Implantable prosthetic device

• US 6,187,043 B1
• Filed: 10/21/1997
• Issued: 02/13/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 12/22/1987
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Walter J. Ledergerber
• Original Assignee: Walter J. Ledergerber
• Inventors: Ledergerber, Walter J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Prebilic, Paul B.
• Application Number:
  US08/955,866
• Time in Patent Office: 1,211 Days
• Field of Search: 623/7, 623/8, 623/11, 623/12, 623/17, 623/11.11, 623/23.65, 623/23.67, 623/23.68, 623/17.12, 623/17.16
• US Class Current: 623/8
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/0077 Special surfaces of prostheses, e.g. for improving ingrowth A61F2/30767 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/12 Mammary prostheses and implants
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 27/34 Macromolecular materials
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 27/18 Homopolymers or copolymers or tetrafluoroethene
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 75/04 Polyurethanes
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 83/04 Polysiloxanes

Abstract

An implant and coverings for an implant for use in the human body are disclosed. Coverings for implants are constructed to present a biocompatible surface to the body and to provide a textured surface which serves to disorganize scar tissue which forms around the implant. Filaments of expanded PTFEe are attached to a stretch fabric backing in a loose weave configuration. Silicone molded in geometric patterns may be employed to present a textured surface. Compressive structures may be beneficially used on the surface of the implant or in the interior of the implant. Foam is one such compressive structure. Hexagonally shaped compressive cells containing fluid, gas, gel or foam are adapted to receive an insert which contains an outer biocompatible coating. A valve or port is provided to communicate between the cell and the body. Expansion means may be provided to expand the implant in a desired direction.

Claims

1. A covering for an implantable prosthetic device for use in the human body comprising:

at least one pressure sensitive structure that is in the shape of a hexagonal cell,

said at least one pressure sensitive structure enclosing a volume for containing a fluid, a gas or a combination of both, and

an atraumatic covering for at least that portion of the pressure sensitive structure adapted to interface with the human body.

2. A covering for an implantable prosthetic device for use in the human body comprising:

at least one pressure sensitive structure that is in the shape of a sphere,

said at least one pressure sensitive structure enclosing a volume for containing a fluid, a gas or a combination of both, and a means for fluid communication between the volume of said pressure sensitive structure and the human body, and

an atraumatic covering for at least that portion of the pressure sensitive structure adapted to interface with the human body.

6. The covering of claim 2 in which the means to communicate between the volume of the pressure sensitive structure and the human body is a vent hole.

3. A covering for an implantable prosthetic device for use in the human body comprising:

at least one pressure sensitive structure that includes a plurality of spheres which contain compressive structures with a high surface area to volume ratio,

said at least one pressure sensitive structure enclosing a volume for containing a fluid, a gas or a combination of both, and a means for communication between the volume of said pressure sensitive structure and the human body, and

an atraumatic covering for at least that portion of the pressure sensitive structure adapted to interface with the human body.

7. The covering of claim 3 in which the means to communicate between the volume of the pressure sensitive structure and the human body is a vent hole.

4. A covering for an implantable prosthetic device for use in the human body comprising:

at least one pressure sensitive structure in the shape of a evaginated hollow element, which structure is filled with a gas, or fluid, or a combination thereof,

said at least one pressure sensitive structure enclosing a volume for containing a fluid, a gas or a combination of both, and a means for communication between the volume of said pressure sensitive structure and the human body, and

an atraumatic covering for at least that portion of the pressure sensitive structure adapted to interface with the human body.

8. The covering of claim 4 in which the means to communicate between the volume of the pressure sensitive structure and the human body is a vent hole.

5. A covering for an implantable prosthetic device for use in the human body comprising:

at least one pressure sensitive structure,

said at least one pressure sensitive structure enclosing a volume for containing a fluid, a gas or a combination of both, and a means to communicate between the volume of said pressure sensitive structure and the human body which is a tube, and

an atraumatic covering for at least that portion of the pressure sensitive structure adapted to interface with the human body.