Flexible seamless memory tissue expanding implant
US6315796A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 13, 1999 |
| Grant date | Nov 13, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 13, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2/12
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A flexible, seamless tissue expanding implant with predetermined memory shape to augment tissue for accurate anatomical restoration for alloplastic reconstruction. The implant is a hollow shape formed from a material that tends to resume its molded shape even when collapsed and when reinflated resumes the desired shape. A minimal incision is made in the patient. From the incision a pocket is formed under the skin of the patient. The pocket is sized to hold the implant, which is inserted, in a collapsed deflated condition. The incision is then closed and allowed to heal. The implant is provided with a one-way, self-sealing valve for periodic inflation. The one-way valve is a latex plug encapsulated with silastic and incorporated into the implant. The valve can be palpated by the surgeon so that inflation can be performed with the implant in place by inserting a hypodermic needle through the skin of the patient, through the valve and into the interior of the implant. The implant is injected with the filling material at periodic intervals so that the tissue is gradually expanded to the appropriate extent. Since the implant has previously been formed into the desired shape, the implant…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.