Apparatus for posterior pelvic floor repair

Abstract

Improved methods and apparatuses for treatment of posterior pelvic floor repair, including rectocele and related pelvic organ prolapse, are provided. A specialized mesh ( 3 ) having a shape for convenient placement to treat rectocele by providing both level 2 and level 3 support. Appropriate devices for introducing such a mesh implant are also disclosed.

1 - 2 . (canceled) 
     
     
         3 . An apparatus for pelvic floor repair comprising a central support portion and a plurality of arms, the plurality of arms including
 (1) a first pair of arms extending laterally from about a middle or upper half of the central support portion,   (2) a second pair of arms extending laterally from near a posterior end of the central support portion, and   (3) a third pair of arms extending in a posterior direction from the posterior end of the central support portion,   
       wherein, when the central support portion is placed to treat a rectocele or rectal prolapse condition:
 each arm of the first pair of arms is configured for extension through a tissue path leading to an external skin incision approximately  3  centimeters lateral to and  3  centimeters posterior to the anus, 
 each of the second pair of arms is configured for attachment to an ischial tuberosity and connective tissue of a perineal body, and 
 each of the third pair of arms is configured for extension through a tissue path leading to an external skin incision approximately  3  centimeters lateral and  3  centimeters posterior to the anus. 
 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3  comprising a lateral support structure that, when the central support portion is placed to treat a rectocele or rectal prolapse, connects one of the arms of the apparatus to another arm of the apparatus. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4  wherein the lateral support structure extends from an arm of the first pair of arms to an arm of the second pair of arms. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein the central support portion comprises an anterior portion adapted to provide apical support. 
     
     
         7 . An apparatus for pelvic floor repair comprising a central support portion and a plurality of arms, the plurality of arms including
 (1) a first pair of arms extending laterally from about a middle or upper half of the central support portion,   (2) a second pair of arms extending laterally from near a posterior end of the central support portion,   (3) a third pair of arms extending in a posterior direction from the posterior end of the central support portion, and   
       a lateral support structure that connects one of the arms of the apparatus to another arm of the apparatus. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 8  wherein the lateral support structure extends from an arm of the first pair of arms to an arm of the second pair of arms.