Flexible exint retention fixation for external breast prosthesis
US6074420A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 8, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jun 13, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 8, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2/52
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An external prosthesis and a method for affixing the prosthesis to the user by means compliantly housed magnets interacting with surgical steel implants inserted beneath the skin of the user. The implants are surgical steel buttons coated with methylmethacrylate to avoid the release of corrosion products and silastic, a biocompatible material. The implant is inserted beneath the patient's skin along with a biocompatible mesh material to provide additional strength. A flexible carrier is formed with a hollow cylindrical shape to allow a magnet to move freely within the carrier. The opening of the flexible carrier is covered with a mesh. The flexible carrier/magnet/mesh combination is formed into the prosthesis so that the prosthesis aligns with the surgical steel implants and allows freedom of movement within the flexible carrier. The mesh material allows for breathability and also avoids skin strangulation from excess pressure of the magnet on the surgical steel implant.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.