The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 01, 1997
Filed:
Jun. 14, 1995
Ronald J Thompson, Ft. Thomas, KY (US);
Incont, Inc., Ft. Thomas, KY (US);
Abstract
A suture retrieval tool for use in a laparoscopic urethropexy procedure is provided. The suture retrieval tool comprises a retrieving end and a handle. The retrieving end has a rigid, rod-like shaft and a sharp tip capable of penetrating periurethral tissue, whereby the retrieving end may be inserted into a vagina, through the vaginal mucosa and periurethral tissue adjacent a urethra, and into the space of Retzius, such that the retrieving end may be employed to snare a suture positioned in the space of Retzius for retrieving the suture into the vagina. The suture retrieval tool also preferably comprises a midshaft positioned between the retrieving end and the handle. In order to facilitate snaring of the suture, the retrieving end further comprises a return leg extending from the sharp tip parallel to, and spaced from the rod-like shaft, such that the return leg, the underside of the sharp tip, and the rod-like shaft define a U-shaped region capable of snaring a suture therein when this U-shaped region is pulled over a suture. A surgical method for vaginally retrieving a suture extending from an anchor secured within a bore in the pubic bone of a patient is also provided. This surgical method uses the suture retrieving tool provided herein.