Method of forming a molded silicone foam implant having open-celled interstices
US5437824A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 23, 1993 |
| Grant date | Aug 1, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 23, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2250/0003
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A breast prosthesis for implantation beneath the skin is disclosed. In one preferred embodiment the prosthesis has an outer elastic shell which encloses a biocompatible fluid and a silicone foam insert of unitary construction having the shape and approximate consistency of breast tissue. The foam insert occupies substantially the entire volume enclosed by the shell of the implantable prosthesis and consists of a foam body that is molded to the shape of the breast. The foam body has both open-cell and closed-cell characteristics. Portions of the foam insert are closed-cell with open-cell passageways threading themselves throughout the structure. The insert is of unitary construction and made by (a) heating a mold to an appropriate temperature; (b) mixing air bubbles into dispersion of uncured silicone; (c) injecting the bubble-laden, uncured silicone into the preheated mold; and (d) applying a vacuum until the foam insert cures. The volume of the foam insert should preferably be substantially equal to the unstretched volume of the shell which surrounds the foam body. In another preferred embodiment only a portion of the volume enclosed by the cell is occupied by the foam insert. In …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.