Patent attributes
Self-anchoring slings and deployment mechanisms for use therewith in selectively positioning a sling into position within the body. According to a preferred embodiment, a system is provided for securing a sling into fixed position within a target site of soft tissue within the body. The system includes an implantable sling having an elongate segment of material with an anchor mechanism formed on the ends thereof. The system also includes a non-mechanically assisted deployment mechanism for positioning the anchor mechanisms within the target site. The deployment mechanism has a manually operable handle having a deployment member extending distally therefrom, the deployment member being detachably fastenable to a respective one of said anchor mechanisms of said implantable sling. The deployment member is configured to guide the anchor mechanism through the soft tissue to the target site, and insert said anchor mechanism into said tissue at said target site.