C. R. Bard, Inc.

Donna Schultz Torres

Steven Palmer Ford

An implantable prosthesis for repairing an anatomical defect, such as a tissue or muscle wall hernia, including an umbilical hernia, and for preventing the occurrence of a hernia at a small opening or weakness in a tissue or muscle wall, such as at a puncture tract opening remaining after completion of a laparoscopic procedure. The prosthesis includes a patch for covering or extending across the opening or weakness. At least one tether, such as a strap, extends from the patch and may be manipulated to position and/or to secure the patch relative to the opening or weakness in the tissue or muscle wall. The tether may be configured to extend through the defect and outside a patient's body for positioning and/or manipulating the patch from a location outside the body. A support member may be arranged in or on the patch to help deploy the patch at the surgical site and/or help inhibit collapse or buckling of the patch.

Implantable prosthesis

The tether may be configured to extend through the defect and outside a patient's body to allow a surgeon to position and/or manipulate the patch from a location outside of the body. An indicator may be provided on the tether as an aid for a surgeon in determining when the patch or plug has been inserted a sufficient distance within the patient. A support member may be arranged in or on the patch or plug to help deploy the patch or plug at the surgical site and/or help inhibit collapse or buckling of the patch or plug. The patch or plug may be configured with a pocket or cavity to facilitate the deployment and/or positioning of the patch or plug over the opening or weakness.

Growing community of inventors

Attleboro, MA, United States of America

Donna Schultz Torres