Prostheses and techniques and repair of inguinal and femoral hernias

Abstract

Prosthesis for repair of inguinal hernias and femoral hernias are provided, together with techniques for implanting the prostheses. The inguinal prosthesis has three panels which radiate from a common elongate core. The core serves as a replacement for the inguinal ligament and the panels are attached to selected musculature and ligamentous tissue. One of the panels is sutured to Cooper's ligament, a second panel is sutured to the conjoined tendon and the third panel is sutured to the exterior oblique aponeurosis. A prosthesis for repair of femoral hernias also is provided and is in the form of an umbrella-shaped device having a top panel and a stem which is attached to the face and extends generally perpendicular from the top panel. The prosthesis may be implanted in a relatively simple procedure in which the femoral ring, through which the hernia has occurred is exposed surgically from below. The top panel of the prosthesis is folded downwardly about the stem in umbrella-like fashion and is urged upwardly through the femoral ring. Once the top panel is above the femoral ring, it can expand and rest securely on the region about the femoral ring. After the top panel has been so placed, the stem is severed and removed, leaving the top panel in place.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.