Importance

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Abstract

A prosthesis and a method for repairing a tissue or muscle wall defect, such as an inguinal hernia, near a cord-like structure, such as the spermatic cord. The prosthesis comprises a layer of repair fabric having a cord opening therethrough that is adapted to receive the cord-like structure when the prosthesis is implanted at the repair site. The prosthesis also includes a cord protector that is attachable to the repair fabric at the opening to isolate the cord-like structure from the fabric in proximity to the opening. The repair fabric may be formed from a material which is susceptible to the formation of adhesions with sensitive tissue and organs. The cord protector may be formed from material which inhibits the formation of adhesions with sensitive tissue and organs. The cord protector may overlie a portion of at least one of the first and second surfaces of the repair fabric. The cord protector may extend substantially farther away from the opening edge on one of the first and second surfaces than on the other of the first and second surfaces. The cord protector may be configured as an insert that is separate from and attachable to the repair fabric. Alternatively, the cord protector may be integral with the repair fabric to form a composite prosthesis.

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First Claim