IMPLANTABLE LAYERS AND METHODS FOR ALTERING IMPLANTABLE LAYERS FOR USE WITH SURGICAL FASTENING INSTRUMENTS
First Claim
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1. A method for altering a tissue thickness compensator, said method comprising the steps of:
- obtaining a tissue thickness compensator comprising a surface, wherein said surface is comprised at least partially from a material with a glass transition temperature and a melting temperature;
heating said surface to a temperature higher than said glass transition temperature and lower than said melting temperature;
manipulating said surface;
allowing said manipulated surface to cool below said glass transition temperature; and
releasing said surface.
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Abstract
A method is disclosed for altering a implantable layer which includes the steps of obtaining an implantable layer comprising a surface at least partially comprised from a material with a glass transition temperature and a melting temperature, heating the surface to a temperature higher than the glass transition temperature and lower than the melting temperature, manipulating the surface, allowing the manipulated surface to cool below the glass transition temperature, and releasing the surface.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A method for altering a tissue thickness compensator, said method comprising the steps of:
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obtaining a tissue thickness compensator comprising a surface, wherein said surface is comprised at least partially from a material with a glass transition temperature and a melting temperature; heating said surface to a temperature higher than said glass transition temperature and lower than said melting temperature; manipulating said surface; allowing said manipulated surface to cool below said glass transition temperature; and releasing said surface. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A customized tissue thickness compensator for use with a surgical stapler, wherein said customized tissue thickness compensator is prepared by a process comprising the steps of:
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obtaining a tissue thickness compensator comprising a melting temperature; obtaining a surface modifier comprising a contacting surface; heating said contacting surface to a temperature at least equal said melting temperature of said tissue thickness compensator; engaging a surface of said tissue thickness compensator with said heated contacting surface; and removing said surface modifier. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method for producing a biocompatible foam for use with a surgical stapler, said method comprising the steps of:
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obtaining a biocompatible polymer comprising a glass transition temperature and a melting temperature; dissolving said biocompatible polymer in a solvent to produce a solution; lyophilizing said solution to produce a biocompatible foam; heating said biocompatible foam to a temperature higher than said glass transition temperature and lower than said melting temperature; inserting a space creator into said biocompatible foam; allowing said biocompatible foam to cool below said glass transition temperature; and removing said space creator. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A method for altering a biocompatible foam, said method comprising the steps of:
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obtaining a biocompatible foam comprising a melting temperature; heating a space creator to a temperature at least equal to said melting temperature of said biocompatible foam; inserting said space creator into said biocompatible foam; allowing said biocompatible foam to cool below said melting temperature; and removing said space creator. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21)
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Specification