Implant/insertion sheath complex: inflatable breast augmentation prosthesis for insertion through a small distal incision
OwnerBircoll Melvyninventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A pre-packaged inflatable breast implant that has been pre-tested, rolled, and encompassed in its own insertion sheath, complete with handle marked with indices to show how the implant is to be properly oriented in the retro-mammary space, by the manufacturer before being sterilized and shipped to the surgeon. The invention implant/insertion sheath complex is long enough and small enough in diameter to permit introduction of the implant in the retro-mammary space through a small, distant incision (e.g., the umbilicus). Use of the invention implant/insertion sheath complex simplifies the breast augmentation procedure and shortens the time in which the surgeon can perform the breast augmentation procedure.
Claims19
An implant apparatus comprising:
- a) a tube having an open first end and an open second end;
- b) a deflated implant positioned within said tube proximal to said first end thereof, said deflated implant having a resealable valve therein;
- c) a floor slidably contained within said tube, said floor positioned within said tube between said deflated implant and the second end of said tube, said floor having an opening therein;
- d) a fill tube extending through the second end of said tube, through the opening in said floor and connected with said resealable valve such that an interior channel of said fill tube communicates with an interior of said deflated implant;
- and,
- e) a plunger rod connected to said floor and extending down said tube to exit from the second end of said tube.
An implant apparatus comprising:
- a) a tube having an open first end and an open second end;
- b) a deflated implant positioned within said tube proximal to said first end thereof, said deflated implant having a resealable valve therein;
- and,
- c) a sealed sterile package containing said tube with the deflated implant.
10 The implant apparatus according to claim 9, further including:
- a) a fill tube extending through the second end of said tube to said resealable valve such that an interior channel of said fill tube communicates with an interior of said deflated implant;
- and,
- b) a plunger rod connected to said floor and extending down said tube to exit from the second end of said tube.
An implant combination comprising:
- a) a sterile package having an implant apparatus therein, said implant apparatus having,
- 1) a tube having an open first end and an open second end,
- 2) a deflated implant positioned within said tube proximal to said first end thereof, said deflated implant having a resealable valve therein, and,
- 3) a fill tube extending through the second end of said tube connected with said resealable valve such that an interior channel of said fill tube communicates with an interior of said deflated implant;
- and,
- b) a supply of sterile liquid for injection into said deflated implant via said fill tube once said deflated implant is properly positioned by a surgeon.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.