Patent ID: 8206281

Claim:
A method for repair of pelvic organ prolapse in a patient, said method comprising the steps of: using a first needle to establish a first pathway in tissue on a first side of said prolapsed organ, said pathway extending between an external perirectal region to a region of an ischial spine of the patient, said first needle comprising a tip, a straight portion, a first radius, and a second radius distinct from the first radius, wherein the first radius and the second radius are located between the straight portion and the tip; positioning a support member in a position to reposition said prolapsed organ in said organ's anatomically correct location, said support member comprising a support portion having a first and second end, first end portion, and second end portion, said first end portion and second end portion respectively attached to said first end and said second end; connecting said first end portion to the tip of the first needle; introducing said first end portion through said first pathway by removing the first needle from the first pathway; using a second needle to establish a second pathway in tissue on a contralateral side of said prolapsed organ, said pathway extending between an external perirectal region to a region of an ischial spine of the patient, said second needle comprising a tip, a straight portion, a first radius, and a second radius distinct from the first radius, wherein the first radius and the second radius are located between the straight portion and the tip; connecting said second end portion to the tip of the second needle; and, introducing said second end portion through said second pathway by removing the second needle from the second pathway, adjusting said first end portion and said second end portion so that said support member is in a therapeutic relationship to a tissue of said prolapsed organ that is to be supported; wherein said pelvic organ prolapse is a vaginal vault prolapse, and wherein the step of using a first needle to establish a first pathway in tissue on a first side le a said prolapsed organ, said pathway extending between an external perirectal region to a region of an ischial spine of the patient, said first needle comprising a tip, a straight portion, a first radius, and a second radius distinct from the first radius, wherein the first radius and the second radius are located between the straight portion and the tip, comprises the steps of: making a midline incision in an apex of a vagina; dissecting to a region of an ischial spine; making a first incision lateral and posterior to the rectum in a skin of a buttock; rotating the first needle about the first radius to pass the first needle from said first incision toward said vaginal incision, wherein the second radius is in contact with the vaginal incision; palpating a tip of said needle distal and inferior to an ischial spine; and passing said needle through a coccygeous muscle.