ABDOMINAL REINFORCEMENT DEVICE

摘要

A device (10) is provided for use in reinforcing a boundary wall of a patient's abdominal cavity at a site at which a portion of the patient's alimentary tract passes through that boundary wall. The device comprises a collar portion (11) for extending, in use, around the alimentary tract (17) at the approach of the alimentary tract to the interior of the boundary wall at said site. The device also comprises a plurality of petal-like elements (12) extending from the collar portion (11), said elements being arranged so as to extend, in use, outwardly with respect to the longitudinal axis of the portion of the alimentary tract passing through the collar portion and to be attached, in use, to the interior of the boundary wall around said side. The device is preferably, but not exclusively, for use in the prevention or treatment of parastomal herniation in patients having a colostomy or ileostomy or the like. It may however also find other applications, for example in the repair of developed hiatus hernias or the like.