US5437603A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus and method for implanting prostheses within periurethral tissues
Assignee: CR Bard Inc
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Filing: 1993-09-14
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Granted: 1995-08-01
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Expires: 2013-09-14
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus is disclosed for guiding a medical instrument to a predetermined target location within the periurethral tissues of a patient. The apparatus directs the instrument along a predetermined path with respect to the patient's urethra and limits penetration of the instrument to a predetermined depth. The disclosed embodiment comprises an apparatus for implanting inflatable prostheses within the periurethral tissues to coapt the urethra and thereby manage incontinence. A method for effecting coaptation of a urethra of a patient is also disclosed. According to this method, a pair of working channels are formed within the periurethral tissues, and an inflatable prosthesis is introduced into each working channel. The prostheses are inflated only after both working channels have been formed, and preferably after both prostheses have been positioned within their respective working channels. The inflated prostheses confront the urethra and effect coaptation of the urethra.
Inventors
- 👤 David E. Cerny
- 👤 Christopher J. Brooks
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 21:38
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/0004; A61F2/0031; A61F2/0036; A61F2/004; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/34; A61B17/3403; A61M; A61M25/00; A61M25/01; A61M25/02; A61M2025/0213; A61M2025/0233; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S128/00; Y10S128/25
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
132 words
A method for effecting coaptation of a urethra of a patient, comprising the steps of: forming a first working channel through the periurethral tissues of said patient to a first target location in predetermined relation to said urethra; forming a second working channel through the periurethral tissues of said patient to a second target location in predetermined relation to said urethra and to said first target location; introducing a first inflatable prosthesis through said first working channel to said first target location; introducing a second inflatable prosthesis through said second working channel to said second target location; subsequent to said step of forming said second working channel, inflating said first inflatable prosthesis; and inflating said second inflatable prosthesis, said first and second prostheses being inflated such that coaptation of said urethra results.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
132 words
A method for effecting coaptation of a urethra of a patient, comprising the steps of: forming a first working channel through the periurethral tissues of said patient to a first target location in predetermined relation to said urethra; forming a second working channel through the periurethral tissues of said patient to a second target location in predetermined relation to said urethra and to said first target location; introducing a first inflatable prosthesis through said first working channel to said first target location; introducing a second inflatable prosthesis through said second working channel to said second target location; subsequent to said step of forming said second working channel, inflating said first inflatable prosthesis; and inflating said second inflatable prosthesis, said first and second prostheses being inflated such that coaptation of said urethra results.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1, comprising the further step of placing said urethra in predetermined alignment prior to forming either of said first and second working channels.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of claim 2, wherein said step of placing said urethra in predetermined alignment comprises the step of inserting a substantially rigid catheter of predetermined configuration into said urethra so as to cause said urethra to assume said predetermined configuration.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
53 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said step of inflating said first inflatable prosthesis subsequent to said step of forming said second working channel comprises the step of inflating said first inflatable prosthesis subsequent to said step of introducing said second inflatable prosthesis through said second working channel to said second target location.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method of claim 1, comprising the further step, prior to inflation of either of said first and second prostheses, of inserting a cystoscope into said urethra for visualization of said urethra as said first and second prostheses are inflated, whereby coaptation of said urethra can be visually monitored.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-07-31 | 1999-01-30 | 1999-08-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-07-31 | 2003-01-30 | 2003-08-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-07-31 | 2007-01-30 | 2007-08-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |