Implantable prosthesis with open cell textured surface and method for forming same
AssigneeLipoMatrix Incorporated
InventorsWinston A. Andrews, David Nelson, Richard W. Novy
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method for forming an open cell texturized surface in a silicone elastomer layer of a breast implant, or other medical implant, is created by forming a layer of uncured silicone elastomer, applying a coating of particles to the surface thereof, and curing the layer by heating it at an elevated temperature which also volatilizes the particles such that their constituent gases boil through the surface of the layer and create the texturing.
Claims27
A method for forming a layer of silicone elastomer with an open cell structure, said method comprising the steps of:
- forming a layer of silicone elastomer, said layer having a tacky surface;
- applying a coating of particles to said surface;
- and
- volatilizing said particles as said layer is cured, said particles thereby producing products of volatilization which render said surface into an open cell structure as said layer is cured.
A method for forming a layer of silicone elastomer with an open cell structure, said method comprising the steps of:
- forming a layer of silicone elastomer, said layer having a tacky surface;
- applying a coating of particles to said surface;
- and
- curing said layer to thereby volatilize the particles and create said open cell structure.
A method for making an implantable prosthesis having an external layer of silicone elastomer, at least a portion of which has an open cell structure, said method comprising the steps of:
- forming said layer of silicone elastomer, said layer having a tacky surface;
- applying a coating of particles to said surface;
- and
- curing said layer to thereby volatilize the particles and create said open cell structure therein.
An implantable prosthesis having an external layer of silicone elastomer, said layer of silicone elastomer having an external surface with at least a portion thereof of open cell irregularly shaped structure, said implantable prosthesis being made by the method comprising the steps of:
- forming a layer of silicone elastomer, said layer having a tacky surface;
- applying a coating of particles to said surface;
- and
- curing said layer to thereby volatilize the particles and create said open cell structure.
A method for forming an open cell structure in an external surface of a medically implantable prosthesis, said method comprising the steps of applying a coating of particles to said surface and volatilizing said particles as said surface is finally cured, said particles thereby producing products of volatilization so that products of said volatilization shape said surface as it cures.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.