C. R. Bard, Inc.

Ronald L Greene

Dennis Cherok

Roger E Darois

Thomas J Capuzziello

James D Mello

Stephen N Eldridge

Parviz K Amid

Roger Darios

An implantable prosthesis and a method of repairing an anatomical defect, such as a tissue or muscle wall defect, by promoting tissue growth thereto, while limiting the incidence of postoperative adhesions between a portion of the prosthesis and tissue or organs. The prosthesis is formed of a biologically compatible, flexible layer of repair fabric suitable for reinforcing tissue or muscle and closing anatomical defects, and a barrier layer for physically isolating at least a portion of one side of the fabric from areas likely to form adhesions. A peripheral barrier extends about at least a portion of the outer peripheral edge of the repair fabric to inhibit adhesions between the outer peripheral edge and adjacent tissue and organs. The repair fabric may include an outer margin that has been melted and resolidified to render the outer peripheral edge substantially impervious to tissue ingrowth. The barrier layer may be joined to the repair fabric with connecting stitches formed from PTFE to inhibit the formation of adhesions thereto.

Implantable prosthesis

An implantable prosthesis for repairing an anatomical defect, such as a soft tissue and muscle wall defect. The prosthesis is configured to reduce the likelihood that an applied force at the repair site, such as due to intraabdominal pressure or tissue shrinkage, can lead to detrimental effects associated with tension at the anchoring locations between the prosthesis and host tissue and/or contraction of the prosthesis. In this regard, the prosthesis may be configured to limit the amount of tension at the anchoring locations caused by the application of a force or pressure to the prosthesis and/or contraction of the prosthesis. Alternatively, the prosthesis may be configured to compensate for contraction of the prosthesis due to tissue shrinkage at the repair site. The prosthesis may be configured to both limit tension at the anchoring locations and compensate for tissue shrinkage. The prosthesis may facilitate a reduction in postoperative discomfort, a recurrence of the defect, or the creation of a new defect associated with tension and/or prosthetic contraction.

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.

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Warwick, RI, United States of America

Ronald L Greene