Bioabsorbable surgical implants for endoscopic soft tissue suspension procedure
First Claim
1. A bioabsorbable surgical implant for use in combination with sutures in supporting soft tissue in a position in a body, the surgical implant comprising:
- a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end; and
a head having a convex outer surface and a continuous concave lower surface extending from said proximal end of said shaft to an edge of said convex outer surface, said proximal end of said shaft being integrally to said continuous concave lower surface of said head.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A bioabsorbable surgical implant for use in supporting soft tissue in a superior position in the body is described. The surgical implant includes a shaft that connects the implant to a bone or hard tissue and a head secured to the shaft. The head of the implant has a concave lower surface so that a suture (or sutures) can easily be wound around the shaft below the head and locked to this position by tightening the head against bone or hard tissue and by pushing or turning the shaft into the bone or hard tissue. The connected shaft and head are formed from a resorbable polymer, copolymer, polymer alloy or composite, which maintains a specified strength for a period of time at least equal to a healing period for the patient. Thereafter, the surgical implant is substantially resorbed by the body over a period of time needed for healing. The surgical implant is particularly adapted for use in endoscopic face and/or brow lift surgery and other endoscopic cosmetic, plastic and reconstructive surgical procedures, where sutures are applied for tissue lifting.
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Citations
7 Claims
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1. A bioabsorbable surgical implant for use in combination with sutures in supporting soft tissue in a position in a body, the surgical implant comprising:
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a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end; and a head having a convex outer surface and a continuous concave lower surface extending from said proximal end of said shaft to an edge of said convex outer surface, said proximal end of said shaft being integrally to said continuous concave lower surface of said head. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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Specification