Method and articles for treatment of stress urinary incontinence

Abstract

Improved methods and apparatuses for treatment of incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse are provided. A neo ligament for increasing the supportive function of the tissues supporting the urethra, bladder neck, or rectum is disclosed. Methods of using such a neoligament to treat incontinence are disclosed. Additionally, a self tensioning elastic tissue bolster for support of the tissues that support the urethra, rectum, and bladder neck are disclosed. A method of treating incontinence by injecting proliferative agents into supportive structures is disclosed. Methods and apparatus for transvaginal and transperitieai pelvic floor bolster treatment of incontinence and bladder pillar systems are also disclosed.

1 - 10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . A pelvic floor bolster system comprising:
 (1) at least one needle-like introducer; and   (2) at least one bolster member.   
     
     
         12 . The bolster system of  claim 11 , wherein said at least one bolster member is compressible. 
     
     
         13 . The bolster system of  claim 11 , wherein said at least one bolster member is formed of a mesh material. 
     
     
         14 . The bolster system of  claim 11 , wherein said at least one bolster includes at least one anchoring structure. 
     
     
         15 . The bolster system of  claim 14 , wherein said anchoring structure is selected from the group including sutures, barbs, or corkscrews. 
     
     
         16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . A pelvic floor bolster member comprising an elastic element having at least one tissue anchor disposed at one end. 
     
     
         18 . The pelvic floor bolster member of  claim 17  further including a mesh material disposed about the elastic element. 
     
     
         19 . The pelvic floor bolster member of  claim 17  wherein the elastic element includes a spring member. 
     
     
         20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A method for treating a patient having a pelvic disorder comprising steps of (a) providing an implant comprising a self-tensioning tissue bolster comprising a central portion comprising a spring or an elastic member and two end portions each comprising a tissue anchor; and (b) implanting the implant in a pelvic area of the patient so the central portion of the bolster is positioned beneath a urethra or bladder neck, and the tissue anchors are anchored in tissue surrounding the urethra or bladder neck and pull the surrounding tissue towards the urethra or bladder neck, thereby providing support to the urethra or bladder neck and treating the pelvic disorder. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the implant further comprises a cover fitted over the spring or elastic member of the bolster. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the cover comprises one or more tissue anchors. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the cover comprises a mesh, a drug coating, or a plastic. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the cover promotes the ingrowth of tissue. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the implant further comprises a brace that holds the spring or elastic member of the bolster in an elongated configuration. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the brace is removed at a time after implanting, allowing the tissue surrounding the urethra or bladder neck to be pulled towards the urethra or bladder neck. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the brace comprises a bioabsorbable member, and the brace degrades at a time after implanting, allowing the tissue surrounding the urethra or bladder neck to be pulled towards the urethra or bladder neck. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein the bioabsorbable member degrades within a period of one week to one month.