Abstract: A positioning device for maintaining positioning of an introducer hub relative to a repositioning sheath or catheter may be provided. The positioning devices may include a first coupler, a second coupler configured to be removably coupled to a portion of a repositioning sheath or catheter that is proximal to the first coupler, and a portion extending between the first coupler and the second coupler, the extension bridge configured to maintain a fixed axial distance between the introducer hub and a proximal end of the repositioning sheath or catheter. A flexible hinge may be incorporated, where a medical device would be configured to pass through the second coupler, the flexible hinge, and the first coupler.

Abstract: A medical device including a first layer having an opening formed therein. A second layer is positioned with respect to the first layer to form a pocket therebetween. A support member is at least partially located in the pocket and reconfigurable for removal of the support member from the pocket via the opening. An affixation element located in the pocket between the support member and the second layer, and secured to the second layer. A method of implanting a medical device is also included.

Abstract: A medical device including a mesh prosthesis having a first layer having an opening a second layer secured to the first layer and forming a pocket therebetween. A deployment device is positioned in the pocket and arranged to resiliently exert a deployment force on the mesh prosthesis to urge the mesh prosthesis into a deployment shape. The deployment device has a first shape when deployed that has at least one dimension larger than that of the opening to frustrate removal of the deployment device therethrough. Upon application of a suitable pulling force the deployment device is reconfigurable into a second shape that permits the deployment device to be removed from the pocket through the opening upon application of the suitable pulling force. A method of using a medical device is also included.

Abstract: A medical device including a first layer having an opening formed therein. A second layer is positioned with respect to the first layer to form a pocket therebetween. A support member is at least partially located in the pocket and reconfigurable for removal of the support member from the pocket via the opening. An affixation element located in the pocket between the support member and the second layer, and secured to the second layer. A method of implanting a medical device is also included.

Abstract: A medical device including a first layer having an opening formed therein. A second layer is positioned with respect to the first layer to form a pocket therebetween. A support member is at least partially located in the pocket and reconfigurable for removal of the support member from the pocket via the opening. An affixation element located in the pocket between the support member and the second layer, and secured to the second layer. A method of implanting a medical device is also included.

Abstract: A medical device including a mesh prosthesis having a first layer having an opening a second layer secured to the first layer and forming a pocket therebetween. A deployment device is positioned in the pocket and arranged to resiliently exert a deployment force on the mesh prosthesis to urge the mesh prosthesis into a deployment shape. The deployment device has a first shape when deployed that has at least one dimension larger than that of the opening to frustrate removal of the deployment device therethrough. Upon application of a suitable pulling force the deployment device is reconfigurable into a second shape that permits the deployment device to be removed from the pocket through the opening upon application of the suitable pulling force. A method of using a medical device is also included.

Abstract: A medical device including a mesh prosthesis having a first layer having an opening a second layer secured to the first layer and forming a pocket therebetween. A deployment device is positioned in the pocket and arranged to resiliently exert a deployment force on the mesh prosthesis to urge the mesh prosthesis into a deployment shape. The deployment device has a first shape when deployed that has at least one dimension larger than that of the opening to frustrate removal of the deployment device therethrough. Upon application of a suitable pulling force the deployment device is reconfigurable into a second shape that permits the deployment device to be removed from the pocket through the opening upon application of the suitable pulling force. A method of using a medical device is also included.

Abstract: A medical device including a mesh prosthesis having a first mesh layer affixed to a second mesh layer along a perimeter area. An enclosure is defined between the first and second layers and extends inwardly from the perimeter area. An opening in the first layer passes through the first layer to the enclosure. A fixation guide template defines a guide pocket within the enclosure. A resilient deployment structure is removably disposed within the enclosure and extending toward the perimeter area. The resilient deployment structure has an elasticity that generates a resilient deployment force for urging the mesh prosthesis to a deployed configuration from a non-deployed configuration. A shield projection extends outwardly from a perimeter of the resilient deployment structure and is engaged within the guide pocket to prevent relative rotational movement between the resilient deployment structure and the mesh prosthesis. A method of using a medical device is also included.

Abstract: A medical device including a first layer having an opening formed therein. A second layer is positioned with respect to the first layer to form a pocket therebetween. A support member is at least partially located in the pocket and reconfigurable for removal of the support member from the pocket via the opening. An affixation element located in the pocket between the support member and the second layer, and secured to the second layer. A method of implanting a medical device is also included.

Abstract: A medical device including a mesh prosthesis having a first mesh layer affixed to a second mesh layer along a perimeter area. An enclosure is defined between the first and second layers and extends inwardly from the perimeter area. An opening in the first layer passes through the first layer to the enclosure. A fixation guide template defines a guide pocket within the enclosure. A resilient deployment structure is removably disposed within the enclosure and extending toward the perimeter area. The resilient deployment structure has an elasticity that generates a resilient deployment force for urging the mesh prosthesis to a deployed configuration from a non-deployed configuration. A shield projection extends outwardly from a perimeter of the resilient deployment structure and is engaged within the guide pocket to prevent relative rotational movement between the resilient deployment structure and the mesh prosthesis. A method of using a medical device is also included.

Abstract: A medical device including a mesh prosthesis having a first layer having an opening a second layer secured to the first layer and forming a pocket therebetween. A deployment device is positioned in the pocket and arranged to resiliently exert a deployment force on the mesh prosthesis to urge the mesh prosthesis into a deployment shape. The deployment device has a first shape when deployed that has at least one dimension larger than that of the opening to frustrate removal of the deployment device therethrough. Upon application of a suitable pulling force the deployment device is reconfigurable into a second shape that permits the deployment device to be removed from the pocket through the opening upon application of the suitable pulling force. A method of using a medical device is also included.

Abstract: A prosthesis includes an enclosure. A flexible support structure is situated at least partially within the enclosure and is removable therefrom. The flexible support structure occupies a total circumferential area and has a stiffness that is sufficient to allow the prosthesis to assume a deployed (e.g., generally planar) configuration. A tab is adjoined with the flexible support structure and extends external to the enclosure. Pulling the tab directionally away from the prosthesis causes a reconfiguration of the flexible support structure sufficient to enable the flexible support structure to pass through an opening in the prosthesis having a total circumferential area that is less than the total circumferential area occupied by the flexible support structure when the prosthesis is in the deployed (e.g., generally planar) configuration, enabling removal of the flexible support structure from the enclosure.

Abstract: A prosthesis includes an enclosure. A flexible support structure is situated at least partially within the enclosure and is removable therefrom. The flexible support structure occupies a total circumferential area and has a stiffness that is sufficient to allow the prosthesis to assume a deployed (e.g., generally planar) configuration. A tab is adjoined with the flexible support structure and extends external to the enclosure. Pulling the tab directionally away from the prosthesis causes a reconfiguration of the flexible support structure sufficient to enable the flexible support structure to pass through an opening in the prosthesis having a total circumferential area that is less than the total circumferential area occupied by the flexible support structure when the prosthesis is in the deployed (e.g., generally planar) configuration, enabling removal of the flexible support structure from the enclosure.