Implantable layers and methods for altering implantable layers for use with surgical fastening instruments
First Claim
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1. A method for producing a biocompatible foam for use with a surgical stapler, said method comprising the steps of:
- obtaining a biocompatible polymer comprising a glass transition temperature and a melting temperature;
dissolving said biocompatible polymer in a solvent to produce a solution;
lyophilizing said solution to produce a biocompatible foam;
heating said biocompatible foam to a temperature higher than said glass transition temperature and lower than said melting temperature;
inserting a space creator into said biocompatible foam in order to define a space in said biocompatible foam;
allowing said biocompatible foam to cool below said glass transition temperature; and
removing said space creator, wherein said biocompatible foam retains said space after removing said space creator.
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Abstract
A method is disclosed for altering a implantable layer which includes the steps of obtaining an implantable layer comprising a surface at least partially comprised from a material with a glass transition temperature and a melting temperature, heating the surface to a temperature higher than the glass transition temperature and lower than the melting temperature, manipulating the surface, allowing the manipulated surface to cool below the glass transition temperature, and releasing the surface.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. A method for producing a biocompatible foam for use with a surgical stapler, said method comprising the steps of:
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obtaining a biocompatible polymer comprising a glass transition temperature and a melting temperature; dissolving said biocompatible polymer in a solvent to produce a solution; lyophilizing said solution to produce a biocompatible foam; heating said biocompatible foam to a temperature higher than said glass transition temperature and lower than said melting temperature; inserting a space creator into said biocompatible foam in order to define a space in said biocompatible foam; allowing said biocompatible foam to cool below said glass transition temperature; and removing said space creator, wherein said biocompatible foam retains said space after removing said space creator. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method for altering a biocompatible foam, said method comprising the steps of:
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obtaining a biocompatible foam comprising a melting temperature; heating a space creator to a temperature at least equal to said melting temperature of said biocompatible foam; inserting said space creator into said biocompatible foam in order to define a space in said biocompatible foam; allowing said biocompatible foam to cool below said melting temperature; and removing said space creator, wherein said biocompatible foam retains said space after removing said space creator. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10)
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11. A method for producing a biocompatible foam for use with a surgical stapler, said method comprising the steps of:
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obtaining a biocompatible polymer comprising a glass transition temperature and a melting temperature; dissolving said biocompatible polymer in a solvent to produce a solution; lyophilizing said solution to produce a biocompatible foam; heating said biocompatible foam to a temperature higher than said glass transition temperature and lower than said melting temperature; inserting a beam into said biocompatible foam in order to create a slot in said biocompatible foam; allowing said biocompatible foam to cool below said glass transition temperature; and removing said beam from said biocompatible foam, wherein said biocompatible foam retains said slot after removing said beam.
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12. A method for altering a biocompatible foam, said method comprising the steps of:
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obtaining a biocompatible foam comprising a melting temperature; heating a space creator to a temperature at least equal to said melting temperature of said biocompatible foam; inserting a plurality of protrusions into said biocompatible foam in order to create a plurality of cavities; allowing said biocompatible foam to cool below said melting temperature; and removing said plurality of protrusions, wherein said biocompatible foam retains said plurality of cavities after removing said plurality of protrusions.
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Specification