Surgical support structure

Abstract

This document discusses, among other things, a system for translocating a multilayer patch. The system includes a support structure having a contact surface for bonding to the patch. The support structure has a shape configured to support the patch following separation of the patch from a surrounding tissue.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system comprising:
 a support structure having a tissue contact surface configured to bond to a tissue and configured to maintain a fixed shape of the tissue after separation of the tissue from a membrane,   wherein the tissue contact surface includes a first surface on the first member and a second surface on the second member.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the support structure includes at least one ring. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the support structure includes at least one of a textured surface. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first member is coupled to the second member by a joint. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the joint includes at least one of a portion of a helix, a hinge, and a flexible linkage.