Dual-sided, texturized biocompatible structure

• US 6,921,418 B2
• Filed: 03/19/2001
• Issued: 07/26/2005
• 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): Isabella, David J.
• Application Number:
  US09/813,091
• Publication Number:
  US 20010010024A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,590 Days
• Field of Search: 623/7, 623/8, 623/11.11, 623/7.8, 623/15.12, 606151-157, 602/42, 602/52, 600/40, 428/36.5
• US Class Current: 623/11.11
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/02 Devices for expanding tissue, e.g. skin tissue implements for holding wounds open, surgical tractors A61B17/02; implantable mammary prosthesis A61F2/12; dilators A61M29/00
• 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

A soft tissue expander has enhanced performance through use of differential and directional expandability, continuous expansion capability, increased base and dimensional stability, increased soft tissue purchase by virtue of unique surface topography, and results in improved cavity contour after expansion. Expansion means may be provided to expand the implant in a desired direction. In the preferred embodiment, an expander or implant has an exterior surface defining a volume, the exterior surface including a base portion, a first wall and a second wall, wherein the second wall is relatively thinner than the first wall. A fill port, which may be integrally molded into the expander, is included. As the expander is inflated, differential expansion occurs with the relatively thin second wall section expanding more than that of the first wall section. The base may include ribs or other molded-in structures to increase structural integrity. Optionally, a bellows may be included on the exterior surface of the expander, the bellows optionally including a limiting ring. Molded-in geometric patterns may be employed to present textured internal, as well as external surfaces to the implant or expander. Compressive structures may be used on the inside or outside surface of the implant.

Claims

1. An implantable sheet for implantation in a body comprising:

an implantable sheet of ePTFE having a first surface and a second surface,

the first surface being non-textured, and

the second surface being textured, the second surface having;

a plurality of continuous, parallel channels extending into the thickness dimension of the sheet, the channels being formed by cutting the second surface of the sheet,

a plurality of ridges disposed between the channels, forming troughs and

the second surface comprising a pattern of ridges and troughs, the pattern including a plurality of parallel wells.

2. The sheet of claim 1 wherein each channel has a cross-sectional dimension of varying width.

3. The sheet of claim 1 wherein the pattern is periodic.

4. The sheet of claim 1 wherein the pattern is repetitive.

5. The sheet of claim 1 wherein the pattern is uniform.

6. The sheet of claim 1 comprising a laminated structure.

7. The sheet of claim 1 wherein the plane of the ridge regions is substantially parallel to the plane of the trough regions.

8. The sheet of claim 1 wherein the second surface is arranged to stimulate high tissue ingrowth.

9. The sheet of claim 1 wherein the second surface is arranged to disorganize scar tissue.

10. The sheet of claim 1 wherein the channels and ridges are straight.

11. The sheet of claim 1 wherein the first surface is substantially planar.

12. The sheet of claim 1 wherein the channels comprise v-shaped cuts.