Method of forming a reusable surgical implement

Abstract

A reusable surgical implement or template is provided that is formed of a core positioned within an enclosure. The core is formed of a suitable rigid, and optionally flexible material to enable the implant to conform to the desired use for the implement in a surgical procedure. The material forming the enclosure is also stretchable and flexible to accommodate the configuration and/or any flexing of the core, and is biologically inert to enable the implant to be sterilized after use for use in subsequent surgical procedures while protecting the material forming the core. The enclosure can be molded around the core in separate portions or components using multiple molding steps to form an enclosure with the desired attributes. The enclosure can also be preformed and the core inserted and secured within the enclosure using an adhesive to form the implement in an alternative manner.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.