparatus  17   a,    17   b  to facilitate tearing, cutting or otherwise removing the excess tail material. 
         [0052]    Various cutting tools can be employed as well to trim the tail or extra material from the implant  10 . In one embodiment, a dull scissor-like device can crush and cut through the strut  14  materials along a designated or targeted line such that the crushing action pinches the struts to reduce or eliminate potentially sharp edges or protrusions in the materials remaining with the implant  10 . Other cutting tools can include a heating feature to apply heat at the time of crushing or cutting to remove excess material away from the implant  10  to also reduce or eliminate potentially sharp edges. 
         [0053]    Other embodiments can include a modular or expandable region  15 , wherein one or more distinct sections of material can be added to the region  15  to extend the size or shape of the implant tail. The distinct material can be constructed as traditional filament mesh or as a unitary homogeneous structure in accordance with the configuration of the implant  10 . These additional sections can be added via sutures, interlocking members (e.g., engaging bulbs/heads, or engaging hook and loop connectors, etc.), clips, snaps, fasteners, and like structures, features or techniques. 
         [0054]    In still other embodiments, as demonstrated in  FIGS. 7   a - 7   b,  the posterior region  15 , or other portions of the implant  10 , can include strut  14  geometry allowing for pulling and stretching of the struts  14  to deform and define a new shape or size for that particular region of the implant. For instance, one or more strut patterned sections of the implant  10  can include various sinusoidal stretch elements  25 . Low frequency sinusoid struts  25   a  can be included at the outer portion of the designated pattern, while higher frequency sinusoid struts  25   b  can be included within the pattern. The lower frequency struts  25   a  can deform to hold a shape during stretching, while the higher frequency struts  25   b  exhibit partial to no plastic deformation, thereby becoming supporting or strength members for the stretched cell or pattern. The frequency, size and shape of the struts  25   a,    25   b  can vary to provide a myriad of options for the stretch length and direction parameters. In one application, a portion, such as the region  15 , can include these stretch elements  25  to permit selective stretching or expansion of at least a defined area of the region  15  to accommodate particular patient anatomy or implantation needs. The stretch elements and corresponding geometry can be provided in all or only selected cell patterns of the implant  10  to provide targeted stretchability or deformability sections. 
         [0055]    As shown in  FIGS. 8-9 , portions or edge regions of the implant  10  can include a plurality of spaced extending wisps or members  38 . The members  38  can serve to soften the tactile feel and operative contact of the edges of the unitary implant  10 . The members  38  can be integrally formed to extend from the struts  14 . The members  38  can be configured as relatively flexible looped, linear or arcuate extensions. Certain embodiments of the members  38  can be provided with the implant  10  such that they remain substantially within or along the plane of the implant  10 . Other embodiments can include members  38  adapted to measurably extend or displace transversely relative to the plane of the implant  10 . 
         [0056]    As shown in  FIG. 13 , the implant  10  support portion  12  can include a plurality of protuberances or nubs  25  generally extending and lying within the cell structure or strut  14  construct of the implant  10 . One or more of the nubs  25  can be included within any, or all, of the defined cell voids  26 . The nubs  25  can extend substantially along the same plane as the implant  10 , or generally transverse to that plane. The nubs  25  can provide increased load support and contact points while not substantially increasing the surface area of the support portion  12  of the implant  10 . In addition, the spacing and configuration of the nubs  25  still permits and promotes tissue in-growth within the voids  26 . 
         [0057]    The implants  10  described herein can be implanted into a patient by use of various different types of surgical tools, including insertion tools, which generally are tools useful to engage and place a tissue anchor or a connector that is secured to an extension portion of an implant. Various types of insertion tools are known, including those in the previously-incorporated references, and these types of tools and modifications thereof can be used according to the present description to install the implant  10 . 
         [0058]    Examples of various insertion techniques and tools are included in  FIGS. 14-18 . Each tool  60  can include a handle  62 , needle  64  and engaging distal tip  66 . The handle  62  can include an actuation mechanism  63  in operative communication with the distal tip  66  and adapted to selectively control engagement and/or disengagement of the distal tip  66  with portions of the implant  10  (e.g., anchors  50 ). In various embodiments, the distal tip  66  of a certain tool  60  is adapted to engage with, deploy, position and anchor or insert an anchor fixation arm  68  into the sacrospinous ligament of the patient, with a length or portion of the fixation arm  68  fed through and secured to the eyelet  18  and grommet  19  feature of the implant  10 . The anchor fixation arm  68  can include a rod or extension  68   a,  a mesh portion  68   b,  and a distal anchor  68   c . Certain embodiments of the anchor fixation arm  68  can include an external sheath adapted to shroud portions of the arm  68  during deployment (e.g., the mesh  68   b  and anchor  68   c ). 
         [0059]    In one embodiment of the surgical procedure for implanting the implant  10  within a female patient to treat vaginal prolapse, an incision is made in the anterior vaginal wall of the patient, and a full thickness dissection is made of the anterior wall. Tissue is generally cleared from the sacrospinous ligaments. The tissue anchors  50  (adapted as anterior fixation anchors) are loaded on to the distal tip  66  of an anterior fixation tool  60 . The tissue anchors  50  are then inserted into the obturator internus muscle with a finger-guided needle  60 , bilaterally. The implant  10  can be trimmed and sutured to the anatomy as required. Next, the fixation arm  68  is loaded onto a corresponding needle tool  60 , advanced through to the sacrospinous ligament and the distal anchor  68   c  of the arm  68  is inserted through the ligament to provide fixation. Again, an actuation mechanism  63  can be activated to disengage the arm  68  or its respective anchor  68   c  from the tool  60 . In those embodiments of the arm  68  having an outer sheath or sleeve, the sleeve can be removed. Alternatively, the sheath can remain in place to provide bidirectional adjustment of the arm  68  within the eyelet/grommet aperture configuration of the implant  10 . Again, this ligament fixation can occur bilaterally. 
         [0060]    Once the arms  68  are fixated within the target ligaments (on each side), the eyelet  18  and grommet  19  on each side of the implant  10  is slid over and along the respective arm  68  (e.g., rod  68   a  and mesh  68   b  portions). As such, the grommet teeth  19   a  will grab onto and secure the mesh  68   b  of the fixation arm  68  therein. Final tension and adjustment can be provided at the fixation and related portions of the implant  10 . Next, excess lengths of the fixation arms  68  extending out from the eyelet  18  can be trimmed and removed. The vaginal incision can then be closed with sutures to complete the procedure. 
         [0061]    To facilitate proper deployment of the anchor  50  from the needle  60  and into target tissue (e.g., obturator internus muscle), the rod  48  can be shaped or sized to better run along the tool  60  ( FIGS. 17-18 ). Further, the rod  48  can include bends, kinks, twists or like features such that the anchor  50  is under torque (e.g., stored energy) when engaged at the end  66  of the tool  60 . As such, once the anchor  50  is penetrated through the target tissue and disengaged from the end  66 , the anchor will untwist or return to its original orientation (e.g, spring-like return), such that the anchor tines  51  align along a different plane or path from where they entered the target tissue. This realignment of the tines  51  post-fixation keeps the tines  51  from existing back through the tissue path created with the original tissue engagement or penetration. Other devices or methods can be employed to cause this post-penetration rotation or realignment of the anchor  50  and tines  51 . For instance, a portion of the tool  60  (e.g., distal end  66 ) can be actuated to provide the desired rotation or realignment, or the tool  60  can be manipulated to cause the realignment. Further, the distal tip  66  of the tool  60  can be angled or positioned such that the anchor  50  is angled or askew during deployment, but then unleashed to a new alignment angle after release or disengagement from the tool  60 . 
         [0062]      FIGS. 19-22  demonstrate additional exemplary implant  10  designs, as well as cell and strut  14  patterns for use with embodiments of the invention. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that a myriad of other shapes, sizes and configurations can be employed based on the teachings provided herein. Further, the implant  10  and support portion  12  can be constructed and sized to serve as an elongate incontinence sling, or as a larger prolapse implant. 
         [0063]    The implant  10  can include extending arms  70  providing load distribution and/or anchoring features. The support portion  12  can be integrally formed with the arms  70 , or separately fused together to form a unitary body. As with the various embodiments of the present invention, the struts  14  can have variable widths or thicknesses, can be tapered, can include apertures, or can include defined shapes and/or patterns, e.g., sinusoids, squares, elliptical, triangular, elbowed, straight, or other simple or complex shapes and patterns. Unique strut  14  designs and cellular patterns can be included within a single implant  10  to provide different zones, having different stress, load distribution or compression characteristics. Other strut  14  designs and patterns can be employed as well to achieve the functionality described and depicted herein. 
         [0064]    By arranging the density of the cell patterns with the embodiments of the implants  10  of the present invention, it is possible to tailor the elongation, load or strength properties of the implant  10  according to specific needs and support requirements. Moreover, more than one material can be used to construct the implant  10  to further control desired load and stress properties, e.g., combining different polymers such as polypropylene, PEEK, PET, PTFE, PGA, PLA, etc. Polymers could also be combined with metallic elements to alter strength and elongation profiles of the implant  10 . The stronger materials would take up stresses from higher load regions faster, thereby allowing for a method to selectively control performance characteristics of the implant  10 . Moreover, a polymer or metal frame could be provided along the periphery or other select areas of the implant  10  to provide additional strength or rigidity properties. 
         [0065]    As detailed herein, various structures and components of the present invention can be integrally formed into a unitary body via a molding process. For instance, an injection molding machine (e.g., Milacron Roboshot S2000i 33B machine) having internal vacuum and cooling lines can be employed. In general, a dry resin, such as a polypropylene resin (e.g., Pro-fax PD 626), is maintained at approximately 170° F. for several hours. In addition, the mold device can be heated to approximately 130° F. Then, the mold vacuum lines can be started and the injection molding cycle initiated. The mold cavities will be filled and the device will be cooled for a period of time (e.g., 18 seconds). Upon completion, the mold is opened and part ejection will activate with evacuation. The mold can then be closed and the cycle repeated for additional injection molded implants. Other known molding processes and systems can be employed with the present invention as well. 
         [0066]    Embodiments of the implant  10  can be formed or cut along a precise cutting tool path (e.g., using the DPSS 266 laser system), to cut the implant  10  and strut  14  features and designs in an already unitary film or sheet of polymer material. Alternatively, the implant features and portions can be stamped into such a unitary film or sheet material. 
         [0067]    The implants  10 , their various components, structures, features, materials and methods may have a number of suitable configurations and applications, as shown and described in the previously-incorporated references. Various methods and tools for introducing, deploying, anchoring and manipulating implants to treat incontinence and prolapse as disclosed in the previously-incorporated references are envisioned for use with the present invention as well. 
         [0068]    All patents, patent applications, and publications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if individually incorporated, and include those references incorporated within the identified patents, patent applications and publications. 
         [0069]    Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the teachings herein. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein.