Methods of and apparatus for use in medical treatment
First Claim
1. Apparatus for use in expanding skin, comprising an inflatable expander that is capable of being introduced under the skin of a patient which is required to be stretched, a flexible tube leading from the expander and being capable of passing through the skin of the patient, and a patient controlled liquid delivery machine connected the flexible tube or connectable to the interconnector whereby a patient may deliver liquid via the interconnector and the flexible tube to the expander.
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Abstract
Equipment and methods for preparing a person for placement of a subcutaneous prosthesis, e.g., are disclosed. An inflatable expander, such as an expandable bladder, is introduced under an area of skin to be stretched. A tube extends through the skin to a preferably valved fluid flow connector. The person whose skin is to be stretched can periodically introduce desired amounts of fluid, such as saline solution, into the expander by use of a patient controlled delivery machine (“PCD machine”) which is connectible to the fluid flow connector. The PCD machine can be a syringe having an outlet fitting which is matable to the flow connector. Since the person controls the times and amounts of liquid added to the expander, there is a reduction in the time, cost, and discomfort encountered by the person in preparation for placement of a prosthesis under stretched area of skin.
27 Citations
7 Claims
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1. Apparatus for use in expanding skin, comprising
an inflatable expander that is capable of being introduced under the skin of a patient which is required to be stretched, a flexible tube leading from the expander and being capable of passing through the skin of the patient, and a patient controlled liquid delivery machine connected the flexible tube or connectable to the interconnector whereby a patient may deliver liquid via the interconnector and the flexible tube to the expander.
Specification