Inventors:
Luis I. Campos - Allentown PA
International Classification:
A61F 200, A61F 1300
Abstract:
Surgical repairs such as hernia repairs are made via laparoscopic techniques, by attaching a panel or patch of substantially continuous prosthetic material, dimensioned for introduction into a patient via a laparoscopic instrument. The panel is preferably expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), provided with a plurality of holes at a peripheral edge for engagement via a surgical clip applicator. The applicator can be used readily to spread the patch over the site of the repair, and to receive the surgical clips which attach the patch to ligamentous structures of the patient. Examples of application of the patch to inguinal hernia repair and diaphragmatic hernia repair are disclosed.