Prosthetic repair fabric

Abstract

A prosthetic repair fabric and method for repairing an inguinal hernia in the inguinal canal. The prosthesis including a layer of mesh fabric that is susceptible to the formations of adhesions with sensitive tissue and organs, and a barrier layer that inhibits the formation of adhesions with sensitive tissue and organs. The mesh fabric including a medial section and a lateral section that are configured to be positioned adjacent the medial corner and the lateral end of the inguinal canal, respectively, when the prosthesis is placed in the inguinal canal to repair the defect. The barrier layer is positioned on the mesh fabric to inhibit the formation of adhesions between the spermatic cord and the mesh fabric. At least a portion of the lateral section of the mesh fabric is free of the barrier layer on both of its sides to promote enhanced tissue ingrowth therein. The barrier layer may include at least one flap that is to be folded through the mesh fabric to isolate the spermatic cord from internal edges of the fabric when the spermatic cord is routed through the prothesis.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a prosthetic repair fabric and, more particularly, to an adhesion resistant fabric for use in soft tissue repair and reconstruction.DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART[0002] Various prosthetic mesh materials have been proposed to reinforce the abdominal wall and to close abdominal wall defects. In certain procedures, the prosthetic mesh may come into contact with sensitive tissue or organs potentially leading to postoperative adhesions between the mesh and the sensitive tissue or organs. There has been a suggestion that, in an inguinal hernia repair, the prosthetic mesh may come into direct contact with the spermatic cord. Postoperative adhesions between the mesh and the spermatic cord and / or erosion of the mesh into the cord, were they to occur, could potentially affect spermatic cord structure and function.[0003] Inguinal hernias are commonly repaired using a sheet of mesh fabric, such as BARD MESH, which may be trimmed, as necessary, to match the par...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] The present invention is a composite prosthetic repair fabric and method for reinforcing and repairing a tissue or wall defect by promoting enhanced tissue ingrowth thereto, while limiting the incidence of postoperative adhesions between the mesh and sensitive tissue or organs. The composite is formed of a biologically compatible, flexible implantable fabric suitable for reinforcing tissue and closing tissue defects, and a barrier for physically isolating the reinforcing fabric from areas likely to form adhesions. The barrier and implantable fabric may be attached by stitching, an adhesive, fusion or insert molding in a manner which preserves sufficient openings in the fabric for tissue ingrowth.

[0010] In one embodiment of the invention, the barrier layer covers at least a portion of the medial section that is to be positioned adjacent the spermatic cord when the prosthetic repair fabric is placed in the inguinal canal. At least a portion of the lateral section of the mesh fabric is free of the barrier layer on both sides thereof to promote enhanced tissue ingrowth therein.

Problems solved by technology

In certain procedures, the prosthetic mesh may come into contact with sensitive tissue or organs potentially leading to postoperative adhesions between the mesh and the sensitive tissue or organs.

1344-1349, reports that prosthetic mesh in direct contact with the spermatic cord may adversely affect spermatic cord structure and function.

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