Importance

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Abstract

A hernia patch has a first layer of inert synthetic mesh material selectively sized and shaped to extend across and beyond a hernia. A second layer of inert synthetic mesh material overlies the first layer to create a generally planar configuration for the patch. The first and second layers are joined together by a seam that defines a periphery of a pouch between the layers and provides stiffness to the patch for urging the patch to conform to the generally planar configuration across the hernia, which helps to prevent folding of the patch as the surgeon withdraws his or her finger. The seam may be straight, zig-zag, sinusoidal or other configurations that effectively urge the patch to conform to a planar configuration. One of the layers has a border that extends beyond the seam and that has a free outer edge. A plurality of border slits extend from the outer edge through the border substantially to the seam. An access slit is formed in one of the layers for insertion of a surgeon's finger into the pouch to facilitate insertion of the patch into the patient and to position the patch across the hernia.

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First Claim