Hernia patch with removable resilient element

Abstract

The present invention provides, in certain aspects, grafting devices deliverable into the body for repairing defects in bodily structure walls. One such grafting device comprises a compliant sheet-form material, and a removable resilient element that is retained in association with the sheet-form material. In some forms, the resilient element is adapted for delivery in its entirety into the body, and thereafter, can be disassociated from the sheet-form material for removal from the body. The sheet- form material may be formed with one or more of a variety of biocompatible materials including some that are naturally derived and some that are non-naturally derived. Illustratively, the sheet-form material may be comprised of a remodelable, angiogenic material, for example, a remodelable extracellular matrix (ECM) material. In additional embodiments, the invention provides methods and apparatuses for delivering these and other inventive grafting device into the body.

Description

Technical field [0001] The present invention generally relates to a medical device, and more particularly to a device for repairing defects in the wall of a body structure. Background technique [0002] As a further background, an estimated tens of millions of people worldwide suffer from hernias each year. Men and women of all ages can get hernias. A hernia is actually an opening in the abdominal wall through which abdominal contents such as the intestine can protrude. A hernia occurs when the inner layer of the abdominal wall becomes weak, then bulges or splits. The inner layer of the abdomen passes through the weakened area to form a balloon-like sac. This in turn can cause intestinal loops or abdominal tissue to slide into the sac, causing pain or other potentially serious health problems. A hernia usually occurs either due to the natural weakness of the abdominal wall, or from excessive tension on the abdominal wall, such as tension caused by lifting heavy objects, signi...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Although open hernia surgery is still common, it takes too long and is therefore more expensive

Open surgeries also require large incisions, excessive dissection of normal tissue, extra pain and discomfort for the patient, long recovery periods and inability to work, resulting in an unacceptably high recurrence rate

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