Surgery – Instruments – Surgical mesh – connector – clip – clamp or band
Reexamination Certificate
1999-02-11
2001-09-18
Jackson, Gary (Department: 3731)
Surgery
Instruments
Surgical mesh, connector, clip, clamp or band
C602S044000, C602S058000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06290708
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention generally relates to a surgically implantable patch for use in repairing a hernia or other wound. More particularly, the present invention relates to a hernia repair patch having a seal that acts to stiffen the patch to maintain the patch in a planar configuration.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Surgically implantable mesh patches for the repair of inguinal and other abdominal wall hernias, which are intended for permanent placement within a patient's body space, have been provided and used previously. Tension free surgical repairs of hernias have been developed using synthetic mesh materials to bridge and to patch hernia defects. These repairs resulted in both a decrease in the recurrence rate as well as a decrease in the amount of a patient's post operative discomfort. Patients undergoing these more advanced procedures were able and are able to resume their normal activities sooner.
Some of these earlier techniques are somewhat complicated. Several use a plug or a locating member to fit within the hernia defect itself. Also, many of these earlier techniques were designed specifically for use in laparoscopic repair of hernias. Moreover, many of the prior inventions required suturing to the patient's body tissue. Although these medical advances are acknowledged for their usefulness and success, there remains a need or needs for more improvements in the surgical repair of hernias.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
A hernia mesh patch for use in the surgical repair of a patient's inguinal, or other abdominal wall hernias, is disclosed for permanent placement within a patient's body space. The hernia mesh patch has a top layer and a bottom layer of an inert, synthetic mesh, preferably polypropylene mesh. The top layer and the bottom layer are secured to each other with a seam. A slit is located in one of the layers to provide access to a pouch formed between the two layers by the seam.
The seam provides stiffness for the patch, which causes the patch to assume a flattened configuration. The seam comprises an ultrasonic seal that is arranged in an oval, ovoid, loop, or ring configuration, or a partial oval, ovoid, loop or ring having a circumference slightly greater than the circumference of the interior pocket of the patch. The seal may be of a linear, zig-zag, sinusoidal, or other suitable pattern. A border on at least one of the layers extends outward past the seam. The border preferably has slits that define tabs, which fill uneven voids in the patient's tissue.
Without the need for general anesthesia, nor expensive laparoscopic instrumentation, a surgeon makes a small incision in the patient when repairing an inguinal hernia. The incision is approximately three centimeters long, arranged obliquely, and approximately two to three centimeters above the internal ring location of the inguinal hernia.
Thereafter, the surgeon uses his or her fingers to readily fold and compact the hernia mesh patch and direct the patch through the incision and into the patient's properitoneal space. The hernia mesh patch then unfolds and expands into a planar configuration due to the resiliency of the seam. The surgeon may insert a finger if through a slit formed in one of the layers of the patch and into the pouch to manipulate the patch. The surgeon then moves the hernia mesh patch to cover the defect in the patient's abdominal cavity. Thereafter, the surgeon withdraws his or her finger and secures the incision with stitches.
Soon after surgery, the patient's body reacts to the mesh of the hernia mesh patch. In a short time, the mesh becomes stuck, thereby keeping the hernia mesh patch in place. Thereafter, the patient's scar tissue grows into the mesh over a period of time, typically between thirty and sixty days, to permanently fix the hernia mesh patch in its intended position over the repaired area where the hernia was located.
Small holes may be cut through both layers of the mesh inside the seal ring, to increase friction and to minimize the sliding or migration of the hernia mesh patch after it is positioned.
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Biggers Keith D.
Inman J. Douglas
Kugel Robert D.
Bard Asdi Inc.
Jackson Gary
Wolf Greenfield & Sacks P.C.
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