US 7387634 B2
Self-anchoring slings and deployment mechanisms for use therewith in selectively positioning a sling into position within the body. According to a preferred embodiment, the sling comprises an elongate sling portion having opposed ends. Formed upon each respective opposed end is an anchor member operative to be advanced through soft tissue at a selected target site in a first direction but resist movement in an opposed direction. Such anchor members are operative to extend in opposed directions to thus enable a sling to be securely affixed into position and resist sag or otherwise lose its ability to support a given structure. The deployment system is operative to selectively anchor the respective anchor members into position within a tissue mass. Although suitable for a wide variety of applications, it is believed that the system and sling of the present invention are particularly well suited for the deployment of suburethral slings via a trans-obturator route.
1. A system for securing a sling into fixed position within a target site of soft tissue within the body comprising:
a) an implantable sling comprised of an elongate segment of material having first and second opposed ends, each respective opposed end having an anchor mechanism formed thereon such that each respective anchor mechanism is advanceable through said soft tissue at said selected target site in a first direction and resistant to movement in a direction dissimilar from said first direction, each respective anchor mechanism further being permanently fixable in position exclusively within said soft tissue; and
b) a non-mechanically assisted deployment mechanism for positioning said anchor mechanisms of said implantable sling within said target site of said soft tissue, said deployment mechanism comprising a manually operable handle having a deployment member extending distally therefrom, said deployment member being detachably fastenable to a respective one of said anchor mechanisms of said implantable sling, said deployment mechanism further comprising an actuator mounted on a shaft axially moveable within the deployment member and being configured to insert said anchor mechanisms into said tissue;
wherein said actuator comprises a manually depressable button coupled to the shaft extending within said deployment member and operative to push said anchor mechanism through said soft tissue.
The following patent application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/733,455 entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SECURING SUTURES TO BONE AND TISSUE, filed Dec. 8, 2000, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/197,938 filed on Nov. 23, 1998 entitled SYSTEMS FOR SECURING SUTURES, GRAFTS AND SOFT TISSUE TO BONE AND PERIOSTEUM, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,200,330, and further relies upon Disclosure Document No. 463,908 entitled Transvaginal Rectus-Fascia Anchor, filed Oct. 21, 1999; Disclosure Document No. 479243 entitled Adjustable Soft Tissue Attachment Device and System, filed Sep. 5, 2000; Disclosure Document entitled Transvaginal Rectus-Fascia Attachment, filed Mar. 1, 2000, disclosure document number not assigned; Disclosure Document entitled Transvaginal Attachment Delivery Tool, filed on or about Mar. 1, 2000, disclosure document number not assigned; Disclosure Document No. 463,825 entitled Transvaginal Anchor Delivery Tool, filed on Oct. 21, 1999; Disclosure Document No. 458,659 entitled Transvaginal Adjustable System, filed Jul. 6, 1999; and Disclosure Document No. 480,805 entitled Adjustable Suture Soft Tissue Attachment System, filed Oct. 6, 2000, the teachings of all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
The use of surgical suture anchors for use in attaching soft tissue to bone is well known in the art. In this regard, such anchoring mechanisms have found widespread applicability for a number of surgical procedures, and in particular orthopedic, gynecologic and urologic procedures. Exemplary of such devices include bone screws or anchors that are implantable within bone which further have formed thereon an eyelet or other type of assembly to which may be affixed suture lines or a segment of soft tissue. Exemplary of such devices include those devices disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,370,662, and 5,443,482 to Stone, et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 4,738,255 to Gobel, et al.
Generally, prior art anchor systems take one of two forms. The first configuration typically comprises a self-tapping bone screw, typically made of titanium, having an eyelet formed thereon to which the sutures or other material may be attached. In the alternative prior art configuration, the device comprises an anchor member, which may take the form of an arrowhead or similar conical configuration, which further includes a shaft or attachment member extending therefrom, the latter being formed to have one or more apertures to which the sutures or other material may be attached.
With respect to the surgical installation of such devices, bone-screw mechanisms must necessarily be screwed in position, typically by a battery-powered screw driver, at a target site upon a particular bone. Anchor devices of the other aforementioned variety typically must be “shot” into position at a particular site within a bone, typically via a spring-loaded delivery mechanism. Exemplary of such bone-anchor insertion devices include the In-Fast and In-Tac bone screw and bone anchor fixation devices previously produced by Influence, Inc. of San Francisco, Calif., now a division of American Medical Systems, Inc.
Although such prior art anchor devices generally provide sufficient support to the various sutures and grafts affixed thereto, such fixation devices suffer from numerous drawbacks. In this regard, it is difficult for the surgeon to accurately deploy the insertion device such that the anchor is correctly inserted at the target site. Moreover, substantial difficulty arises in removing and adjusting such devices. This latter task is especially problematic with respect to bone-screw devices insofar as the surgeon attempting to remove the same must take great care to insure that the removal device, also typically comprising a battery-powered screw driver, properly unscrews the anchor member from its seated position. Other prior art anchor devices are even further problematic insofar as the same are often irretrievable once deployed, especially in situations where the same are deployed too deeply into the bone mass.
Additional problems exist with prior art bone fixation systems insofar as the same have a tendency to become dislodged over time from their seated position. In this regard, due to the repetitive application of stress or strain upon the bone anchor via the suture or soft tissue attached thereto, such anchors can eventually become loose and slip out of engagement from their fixed position. This tendency is especially likely to the extent repetitive and persistent application of strain and stress is applied in one specific direction or orientation. Moreover, even to the extent such bone anchoring systems remain securely in position, recent research tends to indicate that such bone fixation devices have a tendency to actually cut the sutures sought to be held thereby.
Separate and apart from the drawbacks associated with the use of prior art bone anchoring systems is the fact that often times anchor systems provide far more structural support than is necessary for a given surgical application. In this respect, numerous surgical procedures requiring the fixation of sutures and/or soft tissue require only a minimal degree of tension. Exemplary of, and perhaps most well-known of such procedures include transvaginal sling surgery to treat incontinence, which essentially involves the formation of a graft positioned beneath the urethra with the opposed ends thereof being secured to either one of the abdominal fascia, Cooper's ligament or pubic bone. While such slings typically require little to no tension once fixed into position, due to the lack of alternative means for affixing the opposed ends of such sling into position relative to the pubic bone, such prior art bone anchor devices must necessarily be deployed. As a result, time spent in surgery is increased and the patient undergoing such procedures in subjected to a far more traumatic experience and has a possibly greater susceptibility of becoming infected by virtue of the deployment of such anchor devices than would otherwise occur to the extent alternative, less traumatic affixation devices could be deployed. Along these lines, a substantial risk exists simply by utilizing a retropubic route to gain access to the surgical site where such sling is affixed into position. In this regard, accessing such surgical site via a retropubic route can increase the risk of bleeding and/or intestinal injury due to the proximity of blood vessels existing within and above the pubocervical fascia and the intestines.
Accordingly, there is a need in the art for systems, devices and methods for affixing sutures, grafts, soft tissues, synthetic materials, and the like to bone and soft tissue that are easier to deploy, manipulate and can remain more firmly seated into position than prior art devices. There is additionally a need for such devices that can be utilized in a wide variety of surgical applications and may be further customized for use for particular applications such that an optimal degree of support or leverage can be provided thereby. There is further a need in the art for affixation systems, devices and methods that can provide for means for affixing sutures, grafts, soft tissues, synthetic materials, and the like into position that are less traumatic, easier to deploy and adjust, and may be readily removed and repositioned at a particular site than prior art systems and devices.
The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates the above-identified deficiencies in the art. In this regard, the present invention is directed to novel devices, systems and methods for the attachment of sutures, grafts and other types of tissues and materials to bone, periosteum, ligaments, fascia and other soft tissue as may be warranted in a given surgical procedure. The devices of type present invention are particularly well suited for the secure placement of one or both of the opposed ends of a suburethral sling for use in suburethral sling surgery, but are by no means limited to such particular application.
In a first preferred embodiment, the invention comprises an implant implantable within bone, ligaments, fascia and other soft tissue at a desired location. The implant comprises a piton portion designed to pierce into and engage with the bone, or tissue, and a support structure coupled therewith, the latter of which may take the form of a post, hook or eyelet to which the suture, graft, or tissue may be attached. The implants of the present invention may further include a handle member formed thereon to facilitate the insertion and removal of the implant from its fixed or seated position within the bone/tissue.
The piton portion of the implant is specifically designed to become more firmly embedded within the bone or other tissue when pressure is applied to the support structure in a first direction, but may be dislodged or removed when the implant is pulled in an opposed or second direction. The piton member may be further selectively sized and adapted for use in a particular application, and may be particularly designed to penetrate up to certain depths and/or be capable of supporting a specific quantity of mass or weight. In this regard, the implants may be designed to have two or more piton members, that each respectively provide means for securely attaching such implant to a desired side. Such implants may be further configured such that multiple implants may be deployed upon a length of a suture, such that the suture may be selectively pulled and anchored into position along a desired pathway. In this respect, the piton members may be formed such that the same are operative to facilitate movement through tissue in one direction, yet perform an anchoring function in an opposite direction.
Such embodiment further advantageously allows for post-operative adjustment whereby the suture with piton members attached thereto can be selectively pulled along the desired pathway to the extent necessary to adjust the suture position and/or introduce a greater degree of tension thereto. Along these lines, such embodiment has the additional advantage of being completely removable from the patient's body by virtue of its ability to selectively move through and out of tissue.
In a second preferred embodiment, the invention comprises a disc anchoring system that is operative to serve as a platform to which sutures, graphs and the like may be secured or, alternatively, serve as a support for forming a suture “bridge”. According to one preferred version, the affixation device comprises a disc or anchor plate which is positionable upon a layer to tissue, such as a layer of muscle, fascia, or ligament, and in particular, the rectus fascia layer. The anchoring plate is preferably formed to be generally circular in nature and comprised of an inner plate member encased within an annular outer plate member. The inner and outer plate members are further preferably formed such that at least one, and preferably two, diametrically opposed apertures are formed respectively therein for receiving suture lines insertable therethrough. The inner plate and outer annular member are formed relative one another such that the inner plate is rotational relative the outer annular ring and operative to transition between a first open configuration, wherein said apertures formed upon the respective plates are open to receive suture lines therethrough and a second closed configuration, wherein rotation of the inner plate relative to the annular ring causes the apertures to close and lock, (i.e., crimp) any suture line extending therethrough to become rigidly secured in position. To the extent desired, those portions of the sutures extending through the anchor plate may be affixed to one another to thus form a bridge or adjoining suture link.
In an alternative configuration, the disc anchoring system comprises a disc or anchor plate which is likewise positionable upon a layer of tissue (e.g., muscle, fascia, or ligament) that includes at least one, and preferably two to four, channels for receiving suture lines insertable therethrough. The channel or channels are configured such that the same are crimpable such that when the suture line or lines are ideally positioned therein or impart the necessary degree of support to an object (i.e., sling, graft, etc.), the crimping of such channel or channels affixes such length of suture or sutures into position. To achieve that end, it is contemplated that any of a variety of conventional crimping devices may be deployed to impart the necessary crimp in the channel or channels. As per the aforementioned embodiment, to the extent multiple suture lines extend through such plate, the same may be tied, linked, crimped or otherwise joined to one another to form a suture bridge.
The disc anchoring system may further take the form of a system whereby a suture, having a plurality of protuberances formed therealong, is engageable with an anchor plate, the latter having an aperture formed therein for receiving the suture line. As respective ones of the protuberances extend through and rest against the anchor plate, the suture line may thus be maintained in a fixed position relative a desired target site. Such embodiment advantageously provides for post-operative adjustment should it become necessary to reposition the suture or increase the tension within the suture line secured by the disc anchoring system.
In all embodiments, the disc anchoring systems are particularly well suited for the use in pubovaginal sling surgery where it is necessary to secure a sling such that the sling extends a desired distance from the urethra or exerts a desired degree of supportive pressure thereto, which thus necessitates that such sling be selectively secured into position via the suture extending through the anchor plate. It will be recognized, however, that such disc anchoring systems may be utilized for a wide variety of medical applications and further, may be formed to be permanently affixed into position or formed from a bio-absorbable material to the extent such anchoring systems need only remain resident for a limited duration. Still further, it is contemplated that each of the aforementioned disc anchoring system may incorporate a load-bearing object, such as a washer, mesh or other like structure, as part of or in conjunction with the disc anchoring system to facilitate the distribution of stress and strain imparted thereto. As with the disc system, such load distributing apparatus may be formed to be permanently secured into position or formed from an absorbable material.
In a third preferred embodiment, the invention comprises an affixation device designed to secure sutures, grafts, tissues, synthetic materials, and the like to periosteum (i.e., the thick fibrous membrane covering the surface of bones) and other soft tissue. According to a preferred embodiment, the affixation device includes a backing or base member having at least one, and preferably a multiplicity of hook members that are sized and adapted to hook into and ensnare with the periosteum or tissue. The hook members may be specifically designed to become partially embedded within the periosteum tissue, to thus provide relatively loose connection that is easier to remove, or adjust, and may be designed to penetrate deeper within the periosteum tissue to thus provide a more secure method of attachment. An attachment member formed upon the base member is further provided to which may be attached a suture or a portion of a graft.
In an alternative preferred embodiment, the invention comprises an implantable tack consisting of a hub member having at least one, and preferably two or more hook members formed thereon, the latter being designed to extend through the graft or tissue and become ensnared with and embedded in the periosteum such that the graft or tissue becomes interposed between and affixed into position relative the tack and periosteum. The affixation devices according to such embodiments are specifically designed for selective attachment and detachment, and are further designed to provide more atraumatic means for the attachment of the suture or graft to a target location via the periosteum and soft tissue. Such a fixation device, however, may be adapted such that the same are designed to pierce into and become embedded with the bone, as per the other aforementioned embodiments.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a novel surgical staple that is also designed to secure a graft or other types of tissues and materials to the bone, periosteum, or other soft tissue at a specific site or location. The staples of the present invention are preferably formed from plastically deformable materials having opposed ends that are designed to penetrate through the graft/tissue and hook into the bone, periosteum or soft tissue at a selected site of fixation. Once secured in position, the staples are operative to assume an expanded configuration such that the hooks formed thereby become more firmly embedded within the bone/tissue at the target site of fixation to thus further secure attachment of the graft thereto. Preferably, such staples may be fabricated from a shape-memory material, such as nitinol, which thus enables the staple to assume the compressed configuration when at room temperature, but transition to the operative, expanded configuration when warmed to body temperature, as will occur when the device is deployed. Such materials further enable the staples of the present invention to be removed, as may be necessary, during a given procedure or later procedures. Conversely, such staples may be formed from material that enable the same to compress or contract once secured into position to thus provide for a more secure means of attachment.
The present invention further comprises novel surgical approaches for the secure placement of a transvaginal sling during transvaginal sling surgery. More particularly, such surgical procedure involves securing such sling into position, namely, beneath the urethra, with the opposed ends thereof being secured to the posterior portion of the pubic bone, whether it be either the pubic bone itself or the periosteum surrounding the same, in the retropubic space. The opposed ends of the sling may be attached to either the periosteum over the pubic bone or to the pubic bone itself using the novel affixation devices of the present invention. Advantageously, such surgical procedure eliminated the needs to form an abdominal incision, which typically must be made utilizing conventional surgical procedures. The novel affixation method of the present invention during such surgery further provides for the ingrowth of the opposed ends of the graft to a target site near or on the pubic bone or the periosteum thereabout that eliminates any intervening pelvic fascia that would otherwise become interposed between the anchor and opposed ends of the sling sought to be secured into position.
As an alternative to the aforementioned approaches, the present invention further comprises novel systems and surgical techniques that can deploy anchoring systems for the placement of radio opaque markers, such as the TINED lead system of radio opaque markers produced by Medtronic, Inc., and pelvic floor reconstruction for support of pelvic organs, such as through the use of slings affixed thereto, that are fixed into position via trans-obturator placement, as opposed to conventional retropubic surgical placement. Such surgical techniques, devices and systems utilized therewith are positioned utilizing a single percutaneous incision made in the vaginal epithelium which enables a sling to be anchored into position in a target tissue, such as rectus and/or pubocervical fascia, via sling placement toward or through the obturator canal. To achieve that end, there is preferably provided a deployment system operative to selectively deploy and securely place into position a self-anchoring sling comprised of an elongate sling having opposed ends. Formed on each opposed end of such sling are dedicated anchor mechanisms that are each operative to penetrate into and become embedded within a target site of soft tissue, such as the pubocervical fascia.
Each respective anchor mechanism is operatively configured such that each anchor mechanism is advanceable in a first direction through the soft tissue at the target site but incapable of movement in an opposed direction, (i.e., such anchor mechanisms are configured such that the opposed ends of the sling are capable of being advanced in opposed directions but resisting or preventing contraction or other similar type of motion drawing the ends towards one another). To facilitate such movement, it is contemplated that the anchor mechanisms may take the form of screws, arrowheads, prongs, and in particular generally Y-shaped or chevron shaped prongs, or any other structure that is capable of being advanced in one direction yet resists or is biased against movement in an opposed direction. In further refinements such anchor mechanisms may further be selectively configured to penetrate to a desired depth within a tissue mass, as well as may be selectively configured to assume a first compressed or deployment configuration such that the same will be operative to be positioned within a specific target site, and a second operative configuration whereby the anchor mechanism expands or otherwise assumes a locking configuration that enables the anchor to become affixed into position. In this regard, it is contemplated that the anchor mechanism may be formed to have an outwardly expanding spring bias such that once released from a confined position automatically expands or anchors in an automatic fashion.
With respect to the deployment of such slings, it is contemplated that the same will be deployed through a manually operable deployment mechanism. Preferably, such deployment mechanism will include a handle having a deployment member extending distally therefrom. With respect to the latter, the deployment member will preferably be configured for insertion through and under the vaginal wall to thus enable the slings with anchor mechanisms formed thereon to be deployed via a trans-obturator or other route. To facilitate that end, it is contemplated that the deployment member may be provided with a sharpened distal end capable of forming an incision within the vagina and thereafter be extensable under the vaginal wall to thus deploy the slings of the aforementioned variety within or near the obturator canal. In use, the sling having the anchoring mechanisms formed upon the opposed ends thereof will be coupled to or mounted upon the deployment member such that a respective one of the anchor mechanisms can be positioned by the deployment member at a specified site within the target tissue (e. g., the pubocervical fascia or within the obturator canal). In this regard, it is contemplated that the deployment member may be configured such that the anchor mechanisms will be deployed in a sequential manner such that a first anchor is deployed in one target site and the other opposed anchor member deployed at a second site such that the sling disposed intermediate the anchor members can be selectively positioned to provide an optimal degree of support to the urethra. In order to manipulate such device, it is contemplated that the deployment system will include an actuation member that enables the surgeon to manually direct the advancement of the anchor mechanism coupled with or mounted upon the deployment member of the mechanism to thus enable the self-anchoring sling to be controllably fixed into position. To facilitate such placement, it is contemplated that the deployment member may be selectively curved or shaped to gain access more readily within a particular anatomical site, such as the obturator canal.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide surgical implantation devices to facilitate the attachment of sutures, grafts, tissues and the like to bone, periosteum and soft tissue that are easier to implant and remove than prior art devices, and are further capable of providing greater support or leverage to the structures coupled therewith than prior art devices.
Another object of the present invention is to provide surgical implantation devices for the attachment of sutures, grafts, tissues and the like to bone, periosteum and soft tissue that can be utilized in a wide variety of surgical procedures, and in particular suburethral sling or other pelvic support surgery, and that may be further designed to provide an optimal degree of support for a given quantity of mass or weight as may be necessary for a given surgical procedure.
Another object of the present invention is to provide devices for the affixation of sutures, grafts, tissues and the like to periosteum and soft tissue at a specific site or location that does not require any anchoring mechanism to be inserted into the bone.
Another object of the present invention is to provide devices for the attachment of sutures, grafts, tissues and the like to bone, periosteum and soft tissue at a specific location that are less traumatic than other prior art affixation devices.
Another object of the present invention is to provide devices for the attachment of sutures, grafts, tissues and the like to bone periosteum and soft tissue at a specific location that are easily attachable to and detachable from a point of fixation than prior art devices and reattachable as may be necessary for a given procedure or future procedures.
Still further objects of the invention include methods and devices for securing sutures, grafts, tissues and the like to bone, periosteum and soft tissue that are of simple construction, may be easily and readily utilized for a variety of surgical procedures, may be readily adapted for use in a wide variety of surgical procedures, and provide an equal, if not greater degree of support or leverage than prior art devices.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a self-anchoring sling that enables the sling to be securely affixed into position with a site of soft tissue such that the same resists sag or otherwise lessens its ability to provide support that can further preferably be deployed via a trans-obturator route, and preferably via a system and method that enables the same to be deployed via a single access route, such as a single vaginal incision, to thus eliminate risks associated with sling delivery via a retro-pubic route.
It is additionally an object of the present invention to provide a novel surgical procedure for the formation and affixation of a suburethral sling whereby the opposed ends of the sling are secured near or at the posterior side of the pubic bone in the retropubic space with the opposed ends of the sling being secured to either the periosteum, Cooper's ligament, fascia or the pubic bone itself.
These, as well as other features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reference to the drawings wherein:
The detailed description as set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and sequences of steps for constructing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments and that they are also intended to be encompassed within the scope of this invention.
Referring now to the drawings, and particularly
Among the more well-known surgical procedures incorporating the use of such anchoring devices include transvaginal sling surgery. As illustrated in
As a result of the support imparted by the sling 12 to the urethra 16 during such times as the patient makes provocative gestures, as occurs during coughing, such sling 12 serves as support that prevents incontinence occurring during such provocative event. To insure that the sling 12 is positioned such that the same imparts an optimal degree of support to the urethra 16, it is contemplated that a tension/pressure monitor 26, as depicted in
In order to provide an anchoring mechanism necessary to secure the sling into position during transvaginal sling procedures, however, there must be deployed the aforementioned anchoring device 20. As depicted in
As more clearly seen in
Although such prior art anchor devices, such as those depicted in
Anchor devices 50 are also problematic insofar as the same are not only difficult to deploy, typically via a spring-loaded gun mechanism, but are often times irretrievable once deployed. In this regard, once such fixation device 50 is sufficiently embedded within the bone, the anchor portion 52 thereof cannot be reversibly extracted from its embedded position within the bone. As such, to the extent such anchoring devices 50 have been inappropriately deployed (e.g., deployed at a wrong location), there is little, if any, recourse to retrieve the same. Additionally, such prior art bone screws 34 and anchors 50 have the ability to become loosened and dislodged from their position once a sufficient amount of pressure is applied thereto over time. The probability of becoming dislodged is further increased in those situations where a persistent strain is applied to such devices in a single direction, as can occur when a suture or graft is hung upon the anchoring device. In such circumstances, surgical intervention is necessary to not only retrieve the dislodged screw or anchor, but also deploy yet another of such devices as per the original surgical procedure.
Referring now to
Referring now to
As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, by inserting the implant in the direction indicated by the letter “A”, it will be appreciated that to the extent a force is applied thereto, such as by suture 60 or graft, via a vector having an orientation in the general direction of letter “B”, such force will necessarily cause the implant to wedge deeper and become more secure into position within the bone 38, and will thus cause the same to become more rigidly affixed into position unlike prior art devices which have a tendency to become loose and potentially dislodged with the application of greater amounts of pressure and strain thereto.
Such implant further provides the advantage of being easy to remove. In this regard, due to its orientation within the bone, to the extent a pulling force is applied to the implant in the direction indicated by the letter “C”, such implant 60 will be caused to become easily dislodged from its seated position to the extent it becomes necessary to remove and/or reposition such implantable fixation device. Such ease of removal advantageously provides for a simpler, less traumatic procedure than those procedures involving prior art screw and anchor fixation devices.
Referring now to
Once firmly embedded within the bone, the eyelet portion 74 of such implant may be utilized to attach sutures and the like. Of additional advantage, similar to the embodiment shown in
Referring now to
Although each of the aforementioned embodiments 60, 70, 80 are particularly well-suited for insertion into bone, it should be recognized by those skilled in the art that the same may be utilized to affix sutures, grafts, tissues, synthetic materials and the like to connective tissue, and in particular, periosteum as per the further embodiments discussed more fully below. In this respect, each of the aforementioned embodiments 60, 70, 80 may be designed such that the piton portion thereof pierces into and becomes embedded within such tissue and remains firmly seated thereat so that the attachment mechanism formed thereon can provide a service to which the sutures, grafts and the like may be attached.
As will further be appreciated, in each of the embodiments 60, 70, 80 depicted in
Referring now to drawings 16 and 16 a, there is shown an additional surgical tissue implant 500 useful as a fixation mechanism to attach sutures, tissues, and grafts to soft tissue. In the embodiment depicted, which is shown being deployed for use in securing a sling 502 into position to provide support to a urethra 504, the implant 500 comprises a plurality of dual-prong anchoring mechanisms 506 disposed linearly about a suture-like cord or line 508, which enables such line to advance through the tissue in one direction, but resists rearward movement in the opposite direction. As shown, the implants can be configured to have a generally V-orientation such that the suture 508 bisects such implant and extends therethrough. As will be recognized, each respective implant will have an eyelet or other aperture through which the suture, which may be a suture line or suture-like cord, may be extended. As will be further recognized, although depicted as having a generally V-orientation, it will be appreciated that the anchoring mechanisms 506 may be arranged in a staggered configuration, extend along only one side of the suture 508, or otherwise be radially disposed about a length of the suture 508. Accordingly, it will be recognized that numerous other designs are contemplated that fall within the scope of the present invention.
By linearly disposing the implants along the suture line, the suture line may be advanced in a direction indicated by the letter “X”, but yet resist movement in the direction indicated by the letter “Y”. Advantageously, such arrangement enables the suture line 508 to be pulled into a desired position such that the sling 502 supported thereby can be caused to provide a selective degree of support to the urethra 504 or otherwise maintain a desired distance therefrom. Furthermore, to the extent the suture line 508 with implants 506 or the sling 502 supported thereby are inappropriately positioned, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that, if necessary, the suture line 508 can be cut and the suture with implants affixed thereto extracted completely from the patient's body (and replaced, if necessary or desired). Such design further advantageously permits for the adjustment of the suture line and/or the sling supported thereby not only intro-operatively, but also post-operatively insofar as the suture line 508 can be extended further, for example, in the direction indicated by the letter “X”, as may be desired to the extent it is necessary to add extra tension to the suture line 508. Moreover, as discussed above, the suture line 508 can be removed entirely from a patient's body. In such circumstances, a second suture line 508 having such implants attached can be substituted in its place.
An example of the application of such system is illustrated in the side-perspective view of
In a similar, yet further advanced variation of the embodiment depicted in
Each respective anchor mechanism 808 a, 808 b may be configured per a variety of embodiments, discussed more fully below, that can enable each mechanism to be advanced into a target site of tissue in one direction yet resist movement when pulled in an opposed direction. In this regard, each respective anchor mechanism 808 a, 808 b, will be preferably formed upon the opposed ends of the sling 806 such that the anchor mechanisms 808 a, 808 b can be advanced through a target site of tissue in dissimilar directions, such as opposed directions, to thus enable the sling 806 a to stretch beneath and ultimately support the target anatomical structure as previously discussed above with reference to
To facilitate the ability of the implant 802 to be accurately and securely placed into position within the body, a deployment mechanism 804, more clearly depicted in
To facilitate the interconnection between the implant 802, and more particularly an anchor mechanism 808 thereof, with the deployment mechanism 804, it is contemplated that such anchor mechanism 808 may be pre-loaded in a cartridge, not shown, the latter being selectively interconnectable with the deployment member 818. In such embodiment, it is contemplated that such cartridge will be operative to form a rigid casing about the anchor mechanism 808 to thus enable the anchor mechanism to be easily affixed into position on the deployment member 818 and thereafter surgically guided into position such that once a target site has been accessed, the anchor mechanism 808 can be selectively deployed from the cartridge. To help enable the cartridge to reach such desired target site, it is contemplated that such cartridge may be provided with a cutting apparatus or sharpened cutting edge to thus enable the same to cut and advance through tissue. To that end, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that many possible designs and configurations will be readily apparent to effectuate that end.
Referring now to
As shown, the deployment mechanism 804 is selectively positioned such that an anchor mechanism 808 a of the sling is advanced into the incision 822 via distally-extending deployment member 818. The actuator 814, and more particularly the shaft 816 extending therefrom, is operative to advance the anchor member 808 a away from the distal end 818 a of the member and through the soft tissue until the same becomes within a target site of tissue. To facilitate the ability of the mechanism to gain access to the target site, it is contemplated that the distal-most end 818 a of deployment member 818 may be provided with a sharpened cutting surface to thus enable the same to be advanced through tissue, along with anchor mechanism 808 a to thus enable the implant to be positioned with only one percutaneous incision 822 made in the vaginal wall 820. Along these lines, it is contemplated that once an anchor mechanism 808 a is sufficiently positioned, the second anchor mechanism 808 b will be affixed to the distal-most end of the deployment member 818 of mechanism 804 and likewise be secured into position by selectively advancing the anchor mechanism 808 b through the same incision but in an opposed direction relative the first anchor mechanism 808 a, the latter having been secured into position and thus operative to resist rearward movement.
As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, by merely advancing the anchor mechanisms 808 a, 808 b, in generally opposed directions, the anchor mechanisms will thus be operative to stretch out the sling portion 806 such that the same can selectively and accurately be positioned about a target anatomical structure. In this respect, it is contemplated that the sling portion 806 can be positioned such that the same maintains a specified degree of tension or support to an anatomical structure, such as the urethra 824, or may otherwise be positioned such that the same maintains a desired spatial relationship and orientation relative an anatomical structure. Of additional advantage is the fact that each respective opposed anchor mechanism 808 of the implant 802 can be positioned within the body via a single incision or point of access, which thus eliminates the need for a second incision or access point to be formed in the body, as is known per conventional sling placement which typically requires that separate access points or incisions be made for each fixation point, (i.e., the points at which the opposed ends of the sling are fixed into position within the body).
As a consequence, and shown more clearly in
As discussed above, anchor mechanisms 808 a, 808 b will preferably be formed or attached to the opposed ends of the sling 806 to thus enable the opposed ends to be stretched out and positioned in the desired manner. To achieve that end, it is important that the anchor mechanisms 808 a, 808 b be configured to thus enable the same the be easily advanced into position, to thus achieve the desired goal of fast, accurate and atraumatic placement, but at the same time provide the necessary degree of anchoring support to thus define a secured point of fixation from which the sling 806 can extend and ultimately impart the desired degree of support.
Referring now to
Referring now to
As will be appreciated, alternative anchoring mechanisms are contemplated and will be readily known to those skilled in the art. Along these lines, it is contemplated that the anchor mechanisms may be formed to be operatively transitional between a first compressed state whereby one or more of the anchor members, and more particularly the outwardly extending prongs thereof as depicted in
Although not shown, in order to achieve such selective placement of the anchoring mechanisms capable of operatively transitioning between such first and second configurations, it is contemplated that such anchor mechanisms may be selectively positioned via the use of conventional deployment techniques and devices, such as catheters, needles, and/or guide wires. Exemplary of the latter, as utilized to position such operatively transitional anchor mechanisms for use in sling surgery, would be accomplished via the introduction of the guide wire through and then under the vaginal wall. Once properly positioned, an expansion is then effectuated along the guide wire, via the use of conventional coaxial or balloon systems or other well-known spreading devices that, following deployment, are thereafter removed. As per the procedures discussed above, it is understood that once a first anchor mechanism is deployed, a similar procedure must necessarily be followed to deploy the second respective anchor mechanism such that the sling disposed therebetween is operatively positioned to impart the desired support or positioning at a specified anatomical site.
Another example for use in deploying such operatively transitional anchor mechanisms would include the use of an elongate sheath that is focused as a portion of the deployment member 818 is operative to retain a multiplicity of anchor mechanisms, and in particular a plurality of anchor bodies, such as 840 depicted in
Referring now to
To achieve that objective, there is shown in
In use, the anchoring plate 602 may be secured into position, via prongs or some other type of anchoring mechanism (not shown) to a desired site. Alternatively, it will be appreciated that such anchoring plate 602 may only need be placed on the rectus fascia and, as discussed more fully below, due to the downward force exerted upon the anchoring plate 602 via the sutures held thereby, such anchoring plate will be caused to remain resident at the desired deployment site. Once positioned, the inner and outer plate members 610, 614 are maintained in the first operative configuration such that the apertures 612, 616, respectively formed thereon form the opening or openings through such anchoring plate 602. The suture lines 508 may then be extended through apertures defined by the first and second plate members such that the sling 502 held thereby is maintained in a desired orientation or provides a desired degree of support to the urethra 504. Once so positioned, the inner and outer plate members 610, 614 are rotated relative one another such that second closed configuration is maintained, which thus serves to secure the suture lines 508 into position. To facilitate that end, a knob 618 or other turning mechanism formed upon the inner plate may be provided to facilitate the insertionability to secure the suture lines 508 into position. As discussed above, such design advantageously dispenses with the need to tie down the suture lines or cords at the fascia level. To the extent desired, such anchoring system further enables the suture lines, and more particularly the suture lines extending through the anchor plate, to be secured to one another to thus form a suture “bridge”. As shown in phantom, each respective suture line extending through the anchor plate can be linked to one another as shown. To achieve that end, it will be appreciated that such suture lines may be either tied, fused, crimped, linked or joined to one another via any of a wide variety of methods and devices well known to those skilled in the art.
Referring now to
Referring now to
In an alternative configuration depicted in
As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, by providing such a simplistic, atraumatic mechanism for securing sutures, grafts and the like into position substantially reduces suture erosion, greatly minimizes operative time, patient recovery time and further minimizes the risk of infection by minimizing the degree of invasiveness typically associated with securing slings and the like into an optimal position.
As will further be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, the aforementioned anchoring systems, particularly those mechanisms depicted in
Alternatively, the anchoring systems may be formed from a non-absorbable material such that the same remains permanently embedded within the body. Moreover, it will be recognized that those mechanisms depicted in
Referring now to remaining drawings 9-15, and initially to
As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a wide variety of surgical procedures requiring fixation of sutures, grafts and the like, such as transvaginal sling surgery, particularly when performed in accordance with the procedure depicted in
In the first of such embodiments depicted in
Once so optimally positioned, the suture 98 or graft may be attached to the device 90 as per conventional surgical procedures. Alternatively, due to the ease by which the affixation device 90 may be detached and reattached, the surgeon is provided with the option of securing the suture 98 or graft to such affixation device 90 and thereafter positioning the affixation device 90 at a target site for best positioning. Advantageously, although the affixation device 90 is specifically designed to provide for easy dislodgment and repositioning, it is believed that once the same is secured into position, due to the eventual overgrowth of tissue about such device 90, the affixation device will continue to provide firmer and stronger support over time.
Referring not to
As will be recognized, the prong portions 104 of such tack 100 will be specifically designed and configured to extend through a given layer of tissue or graft material 106 and become embedded into the periosteum 36, but not otherwise extend to or penetrate the bone 38 lying therebeneath (although the embodiment may be modified for such applications). It will further be appreciated that such prongs 104 may vary in number and may take any of a variety of shapes and configurations necessary to achieve that end. As discussed above, it is contemplated that the prong members 104 may be designed to penetrate within the soft tissue, periosteum 36, or even bone 38 at specified depths to thus provide for selective degrees of attachment thereto. In this regard, it is specifically contemplated that such prong members 104 may be formed to have a straight, hook or arcuate shape such that the same facilitate the affixation of a graft 106 to the target site of fixation. For example, in
Referring now to
To facilitate the ability of the staple 110 to secure the graft 112 to the periosteum 36 in the aforementioned manner, it is contemplated that such staple 110 may be formed of resilient, self-expanding or self-contracting material which is biased to the operative configuration shown in
All of the affixation devices discussed herein, although having widespread applicability and substantial advantage over prior art anchor devices, and more particularly bone screws and bone anchors, are particularly well suited in gynecologic, urologic and orthopedic surgical applications. It is believed that such affixation devices are particularly well suited for transvaginal sling surgery insofar as much of the medical literature tends to indicate that in a vast majority of patients, the sling that is utilized in such procedures should be placed with little to no tension at all, with the tension vector emanating therefrom being oriented in a direction well-suited to the piton portion of those embodying as depicted in
Although the invention has been described herein with specific reference to a presently preferred embodiment thereof, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications, deletions, and alterations may be made to such preferred embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, it will be recognized that the, piton portion of any of the surgical implants disclosed herein may take any of a variety of forms such that the same are caused to become more thoroughly seated in a position via the application of force in one direction, but yet become more easily withdrawn when pulled rearwardly in a second direction. It is further contemplated that such embodiments may be formed from plastically deformable or shape-memory material to thus facilitate fixation of such devices at a selected target site. Moreover, it should be recognized that the affixation devices disclosed herein designed to affix sutures, grafts, tissues, synthetic materials, and the like to periosteum may further be modified so that the same additionally penetrate into and become embedded within the bone lying thereunderneath. Specifically, with respect to the embodiment depicted in