Method and apparatus for laparoscopic repair of hernias

Claim 1

A hernia repair mesh applicator for introducing a section of surgical mesh into the abdominal cavity of a hernia patient and positioning such mesh over a hernia defect in the abdominal wall, such applicator comprising: an outer cylinder having opposed first and second axial ends and having a predefined central axis, said outer cylinder being insertable through a trochar extending into the abdomen of the patient; an inner member mounted for movement within said outer cylinder generally parallel to said central axis, said inner member including opposed first and second axial ends; at least one element attached proximal said first end of said inner member, wherein said element is movable between a first position extending generally parallel to said central axis, and a second position extending at an angle to said central axis; a surgical repair mesh releasably attached to said element; a releasable attaching means attaching said surgical repair mesh to said element; and means for selectively moving said element between said first position and said second position; wherein movement of said element to said second position extends at least a portion of said surgical repair mesh in a generally planar manner, and wherein said releasable attaching means releases said mesh from said element, without destruction of said element, upon movement of said element to said second position, by a user of said applicator, and wherein said surgical repair mesh is spread over a hernia defect to be repaired.