Importance

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Abstract

A method for repairing a hernia uses a mesh patch for permanent placement within a patient's body space. The patch has top and bottom mesh layers secured to each other with a seam. The seam surrounds and defines a pocket. The top layer has a transverse slit opening into the pocket. To serve a spring function, an implantable loop is inserted into the pocket to keep the patch expanded under tension in a planar configuration. A border on at least one of the layers extends outward past the seam. The border preferably has slits to fill uneven voids in the patient's tissue and fit more tightly. A surgeon makes a small incision in the patient and performs a dissection deep into the patient's preperitoneal space, creating a pocket in this space into which the patch is to be inserted. The patch is folded and directed into the patient's preperitoneal space, where it is unfolded and expanded into its planar configuration to cover the defect in the patient. Thereafter the surgeon secures the incision with stitches.

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First Claim