Hernia repair mesh prosthesis, and method of using same
First Claim
1. A hernia repair prosthetic element comprising:
- a central portion which covers a hernia opening within a patient;
plural support portions integrally connected about a periphery of the central portion for securing the central portion in covering relation to the hernia opening;
the prosthetic element, including the central and support portions, being a substantially planar member formed of flexible mesh material;
the support portions being foldable relative to the central portion so that the prosthetic element can be selectively manipulated between folded and unfolded shapes;
said support portions being adapted to securely engage various components of the patient'"'"'s body surrounding the hernia opening, respectively; and
said central portion has openings formed therethrough for passage of fluid.
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Abstract
A hernia repair prosthetic element includes: a central portion which covers a hernia opening within a patient; plural support portions integrally connected about a periphery of the central portion for securing the central portion in covering relation to the hernia opening; the prosthetic element, including the central and support portions, being a substantially planar member formed of flexible mesh material; the support portions being foldable relative to the central portion so that the prosthetic element can be selectively manipulated between folded and unfolded shapes; the support portions being adapted to securely engage various components of the patient'"'"'s body surrounding the hernia opening; and openings are formed through the central portion for passage of fluid therethrough. The prosthetic element has only two basic shapes, one for use in relation to all groin hernias and one for use in relation to all abdominal hernias. The flexible mesh material may be of propylene or other suitable materials, the central portion has an enhanced strength, such as being formed of two layers of the mesh material, and the central portion may be stretchable to absorb greater forces imposed thereon.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A hernia repair prosthetic element comprising:
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a central portion which covers a hernia opening within a patient;
plural support portions integrally connected about a periphery of the central portion for securing the central portion in covering relation to the hernia opening;
the prosthetic element, including the central and support portions, being a substantially planar member formed of flexible mesh material;
the support portions being foldable relative to the central portion so that the prosthetic element can be selectively manipulated between folded and unfolded shapes;
said support portions being adapted to securely engage various components of the patient'"'"'s body surrounding the hernia opening, respectively; and
said central portion has openings formed therethrough for passage of fluid. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19)
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17. A method of hernia repair using a substantially planar prosthetic element including a central portion which covers a hernia opening within a patient and plural support portions integrally connected about a periphery of the central portion for securing the central portion in covering relation to the hernia opening, comprising the steps of:
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making a small incision in a patient'"'"'s body in the vicinity of the hernia;
folding the support portions upon the central portion 3 in a thin, compact shape;
administering the folded member within the patient'"'"'s body by inserting same through the small incision using a scope;
unfolding the support portions from the main portion;
engaging the support portions with various components of the patient'"'"'s body surrounding the hernia opening such that the central portion covers the hernia opening; and
removing the scope and closing the incision.
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Specification