Minitape® is the original patented minisling designed by a surgeon specifically for treating female urinary stress incontinence. The concept minisling was invented by Mpathy Medical in 2001 and was first used clinically in 2002.
Unstabilized minislings are not as effective as full length slings (50-69%). Minitape® delivers a unique patented method which ensures stabilization for the key 72 post-operative hours. This allows for functionality and effectiveness similar to a full length sling. In the long term, the short Minitape® implant ensures a low risk of foreign body complications.
Minitape® also offers the ability to refine or “fine-tune” the sling tension up to 72 hours following the surgery for maximum repairs right in the office. It is estimated that approximately 40% of a primary USI group may need fine-tuning in the office to loosen or tighten the Minitape®.
Mpathy Medical has compiled two years of published data on Minitape® outcomes. Minitape® has a good safety profile and surgeons can place the product under local anaesthesia in the office if desired. Patients can return to normal activity and work fairly rapidly.
Minitape® utilizes the patented Smartmesh™ technology that was designed specifically and exclusively for a women’s anatomy by a gynecologist surgeon.
Minitape® has a unique closed knit technology which makes it very soft and flexible to the touch. There are finished edges along the sling portion that lays under the urethra verses those that have rough “burred” edges that cause discomfort or create complications in the urethral area. Further because the material does not fold upon itself, twist or deform during implantation, Minitape® maintains broad support of the urethra.
Benefits
- Full length sling efficacy with temporary absorbable sutures which stabilize the minisling
- Post-operative “fine-tuning” adjustment for up to 72 hours
- Two year data on Minitape® safety profile:
- Zero bladder perforations
- Zero erosions
- Single vaginal incision, local anesthesia, fine (3mm) needle
- Less mesh mass
- 1/8 of implanted mesh mass compared to full length slings
- Utilizes the physiologically compatible ultra lightweight Smartmesh™ technology for optimal tissue integration
Indications for Use
- Primary or repeat urinary stress incontinence
- Intrinsic sphincter deficiency
- Mixed incontinence
- Voiding disorder
- Incontinence plus voiding disorder
Surgical Procedure
Minitape® has a unique closed knit technology that gives soft edges as it is placed under the urethra unlike the rough edges of competitive meshes. The Minitape® is stabilized by absorbable sutures which are passed in a retropubic or subfascial course using narrow (3mm) needles. These temporary sutures are passed through to the skin level and secured with a film dressing. Within 72 hours, “fine-tuning” adjustments are possible by either loosening or tightening the sutures if needed. If no adjustments are needed the sutures are cut under tension and allowed to retract and absorb.
Mpathy Medical offers a choice of four ergonomic needles:
- Intro 80: Miniretropubic
- Intro 60: Miniretropubic
- Introflex: Physician preference
- Introhook: Minihammock (subfascial)
Further, the surgeon may choose any one of four approaches to the procedure based on their particular skill set and preference:
- Miniretropubic: bottom upwards or up downwards (Minitape®)
- Minihammock: in-out, out-in (Minitape® O)
Minitape® offers surgeons the ideal procedure by delivering at the highest level of benchmark effectiveness, with minimal incisions and a high safety profile. Additionally, the ability to fine tune may add to that effectiveness.