Temporarily Stiffened Mesh Prostheses
First Claim
1. A medical prosthesis comprising a mesh and one or more coating which temporarily stiffens the mesh to at least 1.1 times its original stiffness.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention relates to medical prostheses and methods of manufacturing those devices. In particular, the prostheses are temporarily stiffened meshes with particular coatings to provide initial stiffness and thereby permit easier surgical handling for treatment or reconstruction of soft tissue defects. Preferred embodiments include surgical meshes coated with one or more biodegradable polymers that can act as a stiffening agent by coating the filaments or fibers of the mesh to temporarily immobilize the contact points of those filaments or fibers and/or by increasing the stiffness of the mesh by at least 1.1 times its original stiffness. The devices of the invention can also provide relief from various post-operative complications associated with their implantation, insertion or surgical use. By including biologically active agents and/or drugs in the coating, the devices provide prophylaxis for and can alleviate side effects or complications associated with the surgery or use of prostheses in general.
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Citations
44 Claims
- 1. A medical prosthesis comprising a mesh and one or more coating which temporarily stiffens the mesh to at least 1.1 times its original stiffness.
- 4. A medical prosthesis comprising a mesh and one or more coatings, wherein said one or more coatings comprise a stiffening agent which coats filaments or fibers of said mesh to temporarily immobilize contact points of the filaments or fibers of said mesh.
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42. A process for coating a mesh with a stiffening agent which coats filaments or fibers of said mesh to temporarily immobilize contact points of the filaments or fibers of said mesh which comprises:
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(a) preparing a coating solution comprising a solvent and said stiffening agent;
(b) spraying a mesh one or more times to provide an amount of said solution on said mesh to produce a coating having a thickness and placement sufficient to temporarily immobilize contact points of the filaments or fibers of said mesh that coats filaments or fibers; and
(c) drying said mesh to produce said coating.
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43. A method for producing a shaped or three-dimensional medical prosthesis which comprises
(a) forming a mesh into a desired shape or three-dimensional shape; -
(b) applying a stiffening agent to said mesh to coat filaments or fibers of said mesh;
(c) allowing said agent to dry, set or cure causing said mesh to temporarily immobilize contact points of the filaments or fibers of said mesh and thereby to retain said shape. - View Dependent Claims (44)
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Specification