Patent Abstract:
Implants for the treatment of pelvic support conditions and methods of implementing the same. The implants comprise relatively soft, flexible bodies and relatively strong arms extending in predetermined orientation therefrom. Methods and devices for placing the implants minimize trauma to the pelvic floor and provide well-anchored support to pelvic organs without interfering with sexual or other bodily functions.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/864,521 filed Nov. 6, 2006 entitled Implant And Procedure For Treatment Of Pelvic Floor Disorders which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Pelvic floor disorders are a class of abnormalities that affect the pelvic region of patients, and they afflict millions of men and women. In women, for example, the pelvic region includes various anatomical structures such as the uterus, the rectum, the bladder, and the vagina. These anatomical structures are supported and held in place by a complex collection of tissues, such as muscles and ligaments. When these tissues are damaged, stretched, or otherwise weakened, the anatomical structures of the pelvic region shift and in some cases protrude into other anatomical structures. For example, when the tissues between the bladder and the vagina weaken, the bladder may shift and protrude into the vagina, causing a pelvic floor disorder known as cystocele. Other pelvic floor disorders include vaginal prolapse, vaginal hernia, rectocele, enterocele, uterocele, and/or urethrocele. 
         [0003]    Pelvic floor disorders often cause or exacerbate urinary incontinence (UI). One type of UI, called stress urinary incontinence (SUI), effects primarily women and is often caused by two conditions—intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD) and hypermobility. These conditions may occur independently or in combination. In ISD, the urinary sphincter valve, located within the urethra, fails to close (or “coapt”) properly, causing urine to leak out of the urethra during stressful activity. In hypermobility, the pelvic floor is distended, weakened, or damaged. When the afflicted woman sneezes, coughs, or otherwise strains the pelvic region, the bladderneck and proximal urethra rotate and descend. As a result, the urethra does not close with sufficient response time, and urine leaks through the urethra. 
         [0004]    UI and pelvic floor disorders, which are usually accompanied by significant pain and discomfort, are often treated by implanting a supportive sling or mesh in or near the pelvic floor region to support the fallen or shifted anatomical structures or more generally, to strengthen the pelvic region by promoting tissue in-growth. Often, treatments of stress incontinence are made without treating the pelvic floor disorders at all, potentially leading to an early recurrence of the stress incontinence. 
         [0005]    Existing systems, methods, and kits for treatment typically apply delivery devices to position a supportive surgical implant into a desired position in the pelvic region. However, some of these systems and methods require a medical operator to create multiple incisions and deliver the implant using complex procedures. Moreover, many existing surgical implants are not suitably sized or shaped to properly fit within a patient and treat pelvic floor disorders. Accordingly, medical operators and patients need improved systems, methods, and surgical kits for the treatment of pelvic floor disorders and/or urinary incontinence. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention provides improved methods and devices for supporting pelvic organs in the treatment of conditions such as incontinence and various pelvic floor disorders including but not limited to cystocele, enterocele and rectocele. 
         [0007]    Devices of the present invention include implants having soft, flexible support bodies and anchor arms that are sturdy and durable. 
         [0008]    Other devices of the present invention include introducers that allow an implant to be deeply implanted so as not to cause damage to the pelvic floor and to preserve the natural length of the vagina. 
         [0009]    Methods of the present invention include the use of multiple implants for treating multiple disorders, including treating pelvic floor disorders and incontinence. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is a plan view of an embodiment of an anterior implant of the present invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a sleeve of the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a plan view of an embodiment of a posterior implant of the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a plan view of an embodiment of an introducer of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the introducer of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5   a  is an elevation of a preferred embodiment of an introducer of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an attachment device of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a top view of introducers used in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIGS. 8-21  are a series of illustrations depicting various steps in a method of placing an anterior implant of the present invention; and, 
           [0019]      FIGS. 22-26  are a series of illustrations depicting various steps in a method of placing a posterior implant of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Devices  
     Anterior Compartment Implant 
       [0020]    Referring to  FIG. 1  there is shown an embodiment of an anterior compartment implant  10  of the present invention that provides both anchoring and support to the bulbar urethral complex of a male patient or the bladder and the vagina including the apex of the vagina of a female patient. The implant  10  generally includes a body  12  that has a first end  14  and a second end  16  opposite the first end  14 . Preferably, the body  12  is a flat panel formed of a mesh material that extends to side extents  18  and  20 . 
         [0021]    The implant  10  also includes arm portions  22  that extend outwardly from the body  12  on either side of the side extents  18  and  20 . The side extents  18  and  20  can extend out laterally to the arms  24 ,  26 , and  28 . The arm portions of the implant  10  of  FIG. 1  collectively include a plurality of arms that can be divided by function into three pairs: first pair  24 , second pair  26  and third pair  28 . Preferably, the arm portions  22  are cut from flat panels formed of a mesh material. The arm portions  22  may be formed separately from the body  12  and then attached thereto using sutures, adhesive, heat treatment or a variety of other techniques. Preferably, however, the arm portions  22  are formed in conjunction with the body  12  (hereinafter “unibody construction”) such that subsequent attachment is not necessary and risks associated with attached arm portions (separation, frayed edges, ridges, etc.) are eliminated. More preferably, the meshwork of the implant  10  has more than one zone, each zone having the ability to be constructed of a different filament diameter, stitch pattern, mesh density, or any combination of the three, such that the body  12  is macroporous, supple, and flexible, while the mesh of the arm portions  22  is more supportive while also macroporous. In a most preferred embodiment, the multiple zone concept is incorporated into the unibody construction concept. 
         [0022]    For example, one preferred embodiment includes a mesh body panel  12  that is formed by knitting filaments having a diameter of approximately 3 mils into a relatively open, porous pattern. The arm portions  22  are formed by knitting filaments having a diameter of approximately 6.5 mils in a pattern that is tighter than the pattern used in knitting the body  12 . Other size filaments are also within the scope of the invention, the nature of the invention being that the body panel  12  has smaller diameter filaments as compared to arm portions  22 . The arm portions  22  are knitted together with the body  12  such that the implant  10  has a unibody construction. 
         [0023]    Because the body  12  is constructed of mesh, the shape of the body  12  is easily modifiable by simply cutting the body  12  to a desired shape. Hence, if a patient is smaller than average, the body  12  may be reduced, for instance, by trimming the first end  14  and/or the second end  16 . In order to provide confidence that an appropriate size is attained prior to surgery, templates may be provided based on certain patient size criteria, that allows the body  12  to be trimmed to a corresponding size. For example, a template for a patient having a certain height or weight may be used to approximate a size and shape for a desired implant body  12  that should correspond to the patient anatomy. Other patient criteria, such as pelvic bone width, may be used as an entering argument for template selection. 
         [0024]    The three pairs of arms  24 ,  26  and  28  of the implant  10  make the implant  10  ideally suited as an anterior compartment implant and provide apical support. Each arm preferably includes a suture (e.g., string, cord, line, wire, rope, metal, etc.) loop  25  at its end for attachment to an introducer. The first pair of arms are generally flush with the first end  14  of the body  12  and extend directly out therefrom. The second arms  26  are adjacent, and generally parallel to the first arms  24 . In place, the first and second pairs of arms  24  and  26  are routed through the obturator fossa and up into the dermis where they are anchored. The third arms  28  are adjacent to and extend at an angle  30  to the second arms  26 . The third pair of arms  28  are designed for passage through the ischiorectal fossa for apical suspension and the angle  30  is chosen for anatomical placement without folds. Alternatively, the arms  28  can be trimmed for attachment to the sacrospinous ligament for apical suspension. The angle  30  is preferably a non-zero angle, is more preferably between 30 and 60 degrees and is shown as being approximately 45 degrees. 
         [0025]    The arms  24 ,  26  and  28  are all relatively slender and long. The width of the arms is sufficient to provide structural support, yet thin enough to pass through tissue without undue effort. The widths of arms  24 ,  26  and  28  are preferably between 0.1 and 2 cm, more preferably between 0.5 and 1.5 cm and even more preferably approximately 1 cm. In the embodiment of implant  10  shown in  FIG. 1 , the arms  24 ,  26  and  28  have a preferred width of 1.1 cm. The length of the arms  24 ,  26  and  28  are long enough to pass through the incisions and out of the body. As they are trimmed in a final step of the implantation, the length needs simply be long enough to allow ease of installation. In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the arms  24 ,  26  and  28  are each longer than 15 cm, closer to 19 cm, and have 5 cm long tapered ends to aid in installation. 
         [0026]    Sleeves  32 , such as the one shown in  FIG. 2 , that are sized to fit over the arms  24 ,  26  and  28  and constructed of a smooth, slippery material, may be applied over the arms  24 ,  26  and  28  to further assist in passing the arms through tissue incisions and help reduce the spread of any infection from one part of a patient to another. These sleeves are then removed after the arms have been passed through the tissue such that tissue ingrowth may occur. 
       Posterior Compartment Implant 
       [0027]    Referring to  FIG. 3  there is shown an embodiment of a posterior compartment implant  40  of the present invention that provides both anchoring and support to the pelvic structures of a male patient or the rectum, perineum, vagina and the apex of the vagina of a female patient. The implant  40  generally includes a body  42  that has a first end  44  and a second end  46  opposite the first end  44 . Preferably, the body  42  is a flat panel formed of a mesh material that extends to side extents  48  and  50 . 
         [0028]    The implant  40  also includes arm portions  52  that extend outwardly from the body  42  on either side of the side extents  48  and  50 . The side extents  48  and  50  can extend out laterally to the arms  54  and  56 . The arm portions  52  of the implant  40  of  FIG. 3  collectively include a plurality of arms that can be divided by function into two pairs: first pair  54  and a second pair  56 . Preferably, the arm portions  52  are cut from flat panels formed of a mesh material. The arm portions  52  may be formed separately from the body  42  and then attached thereto using sutures, adhesive, heat treatment or a variety of other techniques. Preferably, however, the arm portions  52  and the body  42  are of unibody construction such that subsequent attachment is not necessary and risks associated with attached arm portions (separation, frayed edges, ridges, etc.) are eliminated. More preferably, the meshwork of the implant  40  has more than one zone, each zone having the ability of being constructed of a different filament diameter, stitch pattern, mesh density, or a combination of all three, such that the body  42  is macroporous, supple, and flexible, while the mesh of the arm portions  52  is more supportive while also macroporous. In a most preferred embodiment, the multiple zone concept is incorporated into the unibody construction concept. 
         [0029]    For example, one preferred embodiment includes a mesh body panel  42  that is formed by knitting filaments having a diameter of approximately 3 mils into a relatively open, porous pattern. The arm portions  52  are formed by knitting filaments having a diameter of approximately 6.5 mils in a pattern that is tighter than the pattern used in knitting the body  42 . Other size filaments are also within the scope of the invention, the nature of the invention being that the body panel  42  has smaller diameter filaments as compared to arm portions  52 . The arm portions  52  are knitted together with the body  42  such that the implant  40  has a unibody construction. 
         [0030]    Because the body  42  is constructed of a flat mesh, the shape of the body  42  is easily modifiable by simply cutting the body  42  to a desired shape. Hence, if a patient is smaller than average, the body  42  may be reduced, for instance, by trimming the first end  44  and/or the second end  46 . In order to provide confidence that an appropriate size is attained prior to surgery, templates may be provided based on certain patient size criteria, that allows the body  42  to be trimmed to a corresponding size. For example, a template for a patient having a certain height or weight may be used to approximate a size and shape for a desired implant body  42  that should correspond to the patient anatomy. Other patient criteria, such as pelvic bone width, may be used as an entering argument for template selection. 
         [0031]    The two pairs of arms  54  and  56  of the implant  40  make the implant  40  ideally suited as an posterior compartment implant. Each arm preferably includes a sutured (e.g., string, cord, line, wire, rope, metal, etc.) loop  55  at its end for attachment to an introducer. The first pair of arms are generally flush with the first end  44  of the body  42  and extend directly out therefrom. In place, the first arms  54  are routed through the ischiorectal fossa and up into the dermis and exit via pararectal incisions where they are anchored, with the first end  44  sutured to the apex of the vagina to provide apical support. The second arms  56  extend at an angle  60  to the first arms  54 . The second arms  56  are designed to anchor the implant to the perineum and pass through pararectal incisions and the angle  60  is chosen for anatomical placement without folds. The angle  60  is preferably a non-zero angle, is more preferably between 30 and 90 degrees and is shown as being approximately 75 degrees. 
         [0032]    The arms  54  and  56  are all relatively slender and long. The width of the arms is sufficient to provide structural support, yet thin enough to pass through tissue without undue effort. The widths of arms  54  and  56  are preferably between 0.1 and 2 cm, more preferably between 0.5 and 1.5 cm and even more preferably approximately 1 cm. In the embodiment of implant  10  shown in  FIG. 3 , the arms  54  and  56  have a preferred width of 1.1 cm. The length of the arms  54  and  56  are long enough to pass through the incisions and out of the body. As they are trimmed in a final step of the implantation, the length needs simply be long enough to allow ease of installation. In the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , the arms  54  and  56  are each longer than 10 cm, with the first arms  54  closer to 19 cm and the second arms  56  closer to 15 cm. The arms  54  and  56  may have tapered ends to aid in installation. 
         [0033]    Sleeves  32 , such as the one shown in  FIG. 2 , that are sized to fit over the arms  54  and  56  and constructed of a smooth, slippery material, may be applied over the arms  54  and  56  to further assist in passing the arms through tissue incisions and help reduce the spread of any infection from one part of a patient to another. These sleeves are then removed after the arms have been passed through the tissue such that tissue ingrowth may occur. 
         [0034]    Examples of other devices and methods used to treat disorders are described in U.S. application Ser. No. 11/674,962 entitled Implantable Sling For The Treatment Of Incontinence And Method Of Using The Same, filed Feb. 14, 2007; U.S. application Ser. No. 11/119,446 entitled Implantable Sling For The Treatment Of Incontinence And Method Of Using The Same, filed Apr. 30, 2005 and U.S. application Ser. No. 11/552,484 entitled Implantable Sling For The Treatment Of Male Incontinence And Method Of Using The Same filed on Oct. 24, 2006, all of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
         [0035]    Materials suitable for use in constructing the implants  10  and  40  of the present invention may include either synthetic materials, such as surgical mesh and the like, natural tissues, such as tissues harvested from either animal, cadaverous source or the patient themselves, and/or combinations of synthetic and natural materials. One embodiment of the present invention incorporates a colored mesh, such as a blue mesh, to improve the ease of locating the mesh during placement or removal and any subsequent surgical procedures. Additionally, the arms or the tips of the implants  10  and  40  may be color coded to allow the surgeon to identify each arm and the appropriate placement without confusion in a reproducible fashion. 
         [0036]    Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , there is shown an introducer  70 , more specifically an inferior transobturator introducer  70 , of the present invention. The introducer  70  generally includes a shaft  72  and a handle  74 . The shaft  72  has a substantially straight portion, a transition portion and a curved portion. The shaft  72  is shaped to allow a deep pass that reaches the ischial spine or other anatomical structure to provide good apical support and to preserve the depth of the vagina after the implant is in place. In a preferred embodiment, the deep pass reaches the ischial spine which in a average size patient would be a distance of 7-10 cm. The shaft  72  has a distal end  76  that includes a slot  78  shaped to receive a suture loop  25  of the implant  10 . The introducer  70  has a new and innovative shape. However, it is to be understood that prior introducers may also be used with the method and devices of the present invention. Many of these prior art introducers are described in the aforementioned incorporated references. 
         [0037]      FIG. 5   a  shows just one specific embodiment of a shaft  72  of introducer  70 . The shaft  72  has a diameter of 3.5 mm and has a substantially straight portion  80  that is 2.28 cm long, 1.54 of which extends from the handle  74 . The shaft  72  has a transition portion  82  that includes two curves  83  and  84 . The first curve  83  has a radius of 7.14 cm and extends in a distal direction 2.04 cm. The second curve  84  has a radius of 5.34 cm and extends in a distal direction 1.42 cm. The curved portion  85  includes three curves; a first curve  86  having a radius of 2.05 cm and extends distally 1.93 cm, a second curve  87  having a radius of 1.39 cm and extending distally 0.83 cm, and a third curve  88  having a radius of 4.66 cm and extending distally 0.31 cm. The distal end  76  is the distal most part of the third curve  88 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 6  shows an attachment device  90  of the present invention. The attachment device  90  includes a distal forked tip  92  that has two tines  94 , each of which has a slot  96 . A suture loop  25  or  55  may be placed through the slots  96  and the attachment device  90  can then be used to extend the reach of the physician to assist in attaching an arm of an implant to an introducer, as will be described in more detail below. Not only is the physician&#39;s reach extended, but using the slender attachment device  90  rather than reaching manually with the hand or forcing an introducer towards the introitus, reduces the risk of tearing fascia that supports the pelvic structures. 
       Implant Methods  
       [0039]    The implants of the present invention may be used separately or together, based on the needs of the patient. They may also be used in connection with a sling implant for the treatment of treat urinary incontinence. 
       Anterior Compartment Implant 
       [0040]    Referring to  FIGS. 7-21  one method of placing an anterior compartment implant  10  as contemplated for use in the present invention is illustrated that includes a surgical procedure as follows. In  FIG. 7 , the preferred instruments are gathered and sterilized, if necessary. They include (from left to right), the suture attachment device  90 , the inferior transobturator introducer  70 , a posterior introducer  100  (prior art), a right helical obturator introducer  110  (prior art) and a left helical obturator introducer  120  (prior art). One skilled in the art will realize that other introducers, such as hook introducers, suprapubic introducers, or transvaginal introducers may be substituted, especially for the helical obturator introducers  110  and  120 . 
         [0041]    The patient is given local, general, spinal, or epidural anesthetic. Pre and intra-op and post-op antibiotics are recommended. If the patient is female, she is placed in dorsal lithotomy stirrups and standard sterile preparations are performed. Vaginal retraction for access and view are recommended. A weighted speculum and lateral retraction will make the procedure easier to perform. Sterile saline, diluted local anesthetic with epinephrine, diluted vasopressin, or other solution should be injected underneath the vaginal mucosa for aqua dissection and to help with hemostasis. The injection can be done from at or below the mid urethra all the way to the lateral sidewalls and vaginal apex. 
         [0042]    A midline incision in the anterior vaginal wall should be made starting 1 cm below the urethral meatus and extend it to approximately 2-3 cm short of the cuff or cervix. The vaginal mucosa should be dissected away from the bladder laterally to the vaginal sidewalls, and levator ani, and obturator internus, to the ischial spines on both sides and all the way to the apex or cervix. In one embodiment of the procedure of the present invention, three or more interrupted sutures are placed next to the apex of the vagina. These sutures will later be attached to the implant  10  second end  16  for apical support. 
         [0043]    The obturator fossa is located and identified. It lays beneath the adductor longus and is generally at the level of the clitoris, and is underneath the crural folds. The thumb is used externally and index finger used internally to identify the obturator fossa. A 1 cm incision is made along the superior medial edge of the obturator fossa at the level of the inferior portion of the clitoris for a first arm  24  of the implant  10 . A second 1 cm incision is made at the inferior border of the obturator fossa 2 cm lateral and 3 cm below the first incision for a second arm  26  of the implant  10 . The incisions may be expanded with a small clamp if needed. These steps are repeated on the opposite obturator fossa. 
         [0044]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , the tip  74  of the inferior transobturator introducer  70  is inserted into the inferior medial groin incision (lower incision) to puncture through the obturator membrane and direct the introducer tip towards the ischial spine or vaginal apex. The tip  74  of the introducer  70  is identified through palpation and punched through the obturator internus muscle with gentle rotation and pressure. The vaginal index and/or middle fingers are used to guide the introducer tip through the fascial wall to exit proximally at the vaginal apex above the ischial spine. The introducer  70  is rotated to externalize the introducer tip  74  at the introitus. However, in a preferred embodiment the introducer  74  is not guided to the introitus rather it is left deep within the pelvis to preserve the pelvic support structures, as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0045]    As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , next a second arm  26  of the implant  10  is identified and the loop  25  is placed through the notch  78  of the inferior introducer  70 . Preferably, the sutures  25  are loaded onto the introducer  70  using the attachment device  90 . Using the attachment device  90  obviates the need to pull the tip of the introducer  70  back toward the finger tips, potentially tearing the pelvic floor support structures. 
         [0046]    As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , once the suture loop is loaded onto the inferior introducer  70 , the inferior introducer  70  is reverse rotated and retracted while a reverse traction pull is placed on the suture loop. The introducer  70  and second arm  26  are then pulled through the obturator fossa and out the skin incision while care is given to ensure the second arm  26  does not twist during or after placement. These steps are then repeated on the opposite side ( FIG. 12 ). Traction is applied to the second arms  26  to position the implant  10  and body  12  of the implant  10  into the proper location, preferably as close to the vaginal apex as possible. Preferably, the implant  10  is tension free and there are no ridges palpable. 
         [0047]    The tip of a right helical introducer  110  is next inserted into the superior groin incision (upper incision) to puncture through the superior medial aspect of the obturator membrane and the introducer tip is directed towards the level of the bladder neck ( FIG. 13 ). The tip of the introducer  110  is identified through palpation and punched through the obturator internus muscle with gentle rotation and pressure. The vaginal index and/or middle fingers may be used to guide the introducer tip through the fascial wall to exit at the level of the bladder neck. The introducer is then rotated to externalize the introducer tip at the introitus ( FIG. 14 ). Care is taken not to hug the pubic ramus. Doing so will make passage of the introducer and the arms more difficult. 
         [0048]    Next, as seen in  FIGS. 15-16 , a first arm  24  of the implant  10  is identified and a loop  25  of a suture is placed through the notch of the helical introducer  110  or other alternative introducers apparent to one skilled in the art. The right helical introducer  110  is then reverse rotated and retracted as reverse traction pull is placed on the suture loop  25 . The introducer  110  and the first arm  24  are pulled through the obturator fossa and out the skin incision taking care that the first arm  24  does not twist during or after placement. These steps are repeated on the opposite side of the patient. 
         [0049]    As illustrated in  FIG. 17 , traction is applied to the first arms  24  to position the implant  10  into the proper location such that the body  12  is substantially near the bladder neck, supporting the bladder without tension. Traction is applied as necessary to the first and second arms  24  or  26  to flatten out any significant folds of the implant  10  material and to ensure complete reduction of the anterior compartment defects. Excess implant  10  material may be trimmed. Cystoscopy should be performed to confirm bladder integrity. 
         [0050]    Thereafter, the apex of the vaginal vault can be sutured to the second end  16  of the implant  10 . The third arms  28  may be trimmed and attached to the sacrospinous ligament for apical suspension if desired. Instructions on the apical suspension using a intravaginal slingplasty approach via the ischiorectal fossa are described in further detail in the paragraph below. 
         [0051]    It is recommended that a rectal probe is used to place the rectum away from the posterior introducer during an intravaginal slingplasty. The vaginal index and middle fingers are important to ensure prevention of damage to the bowel or bladder. In one preferred embodiment of the procedure of the present invention, a intravaginal slingplasty approach, two small 1 cm pararectal incisions are made approximately 2-3 cm lateral and 2-3 cm posterior to the anal opening. 
         [0052]    Referring to  FIG. 18 , a posterior introducer  100  is positioned with the handle vertical and the introducer tip horizontal and parallel to the pelvic floor. The introducer tip is then inserted into one of the pararectal incisions and aimed lateral, away from the rectum, and towards the ischial spine. The tip of the introducer  100  is next passed through the ischiorectal fossa traveling lateral to the posterior wall of the rectum until the introducer tip nears the ischial spine. The handle moves downward to direct the introducer tip upwards approximately 1-2 cm anterior to the ischial spine. As seen in  FIG. 19 , the tip of the introducer  100  is guided by vaginal finger/s to direct the introducer tip through the levator ani, past the vaginal wall incision, and out towards the introitus to externalize it. Care is taken not to tear the pelvic tissues during this maneuver. 
         [0053]    Next, as illustrated in  FIG. 20 , a third arm  28  of the implant  10  is identified and a loop of a suture is placed through the notch of the posterior introducer  100 . The posterior introducer  100  is gently retracted, following its curve, as a reverse traction pull is placed on the suture loop  25 . The introducer  100  and the third arm  28  are pulled through the ischiorectal fossa and out the pararectal skin incision, making sure the third arm  28  does not twist during or after placement. These steps are repeated on the opposite side of the body, resulting in the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 21 . 
         [0054]    Next, the apex of the vagina may be sutured to the second end  16  of the implant  10  with the previously placed apical sutures. The cervix may also be sutured to the implant  10  to prevent the prolapse of the cervix, uterus, and vaginal vault. The vagina is pushed to its maximal depth with the examining fingers and given gentle traction on the third arms  28  to remove any slack. If necessary, interrupted sutures may be placed to attach the body  12  of the implant  10  to the levators and to remove excess slack. Sutures should be placed at least 1 cm from the edges of the body  12  of the implant  10 . Once satisfied with the implant  10  placement, all arms  24 ,  26  and  28  of the implant  10  are trimmed below the level of the skin and the incisions are closed. Groin and buttock incisions can be closed with skin glue and vaginal incisions can be closed using a running stitch. 
       Posterior Compartment Implant 
       [0055]    A method of placing a posterior compartment implant  40  as contemplated for use in the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 22-26  and includes a surgical procedure as follows. Only a posterior introducer  100  ( FIG. 7 ) is needed for this procedure. 
         [0056]    A patient is given local, general, spinal or epidural anesthetic. Pre and intra-op and post-op antibiotics are recommended. Pre-op bowel prep is recommended. The patient is placed in dorsal lithotomy stirrups and standard sterile preparation is performed. Vaginal retraction for access and view are recommended, as it will make the procedure easier to perform. 
         [0057]    Sterile saline, diluted local anesthetic with epinephrine, diluted vasopressin, or other solution is injected underneath the vaginal mucosa for aqua dissection and help with hemostasis. The injection can be done from the perineum and introitus all the way to the lateral sidewalls and vaginal apex. A midline incision is made in the posterior vaginal wall starting at the introitus and extended to approximately 2-3 cm short of the vaginal cuff or cervix. The vaginal mucosa is dissected away from the rectum laterally to the vaginal sidewalls, and levator ani, and to the ischial spines on both sides and to the sacrospinous ligaments bilaterally. 
         [0058]    Three or more interrupted sutures may be placed to the apex of the vagina. These are preferably approximately 1 to 2 cm apart. These will later be attached to the implant  40  for apical support and to prevent an enterocele from forming. 
         [0059]    It is recommended that a rectal probe be used to place the rectum away from the posterior introducer  100  during the intravaginal slingplasty. The use of vaginal index and middle fingers are important to ensure prevention of damage to bowel or bladder. Two small 1 cm pararectal incisions are made approximately 2-3 cm lateral and 2-3 cm posterior to the anal opening. The posterior introducer  100  is positioned with the handle vertical and the introducer tip horizontal and parallel to the pelvic floor. 
         [0060]    Referring to  FIG. 22 , the introducer  100  is now inserted into one of the pararectal incisions and aimed lateral, away from the rectum, and towards the ischial spine. The tip of the introducer  100  is passed through the ischiorectal fossa traveling laterally to the posterior wall of the rectum until the tip of the introducer  100  nears the ischial spine. The handle moves downward to direct the introducer tip upwards approximately 1-2 cm anterior to the ischial spine. The introducer tip is guided by vaginal finger/s to direct the introducer tip through the levator ani, past the vaginal wall incision, and out towards the introitus to externalize it ( FIG. 23 ). Care is taken not to tear the pelvic tissues during this maneuver. 
         [0061]    Referring to  FIG. 24 , a first arm  54  of the implant  10  is identified and a suture loop  55  is placed through the notch of the posterior introducer  100 . The posterior introducer  100  is gently retracted, following its curve, as a reverse traction pull on the suture loop is applied. The introducer  100  and the first arm  54  are pulled through the ischiorectal fossa and out the pararectal skin incision, making sure the first arm  54  does not twist during or after placement. These steps are repeated with the other first arm  54  on the opposite side of the patient. 
         [0062]    The apex of the vagina may be sutured to the first end  44  of the implant  40  with the previously placed apical sutures. If the patient has a uterus and cervix, the cervix may also be sutured to the implant  40  to prevent the prolapse of the cervix, uterus, and vaginal vault. Gentle traction is applied to the first arms  54  of the implant  40  into the desired position to ensure that the implant  40  and body of the implant  42  are centered, making sure the implant  40  lays flat and tension-free. The second arms  56  may be trimmed off and the second end  46  of the implant  40  can be trimmed and sutured to the perineal body. 
         [0063]    If the second arms  56  are not trimmed off and are used as anchors, the following procedure may be employed: The tip of the posterior introducer  100  is inserted into two small 1 cm pararectal incisions approximately 2-3 cm lateral and 2-3 cm posterior to the anal opening and it is pointed towards the vaginal introitus (see  FIG. 25 ). The introducer tip is passed lateral to the anal sphincter and rectum, using fingers in the vagina to guide the introducer tip through the posterior vaginal wall incision at the perineal body and to externalize the tip at the introitus. 
         [0064]    Next, as illustrated in  FIG. 26 , a second arm  56  of the implant  40  is identified and a loop of a suture  55  is placed through the notch of the posterior introducer  100 . The posterior introducer  100  is gently retracted, following its curve, as a reverse traction pull is placed on the suture loop to prevent it from falling out of the notch. The introducer  100  and the second arm  56  are pulled through the pararectal skin incision, making sure the second arm  56  does not twist during or after placement. These steps are repeated on the opposite side of the patient. 
         [0065]    The vagina is then pushed to its maximal depth with the examining fingers and gentle traction is placed on the first arms  54  and the second arms  56  to remove any slack and to ensure the implant  40  and body  42  of the implant  40  is centrally located and laying flat. The second end  46  of the body  42  should be positioned right over the perineal body. Trimming of excess lateral and distal implant  40  material can now be performed if needed. 
         [0066]    Interrupted sutures may be placed to attach the lateral mesh to the levator ani and to remove excess slack but still maintaining a tension-free repair. Keeping the vagina to its full depth while suturing the lateral edges of the body  42  to the levator ani is ideal. The implant  40  should lay flat over the rectum and/or enterocele with minimal tension. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, an average of three interrupted sutures per side is used. Preferably, sutures should be placed at least 1 cm from the edges of the body  42  of the implant  40 . The section of the implant  40  placed over the perineal body should be the last section of the implant  40  sutured securely with three interrupted sutures. This will prevent a rectocele or enterocele from protruding over the perineal body. Once satisfied with the implant  40  placement, all arms  54 ,  56  of the implant  40  are trimmed below the level of the skin and the incisions are closed. Pararectal incisions can be closed with skin glue and vaginal incisions can be closed using a running stitch. 
         [0067]    As stated above, one aspect of the present invention is that a posterior compartment implant and an anterior compartment implant in accordance with the disclosure above can be jointly used to treat multiple pelvic floor disorders simultaneously. In addition, an implant for treatment of urinary incontinence could also be included in such an operation. For example, a urinary incontinence sling commercialized under the name Desara by the assignee of the present application could also be introduced into the patient during the same treatment using the posterior and anterior compartment implants disclosed herein. 
         [0068]    Although the invention has been described in terms of particular embodiments and applications, one of ordinary skill in the art, in light of the teaching, can generate embodiments and modifications without departing from the spirit of or exceeding the scope of the claimed invention. For example, it will be clear to one of ordinary skill in the art how to apply the inventive concepts disclosed herein to the treatment of multiple pelvic support conditions for both male and female patients. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the drawings and descriptions herein are proffered by way of example to facilitate comprehension of the invention and should not be construed to limit the scope thereof.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0