Described are methods and apparatus for use in supporting tissue in a patient's body. In some embodiments, the patient's breast is supported. In some embodiments, the methods provide ways of supporting and adjusting tissue, and the apparatus includes components and embodiments for supporting and adjusting the tissue. Some embodiments include a supporting device, having a first portion, a second portion, and a support member positioned between the first portion and second portion. Some embodiments include advancing the first portion of the supporting device into the body to a first location in the body; advancing the second portion of the supporting device into the body to a second location in the body; securing the first portion of the supporting device at the first location; and shifting soft tissue in the body with the support member.

An implantable prosthesis for mending anatomical defects, including a groin hernia. The prosthesis includes a prosthetic repair patch that may be implanted in different tissue planes to mend a defect. The patch may include a medial portion configured to be positioned in a first tissue plane and a lateral portion configured to be positioned in a second tissue plane offset from the first tissue plane. The patch may include a transition region configured to extend through tissue and/or muscle, such as fascia, separating the tissue planes and transition the patch from one tissue plane to the other tissue plane. The transition region may be configured to inhibit buckling and/or bunching of the patch when implanted through the fascia. The lateral portion of the patch may have a level of stiffness that facilitates implantation of the patch in different tissue planes while inhibiting patient sensation to the implanted patch.

Assemblies for securing a fractured or weakened bone within a subject's body are provided. The assembly includes a frame having an adjustable flexible member construct thereon. The adjustable flexible member construct is disposed in the frame such that the adjustable flexible member and the frame encircle the fractured or weakened bone.

Implant delivery systems for delivering sheet-like implants include a delivery shaft, an implant expander, a sheath, and a sheet-like implant. In some embodiments, the delivery shaft has a proximal end and a distal end. The implant expander is mounted to the distal end of the delivery shaft. The implant expander includes a central portion and a plurality of leg portions radiating from the central portion. The implant expander is evertable between an unstressed configuration in which a distal surface of the implant expander defines a concave surface, and a first compact configuration in which the distal surface of the implant expander defines a convex surface. The implant expander has a first lateral extent when the implant expander is free to assume the unstressed configuration. The sheath defines a lumen having a lumen diameter. At least a portion of the delivery shaft is slidably disposed in the lumen. The lumen diameter is smaller than the first lateral extent of the implant expander so that the sheath holds the implant expander in the first compact configuration when slidably disposed therein. The sheet-like implant overlays at least a portion of the distal surface of the implant expander with portions of the sheet-like implant extending between the leg portions of the implant expander and the sheath. Methods of treating a rotator cuff of a shoulder are also disclosed.

A system for closing an aperture in a biological tissue includes at least one clip connected to at least one frame arm and for releasably retaining a surgical implant to the frame arm. The clip includes at least one locking structure for engaging a lock bar. A portion of the lock bar selectively engages or contacts the locking structure of the at least one clip to lock the at least one clip in a closed position by inhibiting rotation of the at least one clip when the lock bar is in a locked position. The lock bar allows the at least one clip to rotate to an open position when the lock bar is in an unlocked position. Methods for utilizing the system are also disclosed.

Compositions-of-matter comprising a matrix made of one or more, preferably two or more elastic layers and one or more viscoelastic layer are disclosed. The compositions-of-matter are characterized by high water-impermeability and optionally by self-recovery. Processes of preparing the compositions-of-matter and uses thereof as tissue substitutes or for repairing damaged tissues are also disclosed.

A tissue fixation device includes an elongated body extending between a distal portion including a barbed loop, and a proximal portion including a blunt tip. The elongated body, proximal portion, and distal portion are provided in a variety of configurations depending upon the performance requirements desired of the tissue fixation device for the envisaged application of use.

Graft materials and devices for surgical breast procedures, as well as methods of making graft devices, are described.

The present invention provides a method of fixating a mesh implant to a tissue of a subject comprising attaching said mesh implant to said tissue, covering said mesh implant by an antiadhesive barrier, wherein said antiadhesive barrier is attached to said mesh implant by a biocompatible adhesive.

A device for the reconstruction of the rotator cuff including a flat element having at least two opposite ends and adapted to be connected to at least one of the damaged tendons of the rotator cuff of a patient at the ends; the flat element being entirely made of biodegradable and resorbable material.