# US 2013/0253545 A1 · Hernia mesh apparatus and method > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2013/0253545 A1 - Document ID: US20130253545A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 13/702,179 - Filed: 2011-12-12 - Published: 2013-09-26 - Earliest claimed: 2010-12-13 - Assignees: Richard Massen - Inventors: Richard Massen - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20130253545A1 ## CPC - A61F 2/0063: {Implantable repair or support meshes, e.g. hernia meshes} - A61F 5/24: Trusses - A61L 31/14: Materials characterised by their function or physical properties {, e.g. injectable or lubricating compositions, shape-memory materials, surface modified materials} - A61L 31/145: {Hydrogels or hydrocolloids} - A61L 31/146: {Porous materials, e.g. foams or sponges} - A61F 2210/0061: swellable - A61F 2240/002: Designing or making customized prostheses - A61F: FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS (dental prosthetics A61C) - A61L: METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES (preservation of bodies or disinfecting characterised by the agents employed A01N; preserving, e.g. sterilising, food or foodstuffs A23; preparations for medical, dental or toiletry purposes A61K) ## Abstract A dual-layer hernia mesh can be configured according to a three-dimensional map of a hernia defect(s) and a hernia volume(s) of a patient. The front portion of the mesh can be configured utilizing, for example, a three dimensional map of hernia sac volumes obtained from a CT scan. The front portion of the mesh exactly fits into the hernia sac. The back portion of the hernia mesh is a sheet of mesh material that overlaps over onto the normal muscles and fascia. A “foam” collapsible mesh and/or a flat mesh with expandable hydrogel deposited in variable thickness according to the hernia defect can be utilized as a dual-layer hernia mesh for repair. The hydrogel mesh when combined with water or saline expands and fits into the hernia defect or defects. Both “foam” and hydrogel meshes adhere to the tissues of the hernia sac and then contracts over time. The hernia sac volume slowly disappears, restoring a more normal contour to the abdominal wall. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A hernia mesh apparatus, comprising: a front portion that fits precisely into hernia sacs, wherein said front portion is configured according to a three-dimensional map of hernia defects and hernia volumes; and a back portion that covers normal muscles and fascia. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said three-dimensional map of hernia defects and hernia volumes is obtained utilizing a three-dimensional imaging technology. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said front portion comprises a compressible foam. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said front portion comprises an expandable hydrogel material. ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said expandable hydrogel material is deposited in a variable thickness according to said hernia defects and said hernia volumes. ### Claim 6 (depends on 4) The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said expandable hydrogel material rapidly expands on exposure to saline. ### Claim 7 (depends on 4) The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said expandable hydrogel material rapidly expands on exposure to water, ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said front portion adheres to tissues of said hernia sacs and then contracts over time. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said front portion comprises a material that is biocompatible and bacteria resistant. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said front portion comprises a material that is biocompatible. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said front portion comprises a material that is bacteria resistant. ### Claim 12 A hernia mesh apparatus, comprising: a front portion that fits precisely into hernia sacs, wherein said front portion is configured according to a three-dimensional map of hernia defects and hernia volumes, said front portion comprising at least one of a compressible foam or an expandable hydrogel material; and a back portion that covers normal muscles and fascia. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said expandable hydrogel material is deposited in a variable thickness according to said hernia defects and said hernia volumes. ### Claim 14 (depends on 12) The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said expandable hydrogel material rapidly expands on exposure to saline or water. ### Claim 15 (depends on 12) The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said front portion adheres to tissues of said hernia sacs and then contracts over time. ### Claim 16 (depends on 12) The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said front portion comprises a material that is biocompatible and/or bacteria resistant. ### Claim 17 A hernia mesh method, comprising: configuring a front portion according to a three-dimensional map of hernia defects and hernia volumes; fitting said front portion precisely into hernia sacs; and providing a back portion that covers normal muscles and fascia. ### Claim 18 (depends on 17) The method of claim 17 further comprising obtaining said three-dimensional map of hernia defects and hernia volumes utilizing a Computed Tomography Scanner. ### Claim 19 (depends on 17) The method of claim 17 further comprising configuring said front portion from at least one of a compressible foam or an expandable hydrogel material. ### Claim 20 (depends on 17) The method of claim 17 further comprising configuring said front portion to comprise a material that is biocompatible and bacteria resistant.