Inventors:
Eric Ross Henderson - Tampa FL, US
Assignee:
University of South Florida - Tampa FL
International Classification:
A61B 17/00, A61F 2/02
Abstract:
An apparatus is provided for the laparoscopic deployment and positioning of surgical materials, such as mesh. The mesh is applied by at least one extension arm which radiates from a central shaft. Alternate embodiments employ simultaneously and/or individually extended rigid arms, and simultaneously deployed resilient arms. Various methods are also disclosed for attaching the mesh to the abdominal wall once it is deployed by the extension arms. Illustrative attaching methods include staples, low viscosity adhesives, and electro-cauterization.