Abstract: An instrument for delivering a suture transfascially may include a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and at least one needle that is moveable to an extended position beyond the end of the shaft. A suture may be delivered transfascially with the instrument. The instrument may include a suture catch associated with each needle for retaining and releasing a suture segment. A shield may be provided to shield the sharp end of each needle when it is moved to the extended position. A method of delivering a transfascial suture may include inserting an instrument into an abdominal cavity and deploying, from within the abdominal cavity, each needle through a soft tissue repair patch and then through at least part of the abdominal wall. A suture or suture segment may be advanced across the fascia with the at least one needle.

Abstract: The present invention is an implantable adhesive mesh prosthesis for reinforcing and/or repairing a defect in tissue that is easy to roll into a small diameter cylinder or other low-profile shape for passing through a trocar, incision, or other surgical instrument. More specifically, the adhesive may be applied to the mesh material in a pattern that leaves a significant portion of the surface area of the mesh material free of adhesive. In one embodiment, the adhesive is applied only near the outer perimeter of the mesh product. In another embodiment, the adhesive is applied in spots over all or a portion the surface of the mesh product. In yet another embodiment, the adhesive is applied in parallel lines on the surface of the mesh product and the mesh may be rolled up around an axis parallel to the lines of adhesive.

Abstract: A hernia repair device is provided which may include a soft tissue repair prosthesis and an expandable device configured to be removably connected with the soft tissue repair prosthesis. When expanded, the expandable device may be configured to position the soft tissue repair prosthesis adjacent a hernia defect. The soft tissue repair prosthesis may include at least one loop or slit configured to receive a portion of the expandable device. The prosthesis may include a tether to hoist, locate or position the soft tissue repair prosthesis. The expandable device may include indicia for positioning the prosthesis relative to the edge of the hernia defect.

Abstract: An instrument for delivering a suture transfascially may include a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and a pair of needles that are moveable to an extended position beyond the end of the shaft. One or more sutures are carried by the instrument and may be delivered transfascially. A transfascial suture assembly includes a suture having a first segment, a second segment, and an intermediate segment therebetween. A force distributing member is locatable at the intermediate segment. Suture retainers may be provided at the end of each suture segment, and may have a connection that is moveable relative to the portion of the suture segment connected therewith. A method of delivering transfascial sutures includes inserting a twin-needle instrument loaded with one or more sutures into an abdominal cavity and deploying, from within the abdominal cavity, the suture carrying needles through a soft tissue repair patch and then through at least part of the abdominal wall.

Abstract: Implantable prostheses for repairing soft tissue defects near an anatomical tube and methods for their manufacture are described. Exemplary prostheses may be implanted at a soft tissue repair site, for example, in treating an inguinal hernia. An implantable prosthesis may include a patch made up of two co-knit fabric layers, and a passageway for receiving an anatomical cord extending through the fabric layers. The passageway is configured through the first fabric layer so as to minimize the prospects of the cord-like structure contacting the portion of the second fabric layer defining the passageway therethrough. The passageway through the first fabric layer may include a barrier.

Abstract: Implantable prostheses for repairing soft tissue defects near an anatomical tube and methods for their manufacture are described. Exemplary prostheses may be implanted at a soft tissue repair site, for example, in treating an inguinal hernia. An implantable prosthesis may include a patch made up of two co-knit fabric layers, and a passageway for receiving an anatomical cord extending through the fabric layers. The passageway is configured through the first fabric layer so as to minimize the prospects of the cord-like structure contacting the portion of the second fabric layer defining the passageway therethrough. The passageway through the first fabric layer may include a barrier.

Abstract: An instrument for delivering a suture transfascially may include a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and a pair of needles that are moveable to an extended position beyond the end of the shaft. One or more sutures are carried by the instrument and may be delivered transfascially. A transfascial suture assembly includes a suture having a first segment, a second segment, and an intermediate segment therebetween. A force distributing member is locatable at the intermediate segment. Suture retainers may be provided at the end of each suture segment, and may have a connection that is moveable relative to the portion of the suture segment connected therewith. A method of delivering transfascial sutures includes inserting a twin-needle instrument loaded with one or more sutures into an abdominal cavity and deploying, from within the abdominal cavity, the suture carrying needles through a soft tissue repair patch and then through at least part of the abdominal wall.

Abstract: The present invention is an implantable adhesive mesh prosthesis for reinforcing and/or repairing a defect in tissue that is easy to roll into a small diameter cylinder or other low-profile shape for passing through a trocar, incision, or other surgical instrument. More specifically, the adhesive may be applied to the mesh material in a pattern that leaves a significant portion of the surface area of the mesh material free of adhesive. In one embodiment, the adhesive is applied only near the outer perimeter of the mesh product. In another embodiment, the adhesive is applied in spots over all or a portion the surface of the mesh product. In yet another embodiment, the adhesive is applied in parallel lines on the surface of the mesh product and the mesh may be rolled up around an axis parallel to the lines of adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention is an implantable adhesive mesh prosthesis for reinforcing and/or repairing a defect in tissue that is easy to roll into a small diameter cylinder or other low-profile shape for passing through a trocar, incision, or other surgical instrument. More specifically, the adhesive may be applied to the mesh material in a pattern that leaves a significant portion of the surface area of the mesh material free of adhesive. In one embodiment, the adhesive is applied only near the outer perimeter of the mesh product. In another embodiment, the adhesive is applied in spots over all or a portion the surface of the mesh product. In yet another embodiment, the adhesive is applied in parallel lines on the surface of the mesh product and the mesh may be rolled up around an axis parallel to the lines of adhesive.

Abstract: An instrument for delivering a suture transfascially may include a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and at least one needle that is moveable to an extended position beyond the end of the shaft. A suture may be delivered transfascially with the instrument. The instrument may include a suture catch associated with each needle for retaining and releasing a suture segment. A shield may be provided to shield the sharp end of each needle when it is moved to the extended position. A method of delivering a transfascial suture may include inserting an instrument into an abdominal cavity and deploying, from within the abdominal cavity, each needle through a soft tissue repair patch and then through at least part of the abdominal wall. A suture or suture segment may be advanced across the fascia with the at least one needle.

Abstract: An instrument for delivering a suture transfascially may include a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and at least one needle that is moveable to an extended position beyond the end of the shaft. A suture may be delivered transfascially with the instrument. The instrument may include a suture catch associated with each needle for retaining and releasing a suture segment. A shield may be provided to shield the sharp end of each needle when it is moved to the extended position. A method of delivering a transfascial suture may include inserting an instrument into an abdominal cavity and deploying, from within the abdominal cavity, each needle through a soft tissue repair patch and then through at least part of the abdominal wall. A suture or suture segment may be advanced across the fascia with the at least one needle.

Abstract: A method of transfascial suturing may include delivering a suture assembly into an abdominal cavity of a patient, passing a suture anchor, from within the abdominal cavity, through a soft tissue repair prosthetic provided in the abdominal cavity and then through the abdominal wall to a location either above or below the skin, and tightening the suture assembly. An instrument for transfascial suturing may include a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and a drive system for advancing a suture or suture assembly out of the instrument and across the fascia. The instrument may advance a suture anchor and a suture from within the abdominal cavity and across the abdominal wall to present the suture anchor on the opposite side of the fascia. The instrument may be adapted to present the suture anchor either above or below the skin surface for subsequent tightening of the suture assembly.

Abstract: A hernia repair device is provided which may include a soft tissue repair prosthesis and an expandable device configured to be removably connected with the soft tissue repair prosthesis. When expanded, the expandable device may be configured to position the soft tissue repair prosthesis adjacent a hernia defect. The soft tissue repair prosthesis may include at least one loop or slit configured to receive a portion of the expandable device. The prosthesis may include a tether to hoist, locate or position the soft tissue repair prosthesis. The expandable device may include indicia for positioning the prosthesis relative to the edge of the hernia defect.

Abstract: Implantable prostheses for repairing soft tissue defects near an anatomical tube and methods for their manufacture are described. Exemplary prostheses may be implanted at a soft tissue repair site, for example, in treating an inguinal hernia. An implantable prosthesis may include a patch made up of two co-knit fabric layers, and a passageway for receiving an anatomical cord extending through the fabric layers. The passageway is configured through the first fabric layer so as to minimize the prospects of the cord-like structure contacting the portion of the second fabric layer defining the passageway therethrough. The passageway through the first fabric layer may include a barrier.

Abstract: A hernia repair device is provided which may include a soft tissue repair prosthesis and an expandable device configured to be removably connected with the soft tissue repair prosthesis. When expanded, the expandable device may be configured to position the soft tissue repair prosthesis adjacent a hernia defect. The soft tissue repair prosthesis may include at least one loop or slit configured to receive a portion of the expandable device. The prosthesis may include a tether to hoist, locate or position the soft tissue repair prosthesis. The expandable device may include indicia for positioning the prosthesis relative to the edge of the hernia defect.

Abstract: Implantable prostheses for repairing soft tissue defects near an anatomical tube and methods for their manufacture are described. Exemplary prostheses may be implanted at a soft tissue repair site, for example, in treating an inguinal hernia. An implantable prosthesis may include a patch made up of two co-knit fabric layers, and a passageway for receiving an anatomical cord extending through the fabric layers. The passageway is configured through the first fabric layer so as to minimize the prospects of the cord-like structure contacting the portion of the second fabric layer defining the passageway therethrough. The passageway through the first fabric layer may include a barrier.

Abstract: An instrument for delivering a suture transfascially may include a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and a pair of needles that are moveable to an extended position beyond the end of the shaft. One or more sutures are carried by the instrument and may be delivered transfascially. A transfascial suture assembly includes a suture having a first segment, a second segment, and an intermediate segment therebetween. A force distributing member is locatable at the intermediate segment. Suture retainers may be provided at the end of each suture segment, and may have a connection that is moveable relative to the portion of the suture segment connected therewith. A method of delivering transfascial sutures includes inserting a twin-needle instrument loaded with one or more sutures into an abdominal cavity and deploying, from within the abdominal cavity, the suture carrying needles through a soft tissue repair patch and then through at least part of the abdominal wall.

Abstract: An instrument for delivering a suture transfascially may include a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and a pair of needles that are moveable to an extended position beyond the end of the shaft. One or more sutures are carried by the instrument and may be delivered transfascially. A transfascial suture assembly includes a suture having a first segment, a second segment, and an intermediate segment therebetween. A force distributing member is locatable at the intermediate segment. Suture retainers may be provided at the end of each suture segment, and may have a connection that is moveable relative to the portion of the suture segment connected therewith. A method of delivering transfascial sutures includes inserting a twin-needle instrument loaded with one or more sutures into an abdominal cavity and deploying, from within the abdominal cavity, the suture carrying needles through a soft tissue repair patch and then through at least part of the abdominal wall.

Abstract: An instrument for delivering a suture transfascially may include a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and a pair of needles that are moveable to an extended position beyond the end of the shaft. One or more sutures are carried by the instrument and may be delivered transfascially. A transfascial suture assembly includes a suture having a first segment, a second segment, and an intermediate segment therebetween. A force distributing member is locatable at the intermediate segment. Suture retainers may be provided at the end of each suture segment, and may be moveable relative to the suture segment connected therewith. A method of delivering transfascial sutures includes inserting a twin-needle instrument loaded with one or more sutures into an abdominal cavity and deploying, from within the abdominal cavity, the suture carrying needles through a soft tissue repair patch and then through at least part of the abdominal wall.

Abstract: An instrument for delivering a suture transfascially may include a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and a pair of needles that are moveable to an extended position beyond the end of the shaft. One or more sutures are carried by the instrument and may be delivered transfascially. A transfascial suture assembly includes a suture having a first segment, a second segment, and an intermediate segment therebetween. A force distributing member is locatable at the intermediate segment. Suture retainers may be provided at the end of each suture segment, and may have a connection that is moveable relative to the portion of the suture segment connected therewith. A method of delivering transfascial sutures includes inserting a twin-needle instrument loaded with one or more sutures into an abdominal cavity and deploying, from within the abdominal cavity, the suture carrying needles through a soft tissue repair patch and then through at least part of the abdominal wall.