Tissue expander and method
US5074878A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 19, 1991 |
| Grant date | Dec 24, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 19, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B90/02
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The tissue expander includes a closed shell structure having a shell wall formed of a needle-penetrable material with self-sealing characteristics. The shell defines a fluid expandable chamber. In some embodiments of the invention, a self-sealing layer of elastomeric material is joined or otherwise bonded to an inner surface of a non-flowable layer of elastomeric material. In other embodiments of the invention, the self-sealing layer is joined to the outer surface of a layer of non-flowable elastomeric material. The self-sealing layer may also be sandwiched between two layers of non-flowable elastomeric material. In a further embodiment the self-sealing layer constitutes the entire shell of the tissue expander. In all embodiments of the invention, a needle stop member is provided to prevent a needle that accesses the fluid chamber from passing outwardly of the tissue expander in the same direction in which it has accessed the fluid chamber. Fluid for expanding the chamber is infused directly therein through a needle that penetrates the shell wall. The self-sealing material seals any opening in the shell wall produced by removal of the infusion needle. Self-sealing is accomplished b…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.