Prosthetic repair fabric

[0001] The present invention relates to a prosthetic repair fabric, and more particularly to a prosthetic repair fabric for use in soft tissue and muscle wall repair.

[0002] Implantable repair fabrics are employed by surgeons for soft tissue repair and reconstruction, including the repair of anatomical defects such as soft tissue and muscle wall defects. The fabric is typically sutured, stapled, tacked, or otherwise provisionally anchored in place over, under or within the defect. Tissue integration with the fabric, such as tissue ingrowth into and/or along the mesh fabric, eventually completes the repair.

[0003] Soft tissue and muscle wall defect repairs may be accomplished using various surgical techniques, including open, laparoscopic and hybrid (e.g., Kugel procedure) techniques. During open procedures, a repair fabric is placed through a relatively large incision made in the abdominal wall and layers of tissue and then the defect is filled or covered with the repair fabric. During laparoscopic and hybrid procedures, the fabric may be collapsed, such as by rolling or folding, into a reduced configuration for entry into a subject, either directly through a comparatively smaller incision or through a slender laparoscopic cannula that is placed through the incision.

[0004] Various repair fabrics are known and used for repairing soft tissue and muscle wall defects. BARD MESH and VISILEX, available from C.R Bard, are examples of implantable fabrics that have been successfully used in soft tissue and muscle wall repair. Such fabrics are fabricated from polypropylene monofilaments that are knitted into meshes having pores or interstices that promote tissue ingrowth and integration with the fabric.

[0005] Scar tissue may form about a repair fabric into a scar plate as tissue ingrowth occurs. The volume and rigidity of the scar plate that forms about the fabric may be affected by various factors, including the amount of foreign material introduced into a patient by the fabric.

[0006] It is an object of the invention to provide a prosthetic repair fabric for repair of soft tissue and muscle wall defects.

[0007] In one illustrative embodiment, an implantable prosthetic repair fabric comprises a biologically compatible, implantable dual bar warp knit mesh produced according to a first bar pattern chain of 4/2 4/6 4/2 6/8 6/4 6/8 and a second bar pattern chain of 6/8 2/0 6/8 4/2 8/10 4/2.

[0008] In one illustrative embodiment, an implantable prosthetic repair fabric comprises a knit mesh that includes a plurality of generally polygonal shaped primary pores defined by knitted strands of filaments. A pair of individual filaments extend across each primary pore to define a plurality of secondary pores within each primary pore. Each of the pair of individual filaments extend substantially parallel to one another.

[0012] Embodiments of the present invention include a prosthetic fabric comprising a mesh fabric that is relatively flexible, thin and light weight and meets the performance and physical characteristics for soft tissue repair and reconstruction procedures. The surgical repair fabric may be used for reinforcing and closing soft tissue defects, and is particularly indicated for chest wall reconstruction and/or the repair of hernias, such as inguinal hernias. The mesh fabric is formed of a biologically compatible, flexible and strong implantable material.

[0013] The mesh fabric may employ a knit construction that provides relatively large openings or pores to ensure good visibility of the underlying anatomy without sacrificing mechanical properties of the mesh. The porous character of the fabric allows tissue infiltration to incorporate the prosthetic. The knitted fabric is sufficiently strong and structured to prevent or minimize potential pullout of anchoring fasteners, such as sutures, staples, tacks, and the like. The flexible repair fabric may promote an easy reduction in size for entry into the subject. In this manner, the flexible fabric may be collapsed into a slender configuration, such as a roll, which can be supported in, and advanced through, a narrow laparoscopic cannula for use in laparoscopic procedures.

[0014] The mesh fabric employs a relatively lighter weight, thinner, and/or more flexible fabric construction that may introduce less foreign body material into a patient as compared to other repair fabrics. The porous prosthetic repair fabric allows a prompt fibroblastic response through the interstices of the mesh, forming a secure fibrous/prosthetic layer. The fabric may promote a thinner and more compliant scar plate that may result in a relatively more comfortable soft tissue or muscle wall repair for a patient.

[0015] In one illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the repair fabric comprises a knit mesh 10 including knitted strands of filaments 12 that define larger, primary pores 14 arranged in a uniform pattern. A pair of individual filaments 16 extend across the primary pores to define a plurality of smaller, secondary pores 18 therein.

[0016] In the illustrated embodiment, the primary pores 14 are bounded by knitted strands of filaments 12. However, it is to be appreciated that one of more boundaries of the primary pores 14 may be defined by individual filaments as would be apparent to one of skill in the art. As shown, the primary pores 14 may be generally diamond or square shaped, although aspects of the invention are not limited. In this regard, it is to be understood that other pore shapes are also contemplated, including, but not limited to, circular, non-circular, round, oval, hexagonal and the like, as would be apparent to one of skill in the art.

[0017] The prosthetic repair fabric may be constructed to increase flexibility and/or reduce the overall weight per unit area of the fabric. Such properties may facilitate an easier collapse of the repair fabric for introduction into a patient. These properties may also provide for easier manipulation of the repair fabric about the surgical site within the patient. In one illustrative embodiment, the primary pores 14 have an area of approximately 0.0089 to 0.0103 square inches. In this regard, less material may be used to produce a given area of mesh, which may result in a reduced weight mesh. Additionally, the generally greater spacing between the strands of filaments 12 that are associated with the larger primary pores 14 may also contribute to a more flexible mesh. It is to be appreciated, however, that the size of the primary pores may vary as would be apparent to one of skill in the art, as aspects of the invention are not limited in this respect.

[0018] For some applications, it may be desirable to provide secondary pores 18 within the primary pores 14. In one illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 1, each primary pore 14 is subdivided into a plurality of secondary pores 18 by a pair of individual or single filaments 16. In the illustrative embodiment, the pair of filaments 16 divides the primary pore 14 into a pair of generally triangular secondary 20 pores and a generally rectangular secondary pore 22 that is positioned between the two generally triangular secondary pores 20. It is to be appreciated, however, that the shapes of secondary pores and/or numbers of secondary pores within each primary pore, if desired, may vary as would be apparent to one of skill in the art, as aspects of the invention are not limited in this respect.

[0019] In one illustrative embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, the pair of individual filaments 16 extend substantially parallel to one another across the primary pores 14. As illustrated, the pair of parallel filaments 16 may be generally in linear alignment with corresponding pairs of filaments in adjacent primary pores. However, it is to be understood that the individual filaments may be positioned and oriented in other suitable arrangements, as aspects of the present invention are not limited in this respect.

[0020] The prosthetic repair fabric may be constructed so as to be provisionally anchored to tissue or muscle using a wide variety of fasteners, such as sutures, staples, spiral tacks, Q-rings and the like. The individual filaments 16 that extend across the primary pores may provide additional features for engaging the fasteners used to anchor the fabric. It is to be appreciated that repair fabrics may be anchored to tissue and/or mesh with fasteners, such as spiral tacks and Q-ring constructs, that have relatively small features for engaging and holding the repair fabric in place. The smaller, secondary pores 18 associated with the individual filaments may provide for improved engagement with the fasteners in a manner that is sufficiently strong and structured to prevent or minimize pullout. In one illustrative embodiment, each secondary pore has an area of approximately 0.0022 to 0.0032 square inches. It is to be appreciated, however, that the size of the secondary pores may vary as would be apparent to one of skill in the art, as aspects of the invention are not limited in this respect.

[0021] In one illustrative embodiment, the knit mesh 10 may be produced in a lapping pattern by using two partially threaded guide bars to knit the pattern over three needles in a six course repeat. The fabric structure may be of an atlas type where each knitted end travels more than two needles, which may prevent unraveling of the mesh.

[0022] In one illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the repair fabric is a dual bar warp knit mesh structure produced using two guide bars moving according to a first bar pattern chain of 4/2 4/6 4/2 6/8 6/4 6/8 (identified as reference 24) and a second bar pattern chain of 6/8 2/0 6/8 4/2 8/10 4/2 (identified as reference 26). The mesh may be knitted on a single needle bar, 24 gauge Rachelle knitting machine. The mesh may be fabricated with approximately 34 to 36 courses per inch and approximately 12 to 17 wales per inch. It is to be appreciated, however, that the mesh fabric may be knitted using any suitable knit pattern as would be apparent to one of skill in the art, as aspects of the invention are not limited in this respect.

[0023] The knit mesh may be produced at various widths apparent to one of skill in the art, such as from 1 inch to 80 inches, depending on the intended application for which the repair fabric is being produced.

[0024] Following knitting, the fabric may be washed to remove foreign matter, such as residual processing lubricant. A cleaning agent, such as Triton X-100, may be used to aid in the removal of such foreign matter. Following washing, the mesh may be dried at a temperature lower than the heat set and melt temperatures of the material, as would be apparent to one of skill in the art.

[0025] Embodiments of the knit mesh may be heat set to impart a shape memory to the mesh and the prosthetic fabric formed of the mesh. In one illustrative embodiment, the fabric is heat set to have a generally planar shape memory. In this manner, after the fabric is collapsed and inserted into a patient, the fabric may revert back to the planar configuration for appropriate placement against tissue of the patient. It is to be appreciated that other embodiments of the fabric may be provided with a shape memory that corresponds to configurations different than planar, or to have no shape memory at all, as aspects of the invention are not limited in this regard.

[0026] If desired, the knit mesh may be heat set under tension, in a crochet hoop or tentering frame. The heat set may be applied while the mesh knit is being stretched in a particular direction to help set the mesh into a particular configuration. In one illustrative embodiment, the knit mesh is stretched in the cross machine knit direction and simultaneously allowed to partially relax or contract in the machine direction to a fixed point while heat is applied to set the mesh. It is to be understood, however, that other techniques apparent to one of skill in the art may be used to heat set the knit mesh, as aspects of the invention are not limited in this respect.

[0027] For some applications, it may be desirable to smooth the knitted mesh to reduce the texture or surface roughness of the mesh. In one illustrative embodiment, the knitted mesh is lightly pressed between a pair of plates which includes a heated plate that is pressed against the rough surface of the mesh to reduce high spots of the mesh and to heat set it to smooth its surface. It is to be appreciated, however, that the fabric may be smoothed using any suitable process apparent to one of skill in the art. For example, the fabric may be smoothed by passing the knitted mesh between a pair of heated rollers during the washing and drying process.

[0028] The filaments that are used to fabricate the repair fabric may contribute to the resulting mechanical properties of the fabric. In one illustrative embodiment, the repair fabric is knitted with filaments having a diameter of approximately 0.0045 to 0.0051 inches, and preferably a diameter of approximately 0.0048 inches. A filament of this diameter may contribute to an increased flexibility and reduced weight per unit area of the overall repair fabric. It is to be understood, however, that the fabric may be fabricated with filaments having any suitable diameter apparent to one of skill in the art that is suitable for a desired application, as aspects of the invention are not limited in this respect.

[0029] In one illustrative embodiment, the fabric has a thickness of approximately 0.017 to 0.022 inches, and preferably a thickness of approximately 0.017 to 0.019 inches. In one illustrative embodiment, the fabric has a weight per unit area of approximately 0.022 to 0.032 grams per square inch, and preferably a weight per unit area of approximately 0.027 to 0.030 grams per square inch. It is to be appreciated, however, that the fabric may be fabricated to have any thickness and/or weight per unit area apparent to one of skill in the art that is suitable for a desired application, as aspects of the invention are not limited in this respect.

[0030] In one illustrative embodiment, the filaments used to fabricate the mesh fabric comprise a polypropylene monofilament, which is inert in the presence of infection, is non-wettable and has a low foreign body reaction. In one illustrative embodiment, the monofilament is formed of Phillip's Polypropylene resin HGX-030 or Polypropylene resin HGX-030-01. In one embodiment, the monofilament has a denier of approximately 90 to 100. In one embodiment, the monofilament has a tenacity of approximately 6.0 to 8.5 grams/denier, and preferably a tenacity of approximately 7.25 grams/denier. It is to be appreciated, however, that filaments of different configurations, properties and/or materials may be employed to fabricate the fabric. For example, the filaments may comprise multifilaments or monofilaments having different mechanical characteristics as would be apparent to one of skill in the art, as aspects of the present invention are not limited in this respect.

[0031] The following examples are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0032] Physical properties of a representative two bar warp knit mesh fabric produced from 0.0048 inch polypropylene monofilament according to the illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 (labeled Embodiment #1 in Table 1) were evaluated and compared to several known mesh fabrics. Physical and performance characteristics were tested including mesh thickness, pore size, mesh weight per unit area, suture pull out strength, burst strength, tear resistance, tensile (break) strength and elongation at break, and stiffness. Testing methodology and results appear below in Table 1, where mean results and ranges are reported from several test samples (ranges appear in parentheses).

[0033] Fabric samples were also tested and found to have a 5 mm spiral tack retention strength of approximately 2.4 to 6.2 lbs, and to have a mesh deflection of approximately 0.003 to 0.013 inches at a 5 lb load, approximately 0.032 to 0.042 inches at a 10 lb load, and approximately 0.114 to 0.140 inches at break.

[0034] Suture Pullout Strength: A sample of mesh measuring at least 0.5 inch×3 inches was prepared and clamped in the lower jaw of an MTS™ or equivalent tensile test machine. At least 1 inch of the mesh was exposed above the jaw. A spring steel wire with a diameter of approximately 0.019 inches was placed through the mesh to simulate a suture. The wire was placed 4±0.2 mm from the edge of the mesh. The wire suture was looped back and both ends were attached to the upper jaw of the tensile machine. The suture was then pulled at a rate of 5 inches per minute through the mesh starting with a minimum jaw separation of 1 inch. The peak force was recorded for ten samples tested in both the machine and cross directions of the mesh and the average force was calculated for each direction.

[0035] Pore Size: A sample of mesh was placed on an optical coordinate measurement device. The generally diamond or square shaped primary cell, which contains two generally triangular pores and a generally rectangular pore in the middle section, was measured dimensionally to the nearest 0.0001 inch. The area was calculated by taking 0.5 (L)×0.5 (W)×3.146. Ten randomly selected pores (not counting the pores formed by the loops or knots) were measured and a combined average was calculated.

[0036] Tensile (Break) Strength and Elongation at Break: A mesh sample measuring approximately 1 inch×6 inches was placed into the pneumatic jaws of an MTS™ tensile tester or equivalent device. The sample was oriented so that the knit direction being tested was parallel to the 6 inch length. The ends of the 6 inch sample were gripped in the lower and upper jaws of the tester. Starting with a minimum separation of 2 inches, the sample was pulled at a constant rate of 12 inches per minute until the sample broke. The peak load and elongation at break were recorded. Ten samples were tested in both the cross direction and the machine direction. The averages were then calculated for each direction.

[0037] Mesh Thickness: A sample of mesh measuring approximately 6 inches×6 inches was measured using a standard thickness snap gage with an approximate 0.38 inch diameter pressure foot that is lightly spring loaded. The thickness was measured by lowering the foot onto the mesh. Measurements were taken to the nearest 0.0001 inch at three locations across the mesh sheet and then averaged. Ten sheets of mesh were measured in total and a combined average was calculated.

[0038] Mesh Weight/Unit Area: Using a sample size of seven pieces of mesh that measured approximately 6 inches×6 inches (with a radiused corner), the total collective weight of the seven sheets was measured in grams to the nearest 0.0001 gram. The average weight was then calculated. The area was calculated by measuring the length and width dimensions taken to the nearest 0.001 inch, minus the area of the radiused corner. The average area was calculated for the seven pieces. The weight per unit area was calculated using the average weight and average unit area.

[0039] Burst Strength: This test method was derived from the ANSI/AAMI VP20-1994 Section 8.3.3.2 and ASTM Ball Burst method D3787-01. A mesh sample was placed on top of a circular O-ring measuring approximately 1 inch in diameter. The O-ring was seated in a grooved plate in a fixture with a hole in the middle of plate containing the O-ring. The fixture was attached to the lower jaw in an MTS™ or equivalent test machine. The plate with the mesh was raised and clamped against an upper plate in the fixture, compressing the mesh sample. The upper plate also contained a hole with the same diameter as the lower plate. The holes in the fixture plates are dimensioned to be just slightly larger than and to accept a rounded ball tipped rod that has a 0.38 inch diameter tip. The rod was connected to an upper jaw of the test machine that was moved down through the sample at a constant rate of 12 inches per minute. The peak load was recorded for each of ten samples. The average burst strength was then calculated based on the peak loads for the ten samples.

[0040] Tear Resistance: A mesh sample measuring approximately 2 inches×2 inches was prepared. A 1 inch slit was cut in one side (the direction to be tested) at the mid point to form two mesh sections. One section of mesh was clamped in the lower jaw of a pneumatic fixture and the other was clamped in the top jaw of the fixture. Starting with the jaws at a minimum spacing of 1 inch, the mesh was pulled at a rate of 12 inches per minute until the tear was completed. The peak force was recorded. Ten samples were tested in the cross, machine direction, and the diagonal direction. The averages were then calculated for each group direction.

[0041] Stiffness: The stiffness test was based on the stiffness of a fabric by a circular bend procedure (see ASTM Standard D4032-94). A mesh sample measuring approximately 4 inches×4 inches was prepared and tested. The mesh was placed on top of a plate with the rougher side of the mesh facing down. The plate included a 1.5 inch diameter through hole with a chamfered lead-in. The mesh was pushed or plunged down into this plate by a 1 inch diameter plunger. The plunger was set to travel at a constant rate of 12 inches per minute. The plunger traveled 1.5 inches below the mesh surface and the peak load was recorded. Ten samples were tested and the average was calculated for the entire group.

[0042]

	TABLE I
			Ethicon
			PROLENE	Ethicon
	Embodiment #1	BARD MESH	Soft Mesh	MERSILENE Mesh
Suture Pullout (lbs)
Machine Direction	8.2	12.16	5.4	1.75
	(7.1-9.6)	(9.14-14.29)	(3.9-6.6)	(1.33-2.33)
Cross Direction	6.7	7.97	6.3	2.17
	(4.8-8.0)	(6.87-9.73)	(5.2-8.0)	(1.53-2.47)
Pore Size (inches2)
Large Cell	0.00975	n/a	0.00941	n/a
	(0.00891-0.01033)		(0.00803-0.0104)
Small Pore	0.00246	0.00085	0.00386	0.00123
	(0.00220-0.00320)	(0.00062-0.00100)	(0.00357-0.00432)	(0.00104-0.00139)
Tensile (Break) Strength (lbs)
Machine Direction	11.93	21.7	22.11	22.7
	(10.07-15.20)	(13.9-26.8)	(18.01-26.8)	(20.3-26)
Cross Direction	43.84	49.9	21.97	10.5
	(35.26-48.38)	(42.7-58.0)	(19.00-26.01)	(8.9-12)
Elongation at Break (%)
Machine Direction	61.8	43	69.25	24
	(26.0-94.5)	(30-50)	(59-79.5)	(22-26)
Cross Direction	49	30	54.5	25
	(40.5-54)	(25-35)	(49.5-63.5)	(21-29)
Mesh Thickness (Inches)	0.0174	0.0278	0.0168	0.0203
	(0.0168-0.0172)	(.0273-0.0296)	(0.0163-0.0172)	(0.0200-0.0204)
Weight/Unit Area (gms/inches2)	0.0282	0.0680	0.0287	0.0274
	(0.0274-0.0293)	(0.065-0.071)	(0.0273-0.0296)	(0.026-0.030)
Tear Resistance (lbs)
Machine Direction	6.36	10.31	6.05	1.53
	(5.35-6.96)	(7.27-14.68)	(4.70-7.15)	(1.33-1.87)
Cross Direction	5.46	11.01	5.72	1.50
	(4.84-6.30)	(9.41-13.68)	(4.78-6.43)	(1.33-1.74)
Diagonal Direction	5.94	10.83	5.97	1.44
	(5.18-6.82)	(7.20-14.26)	(5.27-6.65)	(1.27-1.60)
Stiffness (lbsf)	0.311	0.648	0.225	0.043
	(0.235-0.348)	(0.499-0.922)	(0.181-0.317)	(0.027-0.063)
Ball Burst (⅜″ ball, lbs)	29.17	67.98	31.01	18.1
	(25.02-34.94)	(63.64-74.21)	(26.58-35.13)	(16.0-19.4)
Mesh Construction
Courses (per inch)	34.6	54.5	45.6	72
	(34-36)		(44-48)
Wales (per inch)	14.1	15.5	16.2	47
	(12-17)		(16-18)

[0043] It should be understood that the foregoing description of the invention is intended merely to be illustrative thereof and that other equivalents, embodiments and modifications of the invention are within the scope of the invention recited in the claims appended hereto.