Cast gel implantable prosthesis

• US 4,740,208 A
• Filed: 09/27/1985
• Issued: 04/26/1988
• Est. Priority Date: 11/21/1980
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Joseph F. Cavon
• Original Assignee: Joseph F. Cavon
• Inventors: Cavon, Joseph F.
• Primary Examiner(s): Apley, Richard J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Isabella, David J.
• Application Number:
  US06/781,305
• Time in Patent Office: 942 Days
• Field of Search: 623/7, 623/8, 623/11, 623/16, 128/1 R, 128/DIG. 21
• US Class Current: 623/8
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/12 Mammary prostheses and implants
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 27/34 Macromolecular materials
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 1/04 Oxycellulose; Hydrocellulose , e.g. microcrystalline cellulose
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 67/04 Polyesters derived from hydroxycarboxylic acids, e.g. lactones C08L67/06 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 89/00 Compositions of proteins; Compositions of derivatives thereof foodstuff preparations A23J3/00

Abstract

A cast gel elastomer implantable prosthesis for implantation in the human body. The gel prosthesis is formed for subcutaneous implantation and may be subsequently coated with a membrane-thin elastomer so that when it is implanted, it will retain its natural softness after the human tissue capsule forms around the prothesis.

Claims

1. A non-enveloped prosthesis for implantation in a human body cavity normally substantially occupied by soft tissue consisting essentially of:

an unconstrained cohesive molded homogeneous gel elastomer formed to fit the shape and size of a body cavity normally substantially occupied by soft tissue in the human body,

said gel having a consistency as measured by a penetrometer of more than 0.5 mm which simulates the natural pressure-dispersing feeling of the body tissue normally occupying said cavity, and being sufficiently cross-linked so that the gel has a non-flowing characteristic.

2. A prosthesis according to claim 1 wherein said gel form implant is substantially circular and has an ovular cross-sectional shape whereby said gel form may be used as a mammary implant.

3. A prosthesis according to claim 2, wherein said gel form implant includes integrally attached fixation patches for securing said implant to body tissue.

4. A prosthesis according to claim 1 wherein said gel form implant has a consistency as measured by a penetrometer in the range of approximately 0.1 mm to 29 mm.

5. The prosthesis according to claim 1 including a thin integral tackiness-reducing coating.

8. The prosthesis according to claim 5 wherein the tackiness-reducing coating is selected from the group consisting of fluids and elastomers.

6. A method of implanting a natural feeling prosthesis in a human body to simulate the texture of human body tissue comprising the steps of:

making an incision in the human body at the area where a prosthesis is to be implanted;

inserting through said incision to the area of the human body desired, a non-enveloped prosthesis consisting essentially of an unconstrained cohesive molded homogeneous gel elastomer formed to fit the shape and size of a body cavity normally substantially occupied by soft tissue, said gel having a consistency as measured by penetrometer of more than 0.5 mm which simulates the natural pressure-disbursing feeling of the body tissue normally occupying said cavity, and being sufficiently cross linked so that the gel has a non-flowing characteristic; and

closing the incision whereby the human body forms a tissue capsule around said prosthesis.

7. A method for avoiding post-surgical contracture of breast implants comprising the step of

filling a cavity normally occupied by breast tissue with a non-enveloped gel elastomer sized and shaped to fit the cavity, the gel having a consistency as measured by a penetrometer of more than 0.5 mm which simulates the natural pressure dispersing feeling of the tissue normally occupying said cavity, and being sufficiently cross linked to exhibit a non-flowing characteristic.