A medical device and method of use comprising a base portion having a length extending from proximal end and a distal end and a width extending from a first side to a laterally opposed second side. At least one arm extending from at least one of the first or second sides, the at least one arm extending a distance greater than the width of the base portion. The arm being configured to extend around at least a portion of a cervical isthmus.

Described are methods and apparatus for use in supporting tissue in a patient's body. In some embodiments, the patient's breast is supported. In some embodiments, the methods provide ways of supporting and adjusting tissue, and the apparatus includes components and embodiments for supporting and adjusting the tissue. Some embodiments include a supporting device, having a first portion, a second portion, and a support member positioned between the first portion and second portion. Some embodiments include advancing the first portion of the supporting device into the body to a first location in the body; advancing the second portion of the supporting device into the body to a second location in the body; securing the first portion of the supporting device at the first location; and shifting soft tissue in the body with the support member.

Systems and methods of manufacture for bone and joint stabilization devices are described for such devices that are tensioned after anchoring during a medical procedure and remain active in maintaining axial tension for continued compression of the subject anatomy.

A tether system for securing a prosthetic heart valve within a patient, the tether system comprising a tether defining a longitudinal axis, and a deformable element coupled to the tether, the deformable element having a first deformed shape in a first condition of the deformable element, and having a second substantially straight shape in a second condition of the deformable element so that, when the deformable element is in the second condition, the deformable element extends in a direction along the longitudinal axis.

Self-retaining sutures having a first end for penetrating tissue and an elongated suture body comprising a plurality of intermittent apertures structured to enable formation of knotless suture loop closures that securely hold opposing tissue faces together due to the presence of the intermittent apertures through the suture that permit one-way passage of the suture body thus forming a self-retaining or self-engaging loop in the suture that does not slip backwards. Once a desired loop size is formed between tissue faces by pulling the suture through one of the intermittent apertures in the suture thread, the suture thread is clipped and a further loop is begun using the remainder of the suture thread affixed to the suture needle.

A method and apparatus for coupling a soft tissue implant into a locking cavity formed within a bone is disclosed. The apparatus includes a member to pull the soft tissue implant into a femoral tunnel. The member includes a suture having first and second ends which are passed through first and second openings associated with the longitudinal passage to form a pair of loops. Portions of the suture lay parallel to each other within the suture. Application of tension onto the suture construction causes retraction of the soft tissue implant into the femoral tunnel.

A method of effecting a tendon repair in a patient comprising providing a suture tape, using the suture tape to connect tendon tissue to bone of the patient such that the suture tape lays flat on the tendon, and permitting ingrowth of the tendon tissue into the suture tape as the absorbable fibers are absorbed into the patient's tissue. The suture tape is a flat braid of elastic, absorbable fibers and high strength fibers, the tape being at least 1 mm wide and 2 cm long, and less than 1 mm high. The suture tape includes at least 4 absorbable fibers and at least 4 high strength fibers. Further, the suture tape is capable of being stretched at least 10% from its shortest length to the length at which it breaks and is capable of withstanding a load of at least 260 Newtons before breaking.

A tissue fastener having fixed points of tissue attachment including a first elongate elastic component and a second elongate component having one or more elongate sections each adjacent section delineated by at least one frangible point.

The present application discloses a method for treating male urinary incontinence, which includes the following steps: 1) male urethral reconstruction surgery, 2) preparation of a urethral clamp, and 3) application of the urethral clamp. The urethral clamp and the surgical treatment of male urinary incontinence are low in medical costs, and no artificial material is implanted into the body. The method and the clamp device have the advantages of accurate urine control effect, simple manipulation of urination, minimal urethral reconstruction surgery, high success rate, and simple operation. It does not affect the sensation of penis and cavernous erection. It does not affect the appearance of penis, and it is easy for patients to accept the method and the clamp device. A controlled urethral clamp for the treatment of male urinary incontinence is also disclosed.

Described are methods and apparatus for use in supporting tissue in a patient's body. In some embodiments, the patient's breast or another tissue is supported. One method involves introducing a superior soft tissue anchor into a patient, the anchor having an inferiorly facing total surface area; and introducing at least one inferior soft tissue anchor into the patient, such that the at least one inferior soft tissue anchor is suspended from the superior soft tissue anchor, the sum of all of the at least one inferior soft tissue anchors having a superiorly facing total surface area. The inferiorly facing total surface area of the superior anchor can be greater, such as at least two times greater than the superiorly facing total surface area of the at least one inferior anchor.