Devices and methods for delivering and placing a surgical sling (16) without resorting to an abdominal incision are disclosed. For instance, a system for treating urinary incontinence is provided. It comprises a first elongated delivery device (62,12a) having a first aperture (72a) located near the distal end (66b), a second aperture (70a) located near the proximal end (66a), and a lumen extending between them, and a sling assembly (14) including a sling (16). The sling assembly has a first end threaded through into the first aperture, through the lumen and out the second aperture. The sling can be enclosed by a sleeve (18), and comprise a tabbed spacer (26). An operator actuatable cutting device can be located in the lumen. The delivery device can be part of a substantially "Y" shaped delivery system configuration.
