Ethicon, Gmbh

Jochen Hoepffner

Susanne Landgrebe

Jorn Lehe

Johan Stormby

Described is a surgical instrument and method for treating female urinary stress incontinence. The instrument includes a curved needle-like element defining in part a curved shaft having a distal end and a proximal end. A tape attaches to the needle for implanting into the lower abdomen of a female to provide support to the urethra. The tape may be made from synthetic and natural materials. The needle and tape may also be modified to allow the surgeon to attach and detach the tape during the surgical operation. The needle attaches to a handle on which attaches a mechanical arm to track the position of the needle point as it passes through the body and exits the abdominal wall.

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Belle Mead, NJ, United States of America

Jochen Hoepffner