Abstract: A hernia patch has a first layer of inert synthetic mesh material selectively sized and shaped to extend across and beyond a hernia. A second layer of inert synthetic mesh material overlies the first layer to create a generally planar configuration for the patch. The first and second layers are joined together by a seam that defines a periphery of a pouch between the layers and provides stiffness to the patch for urging the patch to conform to the generally planar configuration across the hernia, which helps to prevent folding of the patch as the surgeon withdraws his or her finger. The seam may be straight, zig-zag, sinusoidal or other configurations that effectively urge the patch to conform to a planar configuration. One of the layers has a border that extends beyond the seam and that has a free outer edge. A plurality of border slits extend from the outer edge through the border substantially to the seam.

Abstract: A hernia patch has a first layer of inert synthetic mesh material selectively sized and shaped to extend across and beyond a hernia. A second layer of inert synthetic mesh material overlies the first layer to create a generally planar configuration for the patch. The first and second layers are joined together by a seam that defines a periphery of a pouch between the layers. One or both of the layers has a border that extends beyond the seam. A plurality of border slits extend from an outer edge of the border through the border substantially to the seam. An access slit is formed between the layers for insertion of a finger of a surgeon into the pouch to allow the surgeon to deform the planar configuration of the patch to facilitate insertion of the patch into the patient and to position the patch across the hernia.

Abstract: A hernia patch has a first layer of inert synthetic mesh material selectively sized and shaped to extend across and beyond a hernia. A second layer of inert synthetic mesh material overlies the first layer to create a generally planar configuration for the patch. The first and second layers are joined together by a seam that defines a periphery of a pouch between the layers and provides stiffness to the patch for urging the patch to conform to the generally planar configuration across the hernia, which helps to prevent folding of the patch as the surgeon withdraws his or her finger. The seam may be straight, zig-zag, sinusoidal or other configurations that effectively urge the patch to conform to a planar configuration. One of the layers has a border that extends beyond the seam and that has a free outer edge. A plurality of border slits extend from the outer edge through the border substantially to the seam.

Abstract: A hernia patch has a first layer of inert synthetic mesh material selectively sized and shaped to extend across and beyond a hernia. A second layer of inert synthetic mesh material overlies the first layer to create a generally planar configuration for the patch. The first and second layers are joined together by a seam that defines a periphery of a pouch between the layers. One of the layers has a border that extends beyond the seam and has a free outer edge. A plurality of border slits extend from the outer edge through the border substantially to the seam. Access slits are formed between the layers to allow insertion of a surgeon's finger into the pouch. The pouch allows the surgeon to deform the planar configuration of the patch to facilitate insertion of the patch into the patient and to position the patch across the hernia.

Abstract: A hernia patch having a first layer of inert synthetic mesh material. A second layer of a inert synthetic mesh material overlies the first to create a pouch between the first and second layers. A curved elongated resilient member adjacent a periphery of the pouch for creating tension in both layers and a slit in the layers of mesh material extending inward from an outer edge and terminating in an enlarged opening for placement around a patient's chord structure.

Abstract: A hernia patch has a first layer of inert synthetic mesh material selectively sized and shaped to extend across and beyond a hernia. A second layer of inert synthetic mesh material overlies the first layer to create a generally planar configuration for the patch. The first and second layers are joined together by a seam that defines a periphery of a pouch between the layers. The pouch houses a stiffening layer to provide stiffness to the patch for urging the patch to conform to the generally planar configuration across the hernia as the surgeon withdraws his or her finger. An access slit is formed in one of the layers for insertion of a surgeon's finger or instrument into the pouch to allow the surgeon to facilitate insertion of the patch into the patient and to position the patch across the hernia.