Surgical instrument and method for treating female urinary incontinence

Abstract

The invention relates to a surgical instrument and a method for treating female urinary incontinence. A tape or mesh is permanently implanted into the body as a support for the urethra. In one embodiment, portions of the tape comprise tissue growth factors and adhesive bonding means for attaching portions of the tape to the pubic bone. In a further embodiment, portions of the tape comprise attachment means for fastening portions of the tape to fascia within the pelvic cavity. In both embodiments the tape is implanted with a single incision through the vaginal wall.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A method for treating female urinary incontinence comprising the steps of: 
 creating an access way from the vagina to the pelvic cavity;    passing a tape having a first end and a second end into the body via the access way to form a loop around the urethra, the loop located between the urethra and the vaginal wall, and    via the access way, attaching the ends of the tape within the pelvic cavity.    
     
     
         2 . A method for treating female urinary incontinence comprising the steps of: 
 passing a tape having a first end and a second end into the body via the vagina to form a loop around the urethra, the loop located between the urethra and the vaginal wall, and    bonding the ends of the tape to tissue within the the pubic bone.    
     
     
         3 . A method for treating female urinary incontinence comprising the steps of: 
 passing a tape having a first end and a second end into the body via the vagina to form a loop around the urethra, the loop located between the urethra and the vaginal wall, and    imbedding the first and second ends of the tape to fascia within the pelvic cavity.