Hernia mesh apparatus and method

#Embodiments are generally related to devices utilized in hernia repair procedures. Embodiments also relate to a hernia mesh. Embodiments additionally relate to a dual-layer hernia mesh that can fit into hernia defects and sacs. Embodiments additionally relate to dual-layer hernia mesh devices manufactured according to a three-dimensional map of a hernia defect and the hernia volume of a patient and methods of manufacture thereof.

#A hernia is a failure of a body barrier to restrain the protrusion of organs from one area into another. Normally, the anterior (front) abdominal wall restrains abdominal contents, including intestine, from protruding through the muscles and fascia to a position under the skin. In ventral hernias, the abdominal wall has separated and intestine or other contents herniate through the weakness to a subcutaneous position on the abdominal wall. The muscular separation is called the hernia defect. As the intestines protrude through the hernia defect, they come to rest in the fatty soft tissue under the skin called subcutaneous fascia. The volume of intestine that protrudes through the muscular or fascial defect is called the hernia volume, or sometimes the hernia sac.

#Ventral hernias refer to any hernia through the anterior abdominal wall. They can arise spontaneously. More commonly, ventral hernias arise in an area of a previous surgical incision through the muscles and fascia of the abdominal wall and are called incisional hernias. They arise because even though the skin of an incision has healed, the area where the deeper muscles and fascia were originally sewn together separates over time, allowing the intestines to protrude.

#The accompanying figures, in which like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally-similar elements throughout the separate views and which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, further illustrate the disclosed embodiments and, together with the detailed description of the invention, serve to explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments.

#FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a side view and a perspective view of a hernia mesh respectively, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

#FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of hernia before repair, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

#The particular values and configurations discussed in these non-limiting examples can be varied and are cited merely to illustrate at least one embodiment and are not intended to limit the scope thereof. Note that for an explanatory purpose, ventral hernia is discussed. The invention can also be utilized in any other hernia involving a surgically accessible hernia sac that could be considered including inguinal hernias. Repairs in hiatal hernias (hernias through the diaphragm), congenital or traumatic diaphragmatic hernias, and other less common type of abdominal and pelvic hernias (obturator or flank hernias, for example) are also possible with the invention. Repairs of other soft tissue abnormalities are also possible.

#FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B illustrates a side view and a perspective view of a hernia mesh 100 respectively, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. The mesh 100 comprises of a front portion 105 and back portion 110. Note that the front portion and back portion of the mesh are defined according to the placement of mesh in the defected area and not as per the views of FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B. The front portion of the mesh is custom manufactured according to the hernia sac (not shown) of a patient. Multiple defects can be filled with foam or gel to fill smaller defects 120.

#FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of hernia 200 before repair, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. The abdominal wall 215 weakens and allows the intestine 230 to protrude outside and form a hernia sac 225. The muscular separation is called the hernia defect 235. It arises from a separation of the abdominal wall muscles 220 and their dense surrounding connective tissue, called abdominal wall fascia 222. As the intestines 230 protrude through the hernia defect 235, they come to rest in the fatty soft tissue under the skin 205, called subcutaneous fascia 210. The volume of intestine 230 that protrudes through the fascia defect 235 is called the hernia sac 225.