Patent Publication Number: US-2021161636-A1

Title: Stress urinary incontinence treatment medical implant

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 as a divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/322,159 filed on Dec. 26, 2016 and claims priority to Indian Application No. 1714/DEL/2014, filed on Jun. 26, 2014 and PCT/IN2015/050054 filed on Jun. 25, 2015, which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field 
     The present invention generally relates to medical implants and more particularly relates to delivery, positioning, and fixation of the medical implants in a patient&#39;s body, and methods and systems thereof. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
     Pelvic health for men and women is a medical area of increasing importance due to an aging population. Examples of common pelvic ailments include fecal incontinence, urinary incontinence, pelvic tissue prolapse e.g., vaginal wall prolapse, and other disorders of the pelvic floor. 
     Current treatment options include dietary and lifestyle changes and exercises to strengthen the pelvic muscles (Kegels), use of a pessary, and surgical procedures. Various kinds of surgical methods are used for treating pelvic organ prolapse and incontinence. These procedures may include, for example, sub-urethral support, support to bladder neck, vaginal wall or vaginal vault prolapse surgery, cystocele surgery, urethrocele surgery, rectocele surgery, enterocele surgery, and hysterectomy, and the like. During vaginal wall surgery for example, a surgeon usually makes incisions in the walls of the vagina and then tries to reattach support tissues to their original positions. This can be difficult and dangerous and is quite often unsuccessful. As a result various prosthetic meshes have been developed in an attempt to more strongly compensate for the damage of the native tissue and the inability to recreate the original support. Further, fixation of a surgical implant for use in incontinence repair or prolapse repair may also be a complicated task and requires extreme care. 
     In view of the above, there is a need for an improved procedure for repairing pelvic disorders and providing improved ways and devices for delivering, placing, and attaching implants inside a body of a patient. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention provides an implant for providing support to a weakened tissue. The implant includes an elongate body member with a proximal portion, a distal and an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion is configured to be positioned proximate the weakened tissue underneath urethra to provide support. The implant further includes a plurality of inflatable anchors positioned on an outer surface of the elongated body member. The plurality of inflatable anchors are configured to assume an inflated state and a relaxed state. The implant further includes a tubular member mechanically coupled to one or more anchors of the plurality of inflatable anchors. The tubular member includes a lumen that provides a passageway for circulating a fluid through the one or more anchors of the plurality of inflatable anchors. The implant may include an injection port coupled to the tubular member for injecting the fluid. 
     The present invention provides a method for placement and fixation of an implant to support a weakened tissue. The method includes delivering the implant inside a body of a patient. The implant includes an elongate body member and a plurality of inflatable anchors positioned on an outer surface of the elongated body member, wherein the plurality of inflatable anchors are configured to assume an inflated state and a relaxed state. The method includes placing the implant at a target site underneath the weakened tissue. The method further includes injecting a fluid through a tubular member mechanically coupled to the plurality of inflatable anchors so as to cause inflation of the inflatable anchors, wherein the inflation facilitates piercing of the plurality of inflatable anchors within bodily tissues and fixation of the implant at the target site. 
     The present invention provides an implant for providing support to a weakened tissue. The implant includes a first strip, a second strip and a third strip coupled together to define a Y-shaped sling. The Y-shaped sling is configured to provide support to vaginal walls for treatment of vaginal wall prolapse. The first strip is configured to be attached to an anterior vaginal wall, the second strip is configured to be attached to a posterior vaginal wall, and the third strip is configured to be attached proximate sacrum. The implant further includes a plurality of inflatable anchors positioned on an outer surface of the first strip such that the plurality of inflatable anchors are configured to assume an inflated state and a relaxed state. The implant includes a tubular member mechanically coupled to one or more anchors of the plurality of inflatable anchors, wherein the tubular member includes a lumen that provides a passageway for circulating a fluid through the one or more anchors of the plurality of inflatable anchors. The implant may further include an injection port coupled to the tubular member for injecting the fluid. 
     The present invention provides an implant for treatment of stress urinary incontinence. The implant includes an elongate body member with a proximal portion, a distal portion, and an intermediate portion, wherein the intermediate portion is configured to be positioned proximate a weakened tissue underneath urethra to provide support. The implant further includes a plurality of bi-directional barbs positioned on an outer surface of the elongated body member. The plurality of bi-directional barbs may include a first set of barbs directed to a first direction and disposed proximate the proximal portion and a second set of barbs directed to a second direction and disposed proximate the distal end portion. The plurality of bi-directional barbs are configured to assume an exposed state and a relaxed state. The implant further includes a first flexible member attaching to at least one barb of the first set of barbs, and a second flexible member attaching to at least one barb of the second set of barbs. The first flexible member and the second flexible member are configured to cause the at least one barb of the first set of barbs and the at least one barb of the second set of barbs respectively to assume the exposed state from the relaxed state upon activation such that the activation is configured to cause anchoring of the exposed barbs into soft tissues during a surgical implant of the implant. 
     The present invention provides a method for fixation of a urogynecoloical implant with bodily tissues underneath urethra for urinary incontinence treatment. The method may include delivering the implant inside a body of a patient, wherein the implant includes an elongate body member and a plurality of bi-directional barbs disposed on an outer surface of the elongate body member. The plurality of bi-directional barbs may include a first set of barbs directed to a First direction and a second set of barbs directed to a second direction. The implant may include a First flexible member attaching to at least one barb of the first set of barbs, and a second flexible member attaching to at least one barb of the second set of barbs. The method may include placing the implant at a target site underneath the urethra so that an intermediate portion of the elongate body member supports the urethra and end portions of the elongate body member along with the First flexible member and the second flexible extend out of the body through two contra lateral abdominal incisions. The method may include pulling ends of the First flexible member and the second flexible member on either sides of the implant through the two abdominal incisions so as to actuate the at least one barb of the first set of barbs and the at least one barb of the second set of barbs associated with the first flexible member and the second flexible member respectively. The actuation causes the at least one barb of the first set of barbs and the at least one barb of the second set of barbs to get exposed and penetrate through bodily tissues for fixation of the implant. The method may include cutting end portions of the first flexible member and the second flexible member that hang outside the body, after fixation. 
     The present invention provides a method for placing an implant for vaginal wall prolapse treatment. The method includes delivering the implant inside a body along a pathway through an opening proximate sacrum. The method may include attaching a first portion of the implant to an anterior vaginal wall and attaching a second portion of the implant to a posterior vaginal wall and attaching a third portion of the implant to a tissue proximate the sacrum. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       The invention and the following detailed description of certain embodiments thereof may be understood with reference to the following figures: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a schematic diagram of an implant in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a schematic diagram of an implant in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 3 and 4  illustrate perspective diagrams of an implant in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a method diagram for delivering and fixing an implant inside a body of a patient in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 6-8  illustrate an implant positioned inside a body of a patient in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 9-10  illustrate schematic diagrams of implants in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a schematic diagram of an implant in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 12-18  illustrate implants in accordance with different embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 19  illustrates a method diagram for performing a surgical procedure for delivering an implant in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 20A-20C  illustrate delivery and positioning of an implant inside a body of a patient in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. 
     The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having”, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open transition). 
     The embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in slings suitable for the treatment of urinary incontinence, faecal incontinence and to effect pelvic floor, perineal floor, and pelvic proplapse repairs. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a block diagram of an implant  100  for use in the treatment of pelvic floor disorders such as but not limited to urinary incontinence, anterior vaginal wall prolapse, posterior vaginal wall prolapse, apical prolapse, or any other organ or tissue prolapse. In some embodiments, the implant  100  may be used to treat hernia. In other embodiments, the implant  100  may be used to treat any other weakened organ or tissues in a patient&#39;s body. The implant  100  includes an elongate body member  102 . The elongate body member  102  includes a proximal end portion  104  and a distal end portion  106 . The proximal end portion  104  and the distal end portion  106  of the implant  100  may be adapted to be fixed to bodily locations so as to support an organ or a weakened tissue. The implant  100  includes an intermediate portion  108  that may be positioned proximate a weakened tissue to be supported by the implant  100 . For example, in an embodiment when the implant  100  is used for the treatment of urinary incontinence, the intermediate portion  108  also referred to as support portion  108  may be positioned underneath urethra for providing support to the urethra and the proximal end portion  104  and the distal end portion  106  may be attached to bodily tissues on either sides of the urethra to fix the implant  100  appropriately. 
     The length and width of the implant  100  may be defined based on anatomical structure of a patient and a target location. In an embodiment, the width of the implant  100  may be kept uniform from the proximal end portion  104  to the distal end portion  106 . In an embodiment, the width of the implant  100  may vary. For example, the support portion  108  may be defined with increased width to support the target tissue and the proximal and distal end portions  104  and  106  may be defined with relatively reduced width. In an embodiment, the implant  100  may be symmetrically shaped about both longitudinal axis and its transverse axis. In another embodiment, the implant  100  may not be symmetric about at least one of the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis. 
     In an embodiment, the implant  100  generally defines an elongated portion wherein the intermediate support portion  108  may define a hexagonal, rectangular, linear, triangular or any other shape. In an embodiment, the implant  100  can be a linear strip of a mesh or non-mesh based material. In some embodiments, the end portions (proximal end portion  104  and the distal end portion  106 ) are made of same material. In some embodiments, the proximal end portion  104 , the distal end portion  106 , and the intermediate portion  108  may be made of one or more materials. In some embodiments, various portions of the implant  100  may be made of synthetic material or biologic material or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the implant  100  may include polymeric material with or without mesh cell structures. Exemplary polymeric materials are polypropylene, polyester, polyethylene, nylon, PVC, polystyrene, and the like. In some embodiments, the implant  100  is made of a non-woven polymeric material. In an embodiment, the implant  100  is made of a woven material. In an embodiment, the constituent material is knit to form the implant  100 . The implant  100  may be defined in the form of a mesh that may be made from a monofilament. In an example, the mesh implant  100  can be made from coated or uncoated monofilament macro-porous polypropylene. In an example, the surface of the mesh is smooth to avoid or reduce irritation on adjacent body tissues during interactions with bodily tissues. In an example, the mesh is stretchable and flexible to adapt movements along an anatomy of the patient body and reduce suture pullout. In some embodiments, the implant  100  can be made from natural materials such as biologic materials or cadaveric tissues. Exemplary biologic materials can be bovine dermis, porcine dermis, porcine intestinal sub mucosa, bovine pericardium, a cellulose based product, cadaveric dermis, and the like. In some embodiments, the implant  100  may be made from a biodegradable or a bio-absorbable material. In some embodiments, the implant  100  may be made from any other biocompatiable material. 
     The implant  100  includes a plurality of barbs  110  (hereafter interchangeably referred to as barbs  110 ) that are located at distinct locations on the implant  100 . In an embodiment, the barbs  110  are positioned on the proximal and distal end portions  104  and  106  of the implant  100 . In an embodiment, the barbs  110  are positioned on the support portion  108  as well. In an embodiment, the barbs  110  are unidirectional in nature. In an embodiment, the barbs  110  are bi-directional in nature with one sided barbs disposed on a first portion of the implant  100  and substantially opposite sided barbs disposed on a second portion of the implant  100 . For example, a first set of barbs  116  disposed on the first portion of the implant  100  may be directed toward a first direction and a second set of barbs  118  disposed on the second portion of the implant  100  may be directed toward a second direction. In some embodiments, orientations or directions of the barbs  110  may be along a longitudinal axis or substantially along the longitudinal axis of the implant  100 . In some embodiments, the orientations or directions of the barbs  110  may not be substantially along the longitudinal axis of the implant  100 . In some embodiments, the orientations of the different barbs  110  may be different based on fixation requirements. 
     Each of the barbs  110  may include a pointed tip portion that is adapted to pierce bodily tissues for fixation. The barbs  110  include base portions that extend from the implant  100 . In embodiments, the barbs  110  are configured on outer surface of the implant  100 . In an embodiment, the barbs  110  are configured on an entire outer surface. In an embodiment, the barbs  110  are configured on a selected portion of the outer surface. The base portions of the barbs  110  are coupled to the outer surface of the implant  100  so that the barbs  110  are moveable with respect to the outer surface of the implant  100  in an embodiment. For example, the barbs  110  can rotate with respect to the outer surface. In an embodiment, the base portions of the barbs  110  may include holes through which implant  100  fibres may extend so as to couple the barbs  110  with the elongate body member  102  in a manner that would allow movement of the barbs  110  with respect to the outer surface of the implant  100  or body of the implant  100 . In an embodiment, the base portions of the barbs  110  may not include holes rather the base portions may be directly tied to mesh fibres of the elongate body member  102  of the implant  100  flexibly so that the tip portions of the barbs  110  may move relative to the base portions. In an embodiment, the base portions may be tied with the implant fibres through knots. In an embodiment, the base portions of the barbs  110  may be fixed with the elongate body member  102  through adhesives. In an embodiment, the barbs  110  may be defined monolithically as integral structural portions of the elongate body member  102 . In accordance with various other embodiments, the barbs  110  may be provided within the implant  100  through various other mechanisms and modes without any limitations. 
     In an embodiment, the barbs  110  are configured to assume one of the two states—an exposed state or a deployed state (hereafter used interchangeably without limitations), and an unexposed state or a relaxed state (hereafter used interchangeably without limitations). The barbs  110  may generally remain in the unexposed state and assume the exposed state upon activation during or after placement of the implant  100  inside a patient&#39;s body during a surgical treatment procedure. The unexposed state defines a state of the barbs  110  in which the barbs  110  substantially remain deployed on the outer surface of the implant  100  and do not extend outward from the outer surface. For example, in the unexposed state, longitudinal axes of the barbs  110  may be substantially parallel to longitudinal axis of the elongate body member  102  of the implant  100 . In the unexposed state, the barbs  110  may lie on the outer surface of the elongate body member  102  on their own and no external force may be applied on the barbs  110  to change their positions with respect to the outer surface of the elongate body member  102 . In the exposed state, the barbs  110  protrude outward from the outer surface of the implant  100  so that the longitudinal axes of the barbs  110  may no more be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body member  102  of the implant  100 . When in the exposed state, in some embodiments, the longitudinal axes of the barbs  110  may define an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body member  102 . The angle may be 90 degree or less than 90 degree based on fixation requirements. In some embodiments, the angle may be even more than 90 degree. An external force may be applied on the barbs  110  to change their positions and cause them to protrude outward and assume the exposed state. The exposed state may be defined by the change in the orientations of the barbs  110  when the external force is applied. 
     In an embodiment, the implant  100  includes a first flexible member  112  that couples with the first set of barbs  116  such that a portion of the first flexible member  112  extends beyond the proximal end portion  104  of the implant  100  and hangs outside the elongate body member  102  of the implant  100 . The first flexible member  112  is coupled to the first set of barbs  116  such that upon stretching of the first flexible member  112 , the first set of barbs  116  gets activated and assumes the exposed state. It must be appreciated that more than one such first flexible member  112  may be employed as is explained in accordance with some embodiments discussed in conjunction with later figures. In an example, the first flexible member  112  is attached to at least one barb of the first set of barbs  116 . In an embodiment, the implant  100  includes a second flexible member  114  that couples with the second set of barbs  118  such that a portion of the second flexible member  114  extends beyond the distal end portion  106  of the implant  100  and hangs outside the elongate body member  102  of the implant  100 . The second flexible member  114  is coupled to the second set of barbs  118  such that upon stretching or pulling the second flexible member  114 , the second set of barbs  118  gets activated and assumes the exposed state. It must be appreciated that more than one such second flexible member  114  may be employed as is explained in accordance with some embodiments discussed in conjunction with later figures. In an example, the second flexible member  114  is attached to at least one barb of the second set of barbs  118 . In some embodiments, the first and second flexible members  112  and  114  are sutures. In some embodiments, the first and second flexible members  112  and  114  are threads. In some embodiments, the first and second flexible members  112  and  114  are wires. In some embodiments, the first and second flexible members  112  and  114  are metallic strings. In some embodiments, the first and second flexible members  112  and  114  can be any other type of flexible element. In accordance with various embodiments, the barbs  110  may be configured to assume the exposed state through various activation and actuation mechanisms. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a schematic view of an implant  200  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The implant  200  includes an elongate body member  202 . The elongate body member  202  includes a proximal end portion  204  and a distal end portion  206 . The proximal end portion  204  and the distal end portion  206  of the implant  200  may be adapted to be fixed to bodily locations so as to support an organ or a weakened tissue. The implant  200  includes an intermediate portion  208  that may be positioned proximate the weakened tissue to be supported by the implant  200 . For example, in an embodiment when the implant  200  is used for the treatment of urinary incontinence, the intermediate portion  208  also referred to as support portion  208  may be positioned underneath urethra for providing support to the urethra and the proximal end portion  204  and the distal end portion  206  may be attached to bodily tissues on either sides of the urethra to fix the implant  200  appropriately. The implant  200  can be defined with different shapes and sizes and may be fabricated from various materials such as those discussed in conjunction with  FIG. 1  above without limitations. 
     The implant  200  includes a plurality of barbs  210  (hereafter interchangeably referred to as barbs  210 ) that are located at distinct locations on the implant  200 . As shown, 32 such barbs are provided in the elongate body  202  member at 32 distinct locations. In accordance with the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the barbs  210  are bi-directional in nature with one sided barbs disposed on a first portion  212  of the elongate body member  202  and substantially opposite sided barbs disposed on a second portion  214  of the elongate body member  202 . For example, a first set of barbs  216  disposed on the first portion  212  of the elongate body member  202  may be directed toward a first direction and a second set of barbs  218  disposed on the second portion  214  of the elongate body member  202  may be directed toward a second direction. In some embodiments, orientations or directions of the barbs  210  may be defined based on fixation requirements such as discussed in conjunction with  FIG. 1  without limitations. 
     Each of the barbs  210  includes a pointed tip portion  220  that is adapted to pierce bodily tissues for fixation. The barbs  210  include base portions such as a base portion  222  that extend from the elongate body member  202 . In embodiments, the barbs  210  are configured on outer surface  224  of the elongate body member  202 . In an embodiment, the barbs  210  are configured on the entire outer surface  224 . In an embodiment, the barbs  210  are configured on a selected portion of the outer surface  224 . The base portions  222  of the barbs  210  are coupled to the outer surface  224  of the elongate body member  202  so that the barbs  210  are moveable with respect to the outer surface  224  of the elongate body member  202  in an embodiment. For example, the barbs  210  can rotate with respect to the outer surface  224 . In an embodiment, the base portions  222  of the barbs  210  may include holes through which implant fibers may extend so as to couple the barbs  210  with the elongate body member  202  in a manner that would allow movement of the barbs  210  with respect to the outer surface  224  of the elongate body member  202 . In an embodiment, the base portions  222  of the barbs  210  may not include holes rather the base portions  222  may be directly tied to mesh fibres of the elongate body member  202  of the implant  200  flexibly so that the tip portions  220  of the barbs  210  may move relative to the base portions  222 . In an embodiment, the base portions  222  may be tied with the implant fibres through knots. In another embodiment, the base portions  222  of the barbs  210  may be fixed with the elongate body member  202  through adhesives. In another embodiment, the barbs  210  may be defined monolithically as integral structural portions of the elongate body member  202 . In accordance with various other embodiments, the barbs  210  may be provided within the elongate body member  202  through various other mechanisms and modes without any limitations. 
     In an embodiment, the barbs  210  are configured to assume one of the two states—an exposed state or a deployed state (hereafter used interchangeably without limitations), and an unexposed state or a relaxed state (hereafter used interchangeably without limitations). These states are already discussed in conjunction with  FIG. 1 . 
     In an embodiment, the implant  200  includes a first set of flexible members  226  including four flexible members  226   a ,  226   b ,  226   c , and  226   d  that couples with the first set of barbs  216  such that a portion of each of the four flexible members  226  extends beyond the proximal end portion  204  of the elongate body member  202  and hangs outside the elongate body member  202  of the implant  200 . The first set of flexible members  226  are coupled to the first set of barbs  216  such that upon stretching or pulling of the first flexible members  226  along direction XI, the first set of barbs  216  gets activated and assumes the exposed state. In an example, the first flexible members  226  are attached to at least one barb. For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , each of the first flexible members  226  is coupled to four barbs. In an embodiment, the implant  200  includes a second set of flexible members  228  that couples with the second set of barbs  218  such that a portion of each of the second flexible members  228  extends beyond the distal end portion  206  of the elongate body member  202  and hangs outside the elongate body member  202  of the implant  200 . The second set of flexible members  228  (or second flexible members) is coupled to the second set of barbs  218  such that upon stretching or pulling the second flexible members  228  along direction X2, the second set of barbs  218  gets activated and assumes the exposed state. In an example, each of the second flexible members  228  is attached to at least one barb. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, each of the second flexible members  228  is coupled with four barbs. In some embodiments, the First and second flexible members  226  and  228  are sutures or threads or wires or metallic strings or any other type of flexible element.  FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of the implant  200  of  FIG. 2  with the barbs  210  in the exposed state.  FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of the implant  200  of  FIG. 2  with the barbs  210  in the deployed state. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a method diagram  500  for delivering and placing the implant such as  200  or  100  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The method of delivering and placing the implant  200  is now described hereafter referring to  FIGS. 5 and 2, 3, and 4  in an embodiment. At step  502 , the method  500  includes delivering the implant  200  inside a body of a patient. In some embodiments, the implant  200  is inserted inside the body through a laparoscopic approach. For example, the method  500  may include creating an abdominal incision for delivering the implant  200  inside the body laparoscopically. In some embodiments, the implant  200  is delivered through a transvaginal approach. The barbs  210  of the implant  200  may be in unexposed state during delivery and placing of the implant  200  at its target site. At step  504 , the method  500  includes placing the implant  200  at the target site underneath the urethra or bladder neck so that the intermediate portion  208  of the elongate body member  202  supports the urethra and end portions  204  and  206  of the elongate member  202  along with the flexible members  226  and  228  extend out of the body through two contra lateral abdominal incisions. The method  500  further includes pulling ends of the flexible members  226  and  228  on either sides of the implant  200  through the two abdominal or other incisions at step  506 . The pulling of the flexible members  226  and  228  causes the barbs  210  to get exposed and protrude outward causing to pierce surrounding bodily tissues. This fixes and secures the implant  200 . At step  508 , the method  500  may further include cutting the end portions of the flexible members  226  and  228  that hang outside the body after the implant  200  is fixed. The cut portions are then removed. Subsequently, bodily incisions may be closed after appropriate tensioning and fixation of the implant  200 . The method  500  may include making two contra lateral abdominal incisions. The method  500  may further include making a vaginal incision. 
     In some embodiments, the surgical procedure or method as discussed above may be employed to support the urethra U (shown in  FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 ) for facilitating incontinence repair. In an embodiment, the procedure can be used to support the urethra U with the use of the implant  200  in a retro-pubic manner as shown in  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 6  illustrates a front view of a pelvic bone of a female showing the position of the implant  200  supporting the urethra U with a retro-pubic passage of the implant  200 . In an embodiment, the procedure as discussed above can be used to support the urethra U with the use of the implant  200  in a trans-obturator manner as shown in  FIG. 7 .  FIG. 7  is a front view of a pelvic bone of a female showing the position of the implant  200  supporting the urethra U with a trans-obturator passage. 
     In an embodiment, the end portions  204  and  206  of the implant  200  may be coupled to dilators (not shown). For example, a first dilator may be coupled to the proximal end portion  204  and a second dilator may be coupled to the distal end portion  206  of the implant  200 . The dilators are configured to be coupled to a surgical needle or a delivery device for facilitating delivery of the implant to the target site. In an embodiment, the implant  200  may be coupled to a sleeve (not shown) that covers the implant substantially. The sleeve may be removed after placement of the implant  200  at the target site and before letting the barbs  210  to expose. Once the sleeve is removed after placement, the flexible members  226  and  228  are pulled to cause the barbs  210  to be exposed. The sleeve facilitates in prevention of infection during the surgical procedure. In an embodiment, the sleeve may be coupled to the implant  200  through leader loops that may be fabricated from sutures or threads or any other flexible member. The sleeve may be decoupled from the implant by cutting and removing the leader loops. 
       FIG. 8  is an enlarged view of the implant  200  supporting the urethra U in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the intermediate portion  208  of the implant  200  supports the urethra U and the end portions  204  and  206  of the implant  200  extend laterally from the urethra U and may me attached to surrounding bodily locations. In an embodiment, the barbs  210  are not provided on the intermediate portion  208  to avoid piercing of the urethra U by the barbs  210 . The barbs  210  may be provided on the end portions  204  and  206  of the elongate member  202  so as to fix the implant  200  with the surrounding bodily locations without causing any damage to the urethra U, in an embodiment. The implant  200  and the barbs  210  may be manufactured from a suitable material so as to induce in-growth of fibroblastic cells which contribute to formation of scar tissue. Over time, the scar tissue matures and contractile forces within the scar tissue may cause a tightening and shrinking of the scar tissue. The scar formation takes place along full length of the implant  200  within the material of the implant  200 . The scar formation and the material of the implant  200  creates a stiffening around and under the urethra U which then re-creates supporting function of original healthy tissue. Additionally, where the implant  200  is placed and tied laterally to the urethra U, support is added there as well. The inclusion of support below, to the sides and above the urethra U imparts a restriction and a compressive force upon the tissue of the urethra U which increases urethral sphincter opening pressure thereby reducing potential for involuntary urine loss. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates an implant  900  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 10  illustrates an implant  1000  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The implant  900  of  FIG. 9  and the implant  1000  of  FIG. 10  are similar to the implant  200  except that numbers of barbs  902  and  1002  and locations of the barbs  902  and  1002  on the implants  900  and  1000  are different than the barbs  210  of implant  200 . For example,  FIG. 10  illustrates the barbs  1002  located at different selected locations on the elongate body member  1004  based on implant fixation requirements. For example, based on predefined calculations such as based on interaction of forces at different locations and based on several other factors, it is identified that implant fixation is required at locations  1 ,  2 ,  3 ,  4 ,  5 ,  6 ,  7 , and  8  to provide an appropriate holding force and tension to the implant. Therefore, eight barbs  1002  are provided at these eight locations and each of these barbs  1002  is coupled to a respective flexible member similar to  226 . Upon placement of the implant  1000  at the target site, the barbs  1002  are actuated and the implant  1000  is fixed in manners as discussed already above in conjunction with various figures. 
     The invention disclosed in accordance with the embodiments illustrated in conjunction with  FIGS. 1-8  facilitate in fixation of the implant. The invention provides a way to avoid insertion of complex and bulky suturing and stapling devices to fix delicate tissues of and around urethra, bladder neck, vaginal walls, uterus etc which if punctured or damaged may result in heavy bleeding, infection, or even serious health issues. This can be at times life threatening. The invention avoids use of such bulky devices for suturing or fixation of the implant with bodily tissues. The implant may allow fixation to be performed easily in a simple manner with reduced chances of damage of tissues during fixation and delivery of the implant. The invention allows performing the surgical procedure quickly in a time efficient manner. The process of fixation can be made easier, time efficient, less invasive, and safe with the use of the disclosed invention. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a schematic diagram of an implant  1100  for use in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence. In other embodiments, the implant  100  may be used for treatment of other pelvic floor disorders such as but not limited to anterior vaginal wall prolapse, posterior vaginal wall prolapse, apical prolapse, or any other organ or tissue prolapse. In some embodiments, the implant  1100  may be used to treat hernia. In other embodiments, the implant  1100  may be used to treat any other weakened organ or tissues in a patient&#39;s body. 
     The implant  1100  includes an elongate body member  1102 . The elongate body member  1102  includes a proximal end portion  1104  and a distal end portion  1106 . The proximal end portion  1104  and the distal end portion  1106  of the implant  1100  may be adapted to be fixed to bodily locations so as to support an organ or a weakened tissue. The implant  1100  includes an intermediate portion  1108  that may be positioned proximate the weakened tissue to be supported by the implant  1100 . For example, in an embodiment when the implant  1100  is used for the treatment of urinary incontinence, the intermediate portion  1108  also referred to as support portion  1108  may be positioned underneath urethra for providing support to the urethra and the proximal end portion  1104  and the distal end portion  1106  may be attached to bodily tissues on either sides of the urethra to fix the implant  1100  appropriately. The implant  1100  may be defined for various shapes, sizes, and fabricated from a variety of materials such as those discussed in conjunction with  FIG. 1 . 
     The implant  1100  further includes a plurality of inflatable anchors  1110  that are located at distinct locations on the implant  1100 . The inflatable anchors  1110  are positioned on an outer surface of the elongate body member  1102 , in an embodiment. In an embodiment, the inflatable anchors  1110  are positioned on the proximal and distal end portions  1104  and  1106  of the implant  1100 . In an embodiment, the inflatable anchors  1110  are positioned on the support portion or intermediate portion  1108  as well. The plurality of inflatable anchors  1110  are configured to assume an inflated state and a relaxed state (or a deflated state). In an embodiment, the plurality of inflatable anchors  1110  are configured to advance through bodily tissues upon inflation. In an embodiment, the plurality of inflatable anchors  1110  are fabricated from an expandable elastomeric material. In an embodiment, the expandable elastomeric material is bio-absorbable. In another embodiment, the expandable elastomeric material is not bio-absorbable. In an embodiment, the plurality of inflatable anchors  1110  are made of a natural material. In an embodiment, the plurality of inflatable anchors  1110  are made of a synthetic material. In some embodiments, the material of the plurality of inflatable anchors  1110  may be any biocompatible material. In an embodiment, the plurality of inflatable anchors  1110  are provided as projections or protuberances configured to assume the inflated state and the deflated state. In an embodiment, the plurality of inflatable anchors  1110  are provided as inflatable points along implant material that are configured to assume the inflated state and the deflated state. 
     The implant  1100  further includes a plurality of tubular members  1112   a ,  1112   b , and  1112   c  together referred to as  1112  mechanically coupled to the plurality of inflatable anchors  1110 . A First tubular member  1112   a  includes a lumen that provides a passageway for circulating a fluid through a first set of the plurality of inflatable anchors  1110   a . In an embodiment, a second tubular member  1112   b  is also provided that is coupled to a second set of inflatable anchors  1110   b . The second tubular member  1112   b  also includes a lumen that provides a passageway for circulating the fluid through the second set of anchors  1110   b . In some embodiments, a third tubular member  1112   c  may be provided that is coupled to a third set of inflatable anchors  1110   c . The third tubular member  1112   c  also includes a lumen that provides a passageway for circulating the fluid through the third set of anchors  1110   c . In accordance with various embodiments, more than three or less than three such tubular members may be provided. In accordance with various embodiments, the number of inflatable anchors  1110  coupled to each such tubular member  1112  may vary. For example, the number of inflatable anchors  1110  provided with each tubular member  1112  may depend on tissue characteristics, implant characteristics, fixation strength requirements, length of the weakened tissue, and the like. 
     The implant  1100  may further include a plurality of injection ports  1114  coupled to the tubular members  1112  that may be configured for facilitating injection of the fluid through the inflatable anchors  1110 . The injection ports  1114  may be removably coupled to the tubular members  1112 . The injection ports  1114  may further be configured to receive an external injecting device (not shown) for injecting the fluid in the inflatable anchors  1110 . Upon permanent fixation of the implant  1100 , the end portions of the implant  1100  may be tied to bodily tissues and implant end portions extending beyond the bodily tissues including the injecting ports  1114  may be cut and thrown out thereby retaining the elongate body member  1102  of the implant  1100  only within the body for supporting the weakened tissues. In some embodiments, the implantable anchors  1110  may include pointed tip portions that are adapted to pierce bodily tissues for facilitating fixation when the inflatable anchors  1110  are inflated. 
     In an embodiment, the inflatable anchors  1110  are configured to assume one of the two states—the inflated state or deployed state or exposed state (hereafter used interchangeably without limitations), and the deflated state or relaxed state or unexposed state (hereafter used interchangeably without limitations). The anchors  1110  generally remain in the unexposed state and assume the inflated state upon inflation during or after placement of the implant  1100  inside a patient&#39;s body during a surgical treatment procedure. The unexposed state defines a state of the anchors  1110  in which the anchors  1110  substantially remain deployed on the outer surface of the implant  1100  and do not extend outward from the outer surface. In the exposed state, the anchors  1110  protrude outward from the outer surface of the implant  1100  upon inflation. 
     In an embodiment, the tubular members  1112  may extend from the proximal end portion  1104  to the distal end portion  1106  of the elongate body member  1102 . The injection ports  1114  are provided at one of the end portions  1104  and  1106  such as at the proximal end portion  1104  as depicted in  FIG. 11 . In such embodiments, the fluid may be injected from the injection ports  1114  provided at the proximal end portion  1104  and the fluid is then carried through the tubular members  1112  to the plurality of inflatable anchors  1110  which are connected in series with the tubular members  1112 . In some embodiments, as depicted in  FIG. 11 , the inflatable anchors  1110  on both sides of the intermediate portion  1108  are connected through same tubular members  1112 . However, in some other embodiments, anchors provided on right side of the intermediate portion  1108  and anchors provided on left side of the intermediate portion  1108  may be coupled with different tubular members so that inflation and deflation of the inflatable anchors  1110  provided on either sides of the intermediate portion  1108  are controlled separately. In such embodiments, injecting ports such as the injecting ports  1114  are provided on both end portions  1104  and  1106  of the elongate body member  1102 . 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a perspective view of the exemplary implant  1100  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention with the inflatable anchors  1110  shown in the deflated state.  FIG. 13  illustrates a perspective view of the exemplary implant  1100  with the inflatable anchors  1110  shown in the inflated state. As shown in  FIG. 14 , a fluid injection device  1402  may be coupled to an injection port of the implant  1100  so as to inject the fluid through the inflatable anchors  1110 .  FIG. 15  illustrates the implant  1100  in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the tubular member  1112  in accordance with this embodiment is flexible in nature. The tubular member  1112  may be wound over mesh fibres. The mesh fibres and the tubular members  1112  may be fabricated monolithically or may be coupled separately in accordance with various embodiments. In some embodiments, diameter of the tubular member  1112  may be of the order of diameter of mesh fibres. In some embodiments, the mesh fibres and the tubular member  1112  may be wound over one another. In an embodiment, as depicted in  FIG. 16 , the elongate body member  11102  is a non-mesh based strip as opposed to the mesh-based strip of implants discussed above in conjunction with  FIGS. 2-10 and 12-15 . The elongate body member  11102  may be fabricated from natural materials such as bodily tissues, cadaveric tissues, and the like. The elongate body member  1102  is defined in the form of a planar strip without mesh cells. The tubular member  1112  and the inflatable anchors  1110  may be fabricated monolithically and coupled to the elongate body member  1102 . The coupling between the tubular member  1112  and the elongate body member  1102  may be provided through various means including such as welding, suturing, stapling, adhesive bonding, and the like. 
       FIG. 17  illustrates an implant  1700  in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The implant  1700  includes a first strip  1702 , a second strip  1704 , and a third strip  1706 . The first strip  1702 , the second strip  1704 , and the third strip  1706  are coupled together at a junction to define a Y-shaped implant. The Y-shaped implant  1700  is configured to provide support to vaginal walls for treatment of vaginal wall prolapse. The first strip  1702  is configured to be attached to an anterior vaginal wall. The second strip  1704  is configured to be attached to a posterior vaginal wall. The third strip  1706  is configured to be attached proximate sacrum of a patient. The implant  1700  further includes a plurality of inflatable anchors  1708 . In an embodiment, each of the first strip  1702 , the second strip  1704 , and the third strip  1706  includes at least some of the plurality of inflatable anchors  1708 . The implant  1700  further includes tubular members  1710  communicatively coupled to the inflatable anchors  1708 . The tubular members  1710  and the inflatable anchors  1708  are similar to those discussed above in conjunction with various figures. The implant  1700  further includes injection ports  1712  attached to each of the tubular members  1710 . In an embodiment, each of the three strips  1702 ,  1704 , and  1706  may include the injection ports  1712  at their end portions. In another embodiment, only one or two strips may include the injection ports  1712  that may couple to the tubular members  1710  which carry the fluid to the inflatable anchors  1708  provided on each of the strips  1702 ,  1704 , and  1706 . In an embodiment, an injection device similar to those discussed above in conjunction with various figures (for example  1402 ) may be coupled to the injection ports  1712  for circulating fluid through the inflatable anchors  1708 . 
     The invention discloses a method for delivering and placement of the implant  1100  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The method includes delivering the implant  1100  inside a body of a patient. In some embodiments, the implant  1100  is inserted inside the patient&#39;s body through a laparoscopic approach. For example, the method may include creating an abdominal incision for delivering the implant  1100  inside the body laparoscopically. In some embodiments, the implant  1100  is delivered through a transvaginal approach. The inflatable anchors  1110  of the implant  1100  are in unexposed state during delivery and placement of the implant  1100  at its target site. The method includes placing the implant  1100  at a target site underneath the urethra so that the intermediate portion  1108  of the elongate body member  1102  supports the urethra and end portions  1104  and  1106  of the elongate member  1102  extend out of the body through two contra lateral abdominal incisions or groin incisions or at other locations. The method includes injecting the fluid through the tubular members  1112  mechanically coupled to the plurality of inflatable anchors  1110  so as to cause inflation of the inflatable anchors  1110 , wherein the inflation facilitates fixation of the implant  1100  with bodily tissues. 
     The fluid injection device  1402  may be coupled to the injection ports  1114  of the implant  1100  so as to inject the fluid through the inflatable anchors  1100 . The injection of the fluid causes the anchors  1110  to assume the inflated state thereby letting sharp tip portions of the anchors  1110  to pierce through bodily tissues. In case the implant  1100  needs to be adjusted, the method may further include withdrawing the fluid, after the inflatable anchors  1110  are affixed with the bodily tissues, for repositioning of the implant  1100 . The withdrawal of the fluid causes the inflatable anchors  1110  to assume the relaxed state and get disassociated from the bodily tissues. The implant  1100  is then repositioned after the anchors  1110  are in relaxed state. After repositioning, the method may further include injecting the fluid again through the tubular members  1112  so as to cause inflation of the inflatable anchors  1110 , wherein the inflation fixes the implant  1100  with the bodily tissues again. The fluid may be withdrawn by creating a backward suction pressure through the injection device  1402  causing withdrawal of the fluid and deflation of the anchors  1110  which causes the disassociation of the anchors  1110  from the bodily tissues in an embodiment. In some embodiments, the tubular members  1112  and/or the inflatable anchors  1110  are provided with a valve arrangement that operates based on fluid pressure. The fluid injected inside the port remains within unless a backward suction pressure is created to withdraw the fluid outside from the inflatable anchors  1110 . After some time, upon tissue ingrowth, the plurality of anchors  1110  may get engaged with the tissues and may not require any fluid therein to keep them maintained in the inflated state. In some embodiments, if the anchors  1110  are bioabsorbable, the anchors  1110  may get absorbed upon tissue ingrowth. 
     After the implant  1100  is properly positioned, affixed and tension is adjusted appropriately, the method may further include tying the end portions of the implant  1100  through sutures or staples with tissues. Any access portions of the elongate member  1102  are cut and removed. Subsequently, bodily incisions are closed. In some embodiments, the method may include making two contra lateral abdominal incisions. The method may further include making a vaginal incision. In some embodiment, the surgical procedure as discussed above for delivering the implant  1100  may be employed to support urethra in a manner as shown in  FIGS. 6, 7, and 8  for facilitating incontinence treatment. In an embodiment, the procedure can be used to support the urethra U with the use of the implant  1100  in a retro-pubic manner as shown in  FIG. 6 . In an embodiment, the procedure as discussed above can be used to support the urethra U with the use of the implant  1100  in a trans-obturator manner as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     In some embodiments, a method may be provided to place and fix the Y-shaped implant as discussed above in conjunction with  FIG. 17  so as to support the vaginal walls through sacrocolpopexy or other vaginal wall repair procedures. The method may involve, delivering the implant  1700 , attaching the first strip  1702  on the anterior vaginal wall, attaching the second strip  1704  on the posterior vaginal wall, and attaching the third strip  1706  proximate to the sacrum. The method may further include delivering the fluid so as to inflate the plurality of anchors  1708  that cause fixation of the implant  1700  with the vaginal walls. 
     In an example, the inflatable anchors such as  1110  may be provided at distinct locations on the outer surface of an approximately half of the length of the implant such as  1100  (or  1700  in an embodiment) including the proximal end portion  1104  and the distal end portion  1106 . In an example, the inflatable anchors  1110  may be provided at distinct locations on the entire proximal end portion  1104  and the distal end portion  1106  which may define slightly lesser or slightly more than half of the length of the implant  1100 . In an example, the inflatable anchors  1110  may be provided only on one side of the outer surface of the implant  1100  that comes in contact with the weakened tissue. In an example, the inflatable anchors  1110  may be provided with glue on tip portions of the inflatable anchors  1110  such that upon inflation when the inflatable anchors  1110  are caused to inflate and the tip portions come in contact with surrounding tissues, the glue comes in contact with the surrounding tissues and enhance attachment of the implant  1100 . 
     The invention disclosed in accordance with the embodiments illustrated in conjunction with  FIGS. 11-17  facilitate in fixation of the implant such as  1100 . The invention provides a way to avoid insertion of complex and bulky suturing and stapling devices to fix delicate tissues of and around urethra, bladder neck, vaginal walls, uterus etc which if punctured or damaged may result in heavy bleeding, infection, or even serious health issues. This can be at times life threatening. The invention avoids use of such bulky devices for suturing or fixation of the implant  1100  with bodily tissues. The implant  1100  may allow fixation to be performed easily in a simple manner with reduced chances of damage to tissues during fixation and delivery of the implant  1100 . The invention allows performing the surgical procedure quickly in a time efficient manner. The process of fixation can be made easier, time efficient, less invasive, and safe with the use of the disclosed invention. The invention allows repositioning and tension adjustment of the implant  1100  by inflating and deflating of the inflatable anchors if the implant  1100  is not positioned or tension is not provided as desired. By deflation that causes disengagement of the inflatable anchors from bodily tissues, the implant  1100  may be repositioned and/or tension may be readjusted and the inflatable anchors may be inflated again to provide engagement with the bodily tissues with better positioning and tension as needed. 
       FIG. 18  illustrates a perspective view of an implant  1800  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The implant  1800  includes a first portion  1802 , a second portion  1804 , and a third portion  1806 . The three portions  1802 ,  1804 , and  1806  can be defined rectangular or triangular or trapezoidal or curved in shape or may have any other shape. The first portion  1802  may be configured to be attached to a first bodily portion. In an embodiment, the first bodily portion may be an anterior vaginal wall such that the first portion  1802  may be configured to be positioned at the anterior vaginal wall. The second portion  1804  may be configured to be attached to a second bodily portion. In an embodiment, the second bodily portion may be a posterior vaginal wall such that the second portion  1804  may be configured to be positioned at the posterior vaginal wall. The third portion  1806  may be configured to be attached to a third bodily portion. In an embodiment, the third bodily portion may be sacrum or tissues proximate the sacrum or lumbar vertebra, tail bone, or illium portion of hip bone or uterus, or any other location or nearby tissues such that the third portion  1806  may be configured to be positioned at or proximate to the sacrum or lumbar vertebra, tail bone, and illium portion of hip bone or uterus or any other location or nearby tissues. In an embodiment, the implant  1800  can be configured as a Y-shaped mesh-based implant. In an embodiment, the implant  1800  can be fabricated from a natural tissue or material or from a synthetic material or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, the implant  1800  can be made as a mesh-based structure or non-mesh based planar structures. In an embodiment, the implant  1800  can be similar to the implants discussed in conjunction with various figures in the document above except that the implant  1800  may or may not include the inflatable anchors such as  1110  and plurality of barbs such as  110 . In various embodiments, the implant  1800  can be made of various materials and can be defined for different shapes such as those discussed in conjunction with  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 19  illustrates a method diagram for repairing prolapsed tissues in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 20A-20C  illustrate schematic diagrams of delivery and placement of the implant  1800  in the body of the patient such as through the method of  FIG. 19 . The method is described herein in an embodiment referring to  FIGS. 18, 19 and 20A-20C . In accordance with an embodiment, the method diagram specifically discusses repair of prolapsed vaginal walls such as an anterior vaginal and a posterior vaginal wall. However, in some embodiments, the method can be used to repair other prolapsed tissues without limitations. 
     At step  1902 , the method includes delivering the implant  1800  inside a body along a pathway through an opening proximate sacrum S. Instead of using a vaginal or an abdominal incision for delivery and placing of the implant  1800 , the implant  1800  may be inserted and placed along the pathway from an incision or cavity proximate the sacrum S extending through bodily tissues and reaching up to the prolapsed vaginal walls such as the anterior vaginal wall (AVW) and posterior vaginal wall (PVW) or other prolapsed tissues. In an embodiment, the opening can be a naturally existing lumen such as sacral foramen F. In an example, the sacral foramen F can be SI, S3 or any other foramen. In accordance with these embodiments, the implant  1800  may be inserted through the sacral foramen F so that incisions can be made to access the foramen F and allow placement of the implant  1800  proximate the prolapsed vaginal walls AVW and PVW by accessing the sacral foramen F. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the opening can be an artificially created opening or cavity proximate a sacral foramen F such that the prolapsed tissue is accessed along the pathway through the artificially created cavity proximate the sacral foramen F. For example, in an embodiment, access to the prolapsed tissue may be made through or above the iliac bone such that an artificial lumen may be defined for example by drilling a hole to reach the prolapsed tissue. It is to be understood that the surgical approach may include other access passages (for reaching prolapsed vaginal or uterine tissue) in and around the sacrum S that is not categorically mentioned herein in various embodiments. 
     Once the implant  1800  is delivered inside the body proximate the vaginal walls AVW and PVW, the first portion  1802  of the implant  1800  and the second portion  1804  of the implant  1800  may be positioned on the anterior vaginal wall AVW and the posterior vaginal wall PVW respectively at appropriate locations where the first portion  1802  and the second portion  1804  are configured to be attached, at step  1904 . 
     At step  1906 , the method may include attaching the first portion  1802  of the implant  1800  to the anterior vaginal wall AVW. At step  1908 , the method may include attaching the second portion  1804  of the implant  1800  to the posterior vaginal wall PVW. At step  1910 , the method may include attaching the third portion of the implant  1800  to a tissue proximate the sacrum S. In an embodiment, the first portion  1802 , the second portion  1804 , and the third portion  1806  of the implant  1800  may be attached to the bodily tissues such as the anterior vaginal wall AVW, posterior vaginal wall PVW and the tissues proximate the sacrum S respectively with the use of staples, glues, sutures, anchors etc. 
     In accordance with an embodiment, the implant  1800  may be delivered inside the body with the use of a trocar or any other delivery tool. In an embodiment, the delivery tool may include a hollow construction to accommodate the mesh therein. The delivery tool may be configured to articulate or move to follow the path (i.e., above iliac bone, through the iliac bone or through the sacrum S or through the sacral foramen F) to reach the prolapsed vagina. For example, the delivery tool may be provided with a flexible and bendable construction to allow movement along the path. The implant  1800  may be removably coupled to the delivery tool prior to inserting the implant  1800  inside the body through the sacral foramina F or any other artificially created lumen or cavity around the sacrum S. The delivery tool may be inserted through the sacral foramina F or artificially created cavity by puncturing bodily tissues for defining the path for allowing the delivery tool to reach the prolapsed vagina or vaginal walls AVW and PVW. In an example, the delivery tool may be inserted with the help of an image guided technique so that the delivery tool and the path traversed by the delivery tool and the implant  1800  can be defined and monitored precisely without causing any injury to sacral nerves, other nerves or other locations etc. In operation, the delivery tool may be inserted along a selected path through the sacrum using the image guided technique to reach the prolapsed vagina. The indication that the delivery tool  1800  has passed the sacrum S to reach the prolapsed vagina can be made with the help of radiopaque markers provided on the delivery tool or radiopaque body of the delivery tool. Thereafter, the delivery tool may be allowed to contact a muscular layer of the prolapsed vagina for attachment of different portions of the implant at different locations as discussed above. In an embodiment, the prolapsed vagina may be coupled or tethered to the sacrum S or proximate tissues using a bioglue. A glue delivering facility may be provided in the delivery tool. For example, the delivery tool may include a barbed tip portion, a central lumen, and side holes. The delivery tool may include a glue container or may be adapted to be fed with a bioglue such that the bioglue can be injected out of the side holes. The position of the side holes of the delivery tool may be adjusted using the image guided technique prior to injecting the bio glue for attaching the implant  1800  at sacrum S or presacral space or proximate tissues. Finally, the bioglue may be injected out of the side holes into the presacral space or proximate tissues for fixing the prolapsed vagina to the sacrum S. Specifically, the bioglue coming out of the side holes of the delivery tool may form a connecting element or bridge that supports the prolapsed vagina (particularly the vaginal vault) with the sacrum S. Once the prolapsed vagina is fixed to the sacrum S, the delivery tool may be drawn out through the sacral foramen F. 
     In an example, a vaginal manipulator  2002  may be inserted through the vaginal lumen to push the vaginal vault near the sacrum S. This may facilitate in retaining the prolapsed vagina in correct anatomical position when the implant  1800  is deployed on the vaginal walls AVW and PVW. The vaginal manipulator  2002  may be used for adjusting and restoring a position of the vaginal vault or vaginal walls AVW and PVW. For example, the vaginal manipulator  2002  may be inserted through the vagina and thereafter the vaginal vault may be pushed towards the sacrum S for restoring and retaining the vaginal vault or vaginal walls AVW and PVW in the correct anatomical position. The vaginal vault may be thereafter coupled or tethered to the sacrum S for supporting the prolapsed vagina and vaginal walls AVW and PVW when restored in its correct anatomical position. The vaginal manipulator  2002  may be radiopaque in nature so that a relative position of the manipulator  2002  and the delivery tool  2100  can be determined in real-time with the help of image guiding technique when the implant  1800  is deployed. 
     The disclosed method for correcting pelvic organ prolapse is a minimally invasive procedure. Specifically, the disclosed method precludes a need for large or multiple abdominal incisions or vaginal incisions unlike conventional sacrocolpopexy procedure in which such incisions are used for accessing the prolapsed tissue. Also, a patient undergoing such procedure may experience a less traumatic, scar free, speedy recovery, and less expensive procedure. Also, since there are no vaginal incisions, therefore, vaginal wall erosions of the implant  1800  can be prevented. 
     While the invention has been disclosed in connection with the preferred embodiments shown and described in detail, various modifications and improvements thereon will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the present invention is not to be limited by the foregoing examples, but is to be understood in the broadest sense allowable by law.