Systems, devices, and methods for closing an abdominal wall defect

A self-locking strap comprising:

• an elongate body having a distal end, a proximal end, a top side and a bottom side;
• a first set of ramped teeth on the top side;
• a second set of ramped teeth on the top side having a ramp direction in the opposite direction to the first set of teeth;
• a third set of ramped teeth on the bottom side having a ramp direction in the same direction as the first set of teeth;
• a fourth set of ramped teeth on the bottom side having a ramp direction in the same direction as the second set of teeth;
• and
• a detached lock-head having an aperture capable of passing the distal end and proximal end simultaneously,
• wherein the lock-head has a set of opposing pawls protruding into the aperture for engaging with the distal end and the proximal end,
• wherein the third set of ramped teeth is spaced longitudinally from the first set of ramped teeth and the fourth set of ramped teeth is spaced longitudinally from the second set of ramped teeth.

A method for closing a tissue defect, the method comprising:

• pushing the distal end of a first self-locking strap through a first incision in skin and through a first puncture site in the rectus abdominus and into a body cavity on a first side of a defect, while leaving the proximal end of the first strap outside of the body;
• pulling the distal end of the first strap, from within the body cavity, through a second puncture site in the rectus abdominus on the opposite side of the defect, and out of the body through a second incision;
• pulling the distal end of the first strap subcutaneously, until the distal end of the first strap exits through the first incision such that the first strap encircles the defect;
• placing the distal end of the first strap through a lock-head on the proximal end of the first strap;
• pulling the distal end of the first strap until the lock-head passes under the skin;
• placing a support tube over the first self-locking strap;
• and
• pulling the proximal end of the first self-locking strap while pushing the support tube against the lock-head to tighten the first self-locking strap.