Inflatable hernia patch
View Patent ↗A patch for repairing an intra-abdominal defect is disclosed in one embodiment of the present invention as including a mesh layer providing a grid of material perforated by apertures through the mesh. This mesh is used to reinforce an area around an intra-abdominal defect. A containment layer is secured proximate an edge of the mesh layer. A filler is distributed across the apertures of the mesh to contain a fluid from passing through the mesh. The mesh layer, containment layer, and filler are connected to form a chamber to selectively expand upon receipt of a quantity of fluid between the containment layer and the filler.
1. A method for repairing an intra-abdominal defect, the method comprising:
providing a patch comprising a mesh layer integrated with a fluid chamber expandable to extend the mesh layer, the fluid chamber forming at least one of an inflatable ring and an inflatable rib;
folding the patch;
inserting the patch through an incision in the abdomen to repair an intra-abdominal defect;
unfolding the patch by urging fluid into the fluid chamber;
positioning the patch over the intra-abdominal defect;
attaching the patch to the abdominal wall to reinforce an area proximate the intra-abdominal defect; and
leaving the fluid chamber within the abdomen upon closing the incision.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising collapsing the expandable fluid chamber by removing the fluid therefrom.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein collapsing further comprises at least one of puncturing the expandable fluid chamber, providing a slow leak through apertures in the expandable chamber, cutting a conduit leading to the expandable fluid chamber, and passing fluid from the chamber through a conduit leading to the expandable chamber.
4. The method of clam 3 , wherein puncturing further comprises piercing the fluid chamber with a suture member.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the suture member is selected from the group consisting of a needle, a staple, and forceps.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein inserting the patch comprises one of inserting the patch through a laparoscopic incision and inserting the patch through a conventional open surgery incision.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein urging fluid into the fluid chamber comprises urging fluid through a conduit leading to the fluid chamber.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein urging fluid into the fluid chamber comprises initiating a chemical reaction inside the fluid chamber.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the fluid chamber comprises a bioabsorbable material.
10. The method of claim 1 , the patch further comprising an anti-adhesion layer substantially impervious to cell growth and non-adherent to live tissue.
11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the anti-adhesion layer forms at least part of the fluid chamber.
12. The method of claim 10 , wherein the anti-adhesion layer is formed of a polymer.
13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the polymer is selected from polyfluorinated materials.
14. The method of claim 1 , wherein the fluid chamber forms at least one inflatable ring.
15. The method of claim 1 , wherein the fluid chamber forms at least one inflatable rib.
16. A method for repairing an intra-abdominal defect, the method comprising:
providing a patch comprising a mesh layer integrated with a fluid chamber expandable to extend the mesh layer, the fluid chamber forming at least one inflatable ring;
inserting the patch through an incision in an abdomen to repair an intra-abdominal defect;
extending, after the inserting, a central portion of the patch into a substantially smooth surface by urging fluid into the fluid chamber;
positioning the patch over the intra-abdominal defect;
attaching the patch to the abdominal wall to reinforce an area proximate the intra-abdominal defect; and
leaving the fluid chamber within the abdomen upon closing the incision.
17. A method for repairing an intra-abdominal defect, the method comprising:
providing a patch comprising a mesh layer integrated with a fluid chamber expandable to extend the mesh layer, the fluid chamber forming at least one inflatable rib;
inserting the patch through an incision in an abdomen to repair an intra-abdominal defect;
extending, after the inserting, an interior portion of the patch into a substantially smooth surface by urging fluid into the fluid chamber;
positioning the patch over the intra-abdominal defect;
attaching the patch to the abdominal wall to reinforce an area proximate the intra-abdominal defect; and
leaving the fluid chamber within the abdomen upon closing the incision.