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US 5,564,439 AGranted
Infusion device for soft tissue
AssigneeGeorge J. Picha
InventorGeorge J. Picha
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An implant is provided with an open-celled silicone elastomer foam outer layer. The implant may be formed by compressively deforming beads mixed with liquid elastomer in a mold containing a preformed support structure. The elastomer is cured and the beads dissolved out. Infusion and sensor catheters covered with the foam provide improved transport rates and faster response.
Claims7
An infusion device for infusion of a therapeutic substance into soft tissue, said device comprising:
- a receptacle for said therapeutic substance, said receptacle having a therapeutic substance emitting membrane, said membrane having an internal and an external surface, said internal surface being in contact with said therapeutic substance and having a plurality of pits spaced apart between 50 and 2,000 microns, said pits being between 50 and 2,000 microns across;
- and
- a polymeric open-celled foam between 10 microns and 2,000 microns in thickness bonded to a substantial portion of said external surface of said membrane, said pits extending at least partially into said foam and at most 100 microns beyond said foam.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.