Abstract: A device adapted to be worn by a user to protect an elongated portion of the user's body. The device comprises a support member positionable on a user's body adjacent to the elongated portion of the user's body to be protected. A pair of anatomically linear load-bearing members are included. The load-bearing members are coupled in laterally spaced relationship with respect to the support to define an elongated space therebetween. The load-bearing members and space therebetween are essentially parallel with each other and parallel with the elongated portion of the user's body to be protected. Further included are retention means to maintain the support member in position on the user's body with the space between the load-bearing members overlying the elongated portion of the user's body to be protected.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for laparoscopic hernia repair including the use of an introducer sheath housed around an inner tubular plunger. The plunger houses an elongated ribbon formed into a loop, the loop being formed by a bipartite distal end of the ribbon. A patch with a passageway is attached to the loop with each of the two ends of the bipartite distal end of the ribbon being introducible into one end of the passageway for opening the patch into a planar configuration once it is pushed out of the sheath by the plunger.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the repair of sliding hiatal hernias through laparoscopic techniques comprising a tubular sleeve; a conically shaped guide with an essentially pointed forward end positionable within the sleeve; a prosthesis coupled to the guide; and means for securing the prosthesis around the esophagus of a patient immediately beneath the patient's diaphragm whereby the prosthesis assumes a generally torus shape. The prosthesis may be pre-inflated and wherein the sleeve is axially splitable after the initiation of insertion of the guide. The prosthesis may be inflatable and further including a hose to inflate the prosthesis after positioning.

Abstract: An improved laparoscopic medical retractor for separating body parts during a surgical procedure to thereby create or maintain a surgical cavity. The retractor comprises an interior rod having a distal end and a proximal end and an exterior tube positioned to receive the central rod, the exterior tube having a distal end and a proximal end. A plurality of straps having their distal ends are coupled to the distal end of the interior rod and have their proximal ends coupled to the distal end of the exterior tube. The straps are flexible whereby movement of the distal end of the exterior tube distally toward the distal end of the interior rod will cause the straps to assume a generally spherical configuration, the total diameter of the retracted device being less than 1.5 centimeters. Coupling means secure the interior rod and exterior tube against relative axial movement with respect to each other so that a surgeon may move the expanded retractor to enlarge a surgical cavity in which it is located.

Abstract: A method and system for the repair of hernias through laparoscopic techniques including plugging and patching, the system comprising a first assembly having a tubular sheath; a tubular plunger located within and moveable with respect to the sheath, the plunger having a distal end spaced proximally of the distal end of the sheath and a proximal end extending proximally of the proximal end of the sheath; a plug within the sheath at the distal end and moveable from interior thereof to exterior thereof upon manipulation of the proximal ends of the sheath and plunger by a surgeon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use by a surgeon to repair a weakened, deranged portion of the anatomy of a patient comprising a sheath having a distal end positionable within a patient and a proximal end positioned exterior thereof for manipulation by a surgeon, the sheath being of a length to extend from exterior of a patient through a laparoscopic opening into a surgical cavity of the patient; a prothesis movable from interior of the sheath to a location adjacent to the deranged portion to be repaired, the prothesis having an elongated passageway located adjacent to the periphery thereof; and an introducer positioned within the sheath and having a distal end coupled to the prothesis, the introducer adapted to effect the movement of the prothesis from interior of the sheath to exterior thereof and to expand the prothesis to a functionally expanded orientation adjacent to the part to be repaired.

Abstract: An apparatus for the repair of hernias comprising a plug positionable in an opening in the abdominal wall; a patch positionable over weakened portions of the abdominal part adjacent to the opening, a central extent of the patch being coupled to the proximal end of the plug; and a resilient means coupled to the patch and provided with memory to assume a configuration of an extended shape for the proper positioning of the patch with respect to the weakened portions of the abdominal part.