Method for making open-cell, silicone-elastomer medical implant
AssigneeMedical Products Development, Inc.
InventorJoel Quaid
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A medical implant with an external surface layer of silicone elastomer and having an open-cell structure is made by applying solid particles to the external surface layer of the implant before it is cured, curing the external surface layer with the solid particles embedded therein and then dissolving the solid particles with a solvent that does not dissolve the silicone elastomer. An implant having such an external surface layer is expected to help prevent capsular contraction, to help prevent scar formation, and to help in anchoring the implant within the body.
Claims16
A method for providing an open-cell structure to a surface of a layer of silicone elastomer, comprising the steps of applying a layer silicone elastomer;
- applying solid particles to the surface before the layer is fully cured;
- fully curing the layer;
- and
- dissolving the solid particles with a solvent that does not dissolve the silicone elastomer to any appreciable extent.
A method for making a medical implant having an external surface layer of silicone elastomer integral therewith, at least a portion of which has an open-cell structure, comprising the steps of applying an external surface layer of silicone elastomer;
- applying solid particles to the portion of the external surface layer before the layer is fully cured;
- fully curing the external surface layer;
- and
- dissolving the solid particles with a solvent that does not dissolve the silicone elastomer to any appreciable extent.
An improved method for making a silicone-elastomer shell for an integral mammary prosthesis, the improvement comprising the steps of:
- dipping a supported mandrel into a silicone-elastomer dispersion to apply a final layer of silicone elastomer to a shell adhering to the mandrel;
- allowing the final layer to stabilize after the mandrel is removed from the dispersion;
- applying solid particles to the final layer;
- volatilizing the final layer;
- placing the mandrel and the shell into an oven maintained at an elevated temperature for a period of time;
- dissolving the solid particles with a solvent that does not dissolve the silicone elastomer to any appreciable extent;
- and
- evaporating any excess solvent remaining on the shell.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.