Abstract: A method of treating the back pain of a patient which can include the steps of weighing the patient, selecting a firmness of a mattress based on the patient's weight, and disposing a three-dimensional fabric overlay over the mattress for use by the patient. To select the mattress, it can be determined if the weight of the patient corresponds to a value and if the weight is less than or equal to the value, a firm mattress is selected, and selecting a soft mattress if the weight is greater than the value. Further, the overlay can have a plurality air spaces provided between an upper layer, a lower layer and a plurality of monofilaments in the overlay. The plurality of air spaces can be allowed to partially collapse under the weight of the patient.

Abstract: A method for making a lightweight surgical mesh, having the steps of applying a first set of filaments in a first wale direction and forming a first series of loops at each of a plurality of courses. Applying a second set of filaments in the first wale direction and forming a second series of loops at a first adjacent wale to the first wale direction and a third series of loops at a second adjacent wale opposite the first adjacent wale along the plurality of courses. Further, applying a third set of filaments in the first wale direction so that the second series of loops are formed at the second adjacent wale and the third series of loops are formed at first adjacent wale along the plurality of courses. Additionally, applying a fourth set of filaments that interlace repeatedly with the first set of filaments along the first wale direction.

Abstract: Instruments are provided, representative embodiments of which have a first and a second jaw, from each of which at least one engaging element, whose distal end is suitable for engaging the skin tissue to be stretched, protrudes; an elastic member connecting the jaws, stressing them against each other when subjected to a traction force; and elements for adjusting the distance separating the jaws in the absence of traction force on the elastic member.

Abstract: A method of treating the back pain of a patient which can include the steps of weighing the patient, selecting a firmness of a mattress based on the patient's weight, and disposing a three-dimensional fabric overlay over the mattress for use by the patient. To select the mattress, it can be determined if the weight of the patient corresponds to a value and if the weight is less than or equal to the value, a firm mattress is selected, and selecting a soft mattress if the weight is greater than the value. Further, the overlay can have a plurality air spaces provided between an upper layer, a lower layer and a plurality of monofilaments in the overlay. The plurality of air spaces can be allowed to partially collapse under the weight of the patient.

Abstract: Prosthesis to treat hernia, can include a single mesh sheet having biocompatible fibers. It has a flat portion, an unstiffened protuberance formed from the flat portion, and an opening in the flat portion formed by the protuberance having a first diameter. The protuberance includes a proximal portion closest to the flat portion having a proximal portion height, and a distal portion disposed farthest from the flat portion having a distal portion height, a second diameter, and an end of the distal portion is unstiffened. The proximal portion height is a distance from the flat portion to a beginning of the distal portion, and the distal portion height can be a distance from the flat portion to the end of the distal portion. The second diameter is greater than the first diameter, and a first ratio of the distal portion height to the proximal portion height is approximately 1.4 to 3.0.

Abstract: Instruments are provided, representative embodiments of which have a first and a second jaw, from each of which at least one engaging element, whose distal end is suitable for engaging the skin tissue to be stretched, protrudes; an elastic member connecting the jaws, stressing them against each other when subjected to a traction force; and elements for adjusting the distance separating the jaws in the absence of traction force on the elastic member.

Abstract: A prosthesis for the treatment of hernias and/or laparoceles via an intraperitoneal route, having a mesh of filaments of non-resorbable and biocompatible polymer material having interstices permitting tissue growth and a sheet of polymer material having barrier properties and low adhesion to sensitive organs and tissues. The sheet is superimposed upon and joined to the mesh so as to form a stratified structure. In particular, the sheet is joined to mesh through a plurality of filaments located alongside each other at a spacing of not more than 5 mm. Each filament has a plurality of attachment sites to the mesh which are not more than 15 mm apart, and each length of filament between two successive attachment sites projects from the surface of the mesh facing sheet and is fused to the sheet.

Abstract: A method for making a lightweight surgical mesh, having the steps of applying a first set of filaments in a first wale direction and forming a first series of loops at each of a plurality of courses. Applying a second set of filaments in the first wale direction and forming a second series of loops at a first adjacent wale to the first wale direction and a third series of loops at a second adjacent wale opposite the first adjacent wale along the plurality of courses. Further, applying a third set of filaments in the first wale direction so that the second series of loops are formed at the second adjacent wale and the third series of loops are formed at first adjacent wale along the plurality of courses. Additionally, applying a fourth set of filaments that interlace repeatedly with the first set of filaments along the first wale direction.

Abstract: A prosthesis for the treatment of hernias and/or laparoceles via an intraperitoneal route, having a mesh of filaments of non-resorbable and biocompatible polymer material having interstices permitting tissue growth and a sheet of polymer material having barrier properties and low adhesion to sensitive organs and tissues. The sheet is superimposed upon and joined to the mesh so as to form a stratified structure. In particular, the sheet is joined to mesh through a plurality of filaments located alongside each other at a spacing of not more than 5 mm. Each filament has a plurality of attachment sites to the mesh which are not more than 15 mm apart, and each length of filament between two successive attachment sites projects from the surface of the mesh facing sheet and is fused to the sheet.