Hernia repair prosthesis

Abstract

The present invention is directed to prostheses containing a radially-expandable member for placement within and occlusion of a hernia opening, which member is made from a biocompatible, flexible, porous textile suitable for reinforcing tissue.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A hernia repair prosthesis, comprising: 
 a radially-expandable member for placement within and occlusion of a fascia defect, said member comprising a biocompatible, flexible, porous textile suitable for reinforcing fascia defects.    
     
     
         2 . The prosthesis of  claim 1  wherein said radially-expandable member comprises opposing first and second conical structures, each structure comprising a base and an apex, wherein said structures are fixedly attached one to the other at the respective bases thereof, thereby forming a cavity within said fixedly attached conical structures.  
     
     
         3 . The prosthesis of  claim 2  wherein said first and second conical structures comprise a plurality of longitudinal pleats terminating at the apex and base of said conical structures.  
     
     
         4 . The prosthesis of  claim 3  wherein said textile comprises a knitted polypropylene monofilament mesh.  
     
     
         5 . The prosthesis of  claim 3  wherein said textile comprises a knitted polypropylene monofilament mesh, said prosthesis further comprising a tubular structure of said textile disposed within said cavity.  
     
     
         6 . The prosthesis of  claim 3  wherein said textile comprises a bioabsorbable mesh.  
     
     
         7 . The prosthesis of  claim 1  further comprising means for radially-expanding said radially-expandable member.  
     
     
         8 . The prosthesis of  claim 7  further comprising means for securing said prosthesis to tissue.  
     
     
         9 . The prosthesis of  claim 5  further comprising means for radially-expanding said radially-expandable member.  
     
     
         10 . The prosthesis of  claim 9  further comprising means for securing said prosthesis to tissue.  
     
     
         11 . The prosthesis of  claim 1  wherein said radially-expandable member comprises a rolled cylinder of said textile, said cylinder comprising a plurality of longitudinal slits extending substantially along the length of said cylinder.  
     
     
         12 . The hernia repair prosthesis of  claim 11  further comprising means for radially-expanding said radially-expandable member.  
     
     
         13 . The prosthesis of  claim 10  further comprising means for securing said prosthesis to tissue.  
     
     
         14 . The prosthesis of  claim 1  wherein said radially-expandable member is slideably attached to a means for securing said prosthesis to tissue.