Shape-retaining shell for a fluid filled prosthesis
US5480430A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 7, 1994 |
| Grant date | Jan 2, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 7, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2/12
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A fluid-filled breast prosthesis for surgical implantation beneath the skin having a wrinkle resistent, elastic outer shell which is adapted to resist deformation or wrinkling during movement of the fluid filler. The outer shell, or envelope, has superior and inferior portions. The wall of the superior portion of the shell is substantially thickened with respect to the wall thickness of the inferior portion of the shell. The shell forms an envelope with an inner cavity which is filled with a biocompatible liquid such as saline. The presence of the thickened superior portion of the shell prevents wrinkles from forming in the breast prosthesis during fluid displacement such as occurs when the breast prosthesis recipient changes her anatomical position. The differentially thickened shell has a posterior base portion which may be reinforced to further stabilize the prosthesis.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.