Disclosed is a hybrid surgical mesh that is partially absorbable or biodegradable. The hybrid surgical mesh described herein generally comprises a central absorbable or biodegradable portion surrounded on at least its sides by a non-absorbable portion which forms a support structure for supporting a prolapsed region. While the absorbable or biodegradable portion provides support to the prolapsed region immediately following the surgical procedure to correct such prolapse, over time the central absorbable or biodegradable portion dissolves so as to leave only the non-absorbable interrupted hammock-like support structure. Such configuration provides the initial structural support required after the surgical procedure necessary to ensure healing and strengthening of the prolapsed region, while significantly reducing the risk of healing abnormalities or complications resulting in the central portion of the graft.

The present invention includes a device and method for measuring skin elasticity that comprises: a probe with one or more holes, a vacuum source, a pressure sensor, and one or more infrared or optical proximity sensors aligned about the one or more holes, wherein the probe further comprises a raised area surrounding the one or more holes; and a processor for recording the deformation of the skin using a control unit comprising a microcontroller connected to the one or more infrared or optical proximity sensors and the one or more pressure sensors, to measure an amount of skin drawn into and out of the one or more holes to determine the distance between the one or more proximity sensors and the skin both inside and outside the probe.

A method and device for anchoring a length of self-retaining suture. The method of anchoring includes providing for an assembly having a length of self-retaining suture and a suture insertion device. The length of suture includes at least a portion of the length having a plurality of retainers thereon extending in a first direction. The insertion device has a length and a recess to receive a portion of the suture length. The method further includes placing a portion of the suture length in the recess and inserting the device into the body of a mammal until the recess reaches a predetermined location thereby forming an insertion pathway. The method further includes retrieving the insertion device from the body by moving the insertion device in a direction substantially opposed to the insertion pathway.

Surgical articles, implants and components suitable creating composite slings are described. Novel procedures for assembling and utilizing composite slings are also detailed.

Described are implants, intermediate articles of manufacture (web constructions) useful for preparing implants, methods of forming the implants and intermediate articles, and related methods for treating pelvic conditions by use of the implants. The present invention relates generally to surgical implants (i.e., “implants”), intermediate articles of manufacture (web constructions) useful for preparing surgical implants, methods of forming the implants and intermediate articles, and related methods for treating pelvic conditions by use of the implants.

In one embodiment, a medical device includes a delivery tool having a carrier member, and a cartridge. The cartridge is coupled to the delivery tool. The cartridge defines an opening. The cartridge is configured to retain an anchor defining a lumen. The carrier member has a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. The carrier member is configured to extend through the lumen defined by the anchor and through the opening defined by the cartridge when the cartridge is coupled to the delivery tool and the carrier member is in its extended configuration.

A tool includes a brace and a hook. The brace includes two posts extending from a base portion. The two posts include a first post that is spaced a distance apart from a second post, with the first post disposed in a first plane and the second post disposed in a second plane that is not the same as the first plane. A side of the base portion opposite from the first post and opposite from the second post includes a recess formed in the base portion. The hook is connected to a handle. The hook has a first section attached to the handle, a second section that is curved to have a J-hook curvature configured for accessing an obturator foramen of the patient, and a third section including a tip. The tip of the hook is removably insertable into the recess formed in the base portion.

In an embodiment, the invention discloses a medical device configured to be delivered and placed within a patient's body. The medical device includes an implant and a cover member. The implant is configured to be disposed within the patient's body. The implant includes a support member, a first arm member and a second arm member, an elongated first sleeve, and an elongated second sleeve. The support member includes a crescent shaped opening.

A surgical spacer equipped to measure important parameters for determining the optimal placement of a surgically-implanted sling.

A bodily implant is provided to support body tissues of a patient. The bodily implant includes a strip having a first portion and a second portion. The strip is configured to be stretched in a manner such that the second portion is stretched from a first length to a second length. The second portion of the strip is configured to maintain the second length. The strip is further configured to be disposed proximate to the patient's body tissues.