Patent ID: 8414468

Claim:
A method of implanting an anal sling to treat fecal incontinence in a patient having an anal sphincter with a defective portion, comprising the steps of: linking a first point on the anal sphincter and a second point on the anal sphincter, wherein the second point opposes the first point across the defective portion of the anal sphincter, comprising: creating a perineal incision; coupling a first end of the anal sling to a first-side needle tool; passing the first-side needle tool and the first end of the anal sling through a first passageway, connected to the perineal incision, through the superficial surface of the wall of the anal sphincter at the first point; coupling a second end of the anal sling to a second-side needle tool; and passing the second-side needle tool and the second end of the anal sling through a second passageway, connected to the perineal incision, through the superficial surface of the wall of the anal sphincter at the second point; and tightening the anal sling across the defective portion of the anal sphincter.