Tissue expanders
First Claim
1. An implantable tissue expander system for insertion in a human body to induce formation of a pocket into which a mammary prosthesis may be inserted comprising (a) an inflatable member which is flaccid and is adapted to be inflated progressively in the body to induce formation of said pocket, (b) a separate support plate which is sufficiently flexible that it may be bent or folded for insertion into or removal from the body through an incision in the body and to recover to its original condition within condition within the body, (c) feed tube means attached to the inflatable member and having a valve through which inflating medium may be supplied into the inflatable member and (d) cooperating releasable securing means on each of the inflatable member and the support plate whereby the support plate and the inflatable member are connected together until it is desired to release the inflatable member from the support plate.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A tissue expander capable of insertion in a human body to induce formation of a pocket into which a mammary prosthesis may be inserted including an expander portion which is flaccid and is adapted to be inflated progressively in the body to induce formation of said pocket, a support plate portion which is sufficiently flexible that it may be bent or folded upon itself for insertion into or removal from the body through an incision in the body and to recover to a plate-like condition within the body, feed tube and releasable fastener preferably a snap fastener whereby the support portion and the expander portion are connected together until it is desired to release the expander portion from the support portion.
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Citations
9 Claims
- 1. An implantable tissue expander system for insertion in a human body to induce formation of a pocket into which a mammary prosthesis may be inserted comprising (a) an inflatable member which is flaccid and is adapted to be inflated progressively in the body to induce formation of said pocket, (b) a separate support plate which is sufficiently flexible that it may be bent or folded for insertion into or removal from the body through an incision in the body and to recover to its original condition within condition within the body, (c) feed tube means attached to the inflatable member and having a valve through which inflating medium may be supplied into the inflatable member and (d) cooperating releasable securing means on each of the inflatable member and the support plate whereby the support plate and the inflatable member are connected together until it is desired to release the inflatable member from the support plate.
Specification