Implant filler materials and methods comprising nonionic surfactants
AssigneeAdvanced Research and Technology Institute, Inc.
InventorBarry L. Eppley
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Compositions and methods are disclosed for filling prostheses for implantation into human soft tissue. The compositions comprise at least one nonionic surfactant, such as a polysorbate, which can be provided to fill a physiologically compatible shell or containment sac of the prosthesis. The liquid compositions of the present invention have a relatively high viscosity and are quickly absorbed from body tissues, metabolized and excreted with no known adverse effect. The compositions can be injected into the physiologically compatible shell either before, during or after the surgical implantation procedure.
Claims22
A filler composition for a physiological shell situated subcutaneously, the composition having a viscosity ranging from approximately 250 centistokes to approximately 500 centistokes at approximately 25° C., and comprising at least one nonionic surfactant as a filler.
A method for filling a physiological shell used in mammalian soft tissue implants comprising the steps of:
- providing at least one injectable port on the shell;
- injecting a filler composition through said port(s) into said shell, the composition having a viscosity ranging from approximately 250 centistokes to approximately 500 centistokes at approximately 25° C. and comprising at least one nonionic surfactant as a filler.
An implantable soft tissue prosthesis comprising:
- a hollow shell formed of a flexible envelope having at least one lumen and at least one injection port;
- and
- a material for filling the lumen(s) through the injection port(s), the material comprising at least one nonionic surfactant as a filler and having a viscosity ranging from approximately 250 centistokes to approximately 500 centistokes at approximately 25° C., said prosthesis capable of being surgically implanted.
A method for implanting a physiological shell used in mammalian soft tissue implants, said method comprising the steps of:
- providing at least one injectable port on the shell;
- injecting a filler composition through said port(s) into said shell, the composition having a viscosity ranging from approximately 250 centistokes to approximately 500 centistokes at approximately 25° C. and comprising at least one nonionic surfactant as a filler;
- and
- implanting said physiological shell subcutaneously.
A filler composition for a physiological shell capable of being situated subcutaneously, the composition having a viscosity ranging from approximately 250 centistokes to approximately 500 centistokes at approximately 25° C., and consisting essentially of at least one nonionic surfactant as a filler.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.