Surgical instrument and method for the treatment of urinary incontinence

Abstract

A surgical assembly including a surgical introducer having a handle portion and a needle element extending to a free distal end, and a sliding mechanism including a compressible member and a sliding button slidably coupled to the handle portion for longitudinal movement relative thereto and having a first retaining device extending outwardly from a distal end and a projection extending outwardly to a position adjacent the compressible member. First and second sheath elements each have a proximal end, a closed tapered distal end region, a channel therein, and a side aperture at a predetermined distance from the distal tip. The needle element slidably extends through the side aperture and into the channel of the first sheath element. An implant having first and second ends is coupled to the proximal ends of the first and second sheath elements respectively. The sliding button is slidable between a first resting position and a second more distal position wherein the retaining element can engage the side aperture, and wherein when so engaged the compressible member exerts a constant force on the sliding button and sheath element in a direction toward the first resting position of the sliding button.