Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
102 words
A high-strength ligament prosthesis comprising an elongated polyethylene terephthalate fabric shell of reduced extensibility in the longitudinal direction and a central reinforcing core disposed within said outer shell, said fabric shell having a sufficiently open construction to permit ingrowth of body tissue to anchor the shell after implantation, and at least one end of the outer shell and reinforcing core having a deformable substantially rigid end tip secured thereon for coupling the outer shell and the end of said reinforcing core together to prevent displacement of the reinforcing core within the outer shell and for assisting in positioning the prosthesis during surgery.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
102 words
A high-strength ligament prosthesis comprising an elongated polyethylene terephthalate fabric shell of reduced extensibility in the longitudinal direction and a central reinforcing core disposed within said outer shell, said fabric shell having a sufficiently open construction to permit ingrowth of body tissue to anchor the shell after implantation, and at least one end of the outer shell and reinforcing core having a deformable substantially rigid end tip secured thereon for coupling the outer shell and the end of said reinforcing core together to prevent displacement of the reinforcing core within the outer shell and for assisting in positioning the prosthesis during surgery.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The high-strength ligament prosthesis of claim 1, wherein said reinforcing core is formed of a polyethylene terephthalate material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The high-strength ligament prosthesis of claim 2, wherein said polyethylene terephthalate is a high-tenacity fiber.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
The high-strength ligament prosthesis of claim 2, wherein said reinforcing core is woven.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
The high-strength ligament prosthesis of claim 2, wherein said reinforcing core is braided.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The high-strength ligament prosthesis of claim 3, wherein said outer shell has a H-beam appearance.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The high-strength ligament prosthesis of claim 3, wherein said outer shell has a velour surface.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
The high-strength ligament prosthesis of claim 1, wherein said end tip is formed of a heat-shrinkable biologically compatible polymeric material.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
51 words
The high-strength ligament prosthesis of claim 8, wherein said reinforcing core extends from the end of the outer shell a substantial distance and said end tip extends from the end region of said reinforcing core over the exposed length of said reinforcing core for assisting in positioning the prosthesis during surgery.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
24 words
The high-strength ligament prosthesis of claim 1, wherein both ends of the outer shell and reinforcing core are coupled with substantially rigid end tips.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
26 words
The high-strength ligament prosthesis of claim 4, wherein the woven reinforcing core is formed of a biologically acceptable high-tenacity fiber which permits ingrowth of body tissue.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
107 words
A high-strength ligament prosthesis comprising an elongated polyethylene terephthalate fabric shell of reduced extensibility in the longitudinal direction and a central reinforceing core disposed within said outer shell, both said fabric shell and reinforcing core having a sufficiently open construction to permit ingrowth of body tissue to anchor the prosthesis in the joint, and at least one end of the outer shell and reinforcing core having a deformable substantially rigid end tip secured thereon for coupling the outer shell and the end of said reinforcing core together to prevent displacement of the reinforcing core within the outer shell and for assisting in positioning the prosthesis during surgery.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
107 words
A high-strength ligament prosthesis comprising an elongated polyethylene terephthalate fabric shell of reduced extensibility in the longitudinal direction and a central reinforceing core disposed within said outer shell, both said fabric shell and reinforcing core having a sufficiently open construction to permit ingrowth of body tissue to anchor the prosthesis in the joint, and at least one end of the outer shell and reinforcing core having a deformable substantially rigid end tip secured thereon for coupling the outer shell and the end of said reinforcing core together to prevent displacement of the reinforcing core within the outer shell and for assisting in positioning the prosthesis during surgery.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
20 words
The high-strength ligament prosthesis of claim 12, wherein said end tip is formed of a heat-shrinkable biologically compatible polmeric material.