Device especially useful for hernia repair surgeries and methods thereof

Abstract

An elongate open-bored applicator (EOBP) adapted to deploy a mesh comprising (a) at least one inflatable contour-balloon; (b) at least one inflatable dissection balloon. The inflatable contour-balloon and the inflatable dissection balloon are adjustable and located at the distal portion; and, (c) at least one actuating means located at the proximal portion. The actuating means is in communication with the inflatable contour-balloon and the inflatable dissection balloon. The actuating means is adapted to provide the inflatable contour-balloon and the inflatable dissection balloon with independent activation and/or de-activation.

1 .- 63 . (canceled) 
     
     
         64 . A hernia repair device, comprising:
 an inflatable balloon having a flexible inflation tube; and   a mesh removably attached to said balloon such that, when the device is in a deployed state, the mesh is situated only on one side of said balloon,   wherein the inflation tube passes through the mesh.   
     
     
         65 . A hernia repair device according to  claim 64 , wherein the balloon when inflated has a smaller extent in one direction than the respective extents in the two directions perpendicular to the one direction wherein the tube is attached to the balloon at a central region of a surface formed in the directions of the two larger extents. 
     
     
         66 . A hernia repair device according to  claim 64  wherein the inside of said inflatable balloon comprises inflation fluid only. 
     
     
         67 . A hernia repair device according to  claim 64 , wherein the extent of the mesh is larger than any extent of the balloon. 
     
     
         68 . A hernia repair device according to  claim 64 , wherein said balloon comprises a plurality of interconnected inflatable parts. 
     
     
         69 . A hernia repair device according to  claim 64 , wherein the balloon has a generally flat structure. 
     
     
         70 . A hernia repair device according to  claim 64 , wherein said balloon is made of a shape memory material. 
     
     
         71 . A hernia repair device according to  claim 64 , wherein said balloon has a substantially non-symmetrical shape. 
     
     
         72 . A hernia repair device, comprising:
 an inflatable balloon having a plurality of connected portions separated by open areas, the open areas comprising more than 50% of the extent of the balloon; and   a mesh attached to and supported by said balloon such that the mesh is situated only on one side of said balloon,   wherein the balloon comprises an inflation tube which passes through   said mesh.   
     
     
         73 . A hernia repair device according to  claim 72 , wherein the inside of said balloon comprises inflation fluid only. 
     
     
         74 . A hernia repair device according to  claim 72 , wherein the area of the balloon is less than 50% of the area of the mesh. 
     
     
         75 . A hernia repair device according to  claim 72 , wherein the open areas of the balloon are covered by the mesh when the balloon is attached to the mesh. 
     
     
         76 . A hernia repair device according to  claim 72  wherein the largest extent of the balloon is no larger than the largest extent of the mesh. 
     
     
         77 . A hernia repair device according to  claim 72 , wherein the balloon has a generally flat structure. 
     
     
         78 . A hernia repair device according to  claim 72 , wherein said mesh is removably attached to said balloon. 
     
     
         79 . A hernia repair device according to  claim 72 , wherein said mesh and said balloon comprise extensions, the extensions of the balloon adapted to be inserted into the extensions of the mesh. 
     
     
         80 . A hernia repair device according to  claim 72 , wherein said balloon further comprises a centering element for adjusting the center of the balloon to the center of the hernia. 
     
     
         81 . A hernia repair device according to  claim 72 , wherein said balloon has a substantially non-symmetrical shape. 
     
     
         82 . A method of positioning a hernia, the method comprising:
 inserting a balloon and a mesh into an abdominal cavity of a subject, the balloon having a flexible inflation tube which passes through the mesh;   inflating the balloon, thereby deploying the mesh in the abdominal cavity, such that the mesh is situated on one side of the balloon only;   deflating the balloon; and   extracting the balloon from the abdominal cavity.   
     
     
         83 . A method according to  claim 82 , further comprising:
 directing the right side of said mesh to said abdominal cavity.   
     
     
         84 . A method according to  claim 82 , further comprising:
 attaching said mesh to said balloon before inserting the balloon and mesh into the abdominal cavity.   
     
     
         85 . A method according to  claim 82 , further comprising:
 fitting the center of said balloon to the center of said hernia.   
     
     
         86 . A method according to  claim 82 , further comprising:
 fastening the mesh to the abdominal wall.