US4642119A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Connective tissue prosthesis
Assignee: Johnson and Johnson
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Filing: 1985-07-15
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Granted: 1987-02-10
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Expires: 2005-07-15
Abstract
Abstract A prosthesis, such as a ligament or tendon prosthesis, comprises a low elastic modulus load bearing element (1) to which are attached a plurality of fine filaments (3) having a higher elastic modulus. The arrangement is such that the fine filaments are unstressed unless the load on the prosthesis exceeds a predetermined value, thus simulating the mechanical response of native collagenous tissue. The fine filaments, which are preferably of polyester, are arranged to allow ingrowth of fresh connective tissue.
Inventors
- 👤 Jitendera S. Shah
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 05:13
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/08; A61F2250/00; A61F2250/0014; A61F2250/0018
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
103 words
A bio-compatible connective tissue prosthesis, capable of non linear deformation comprising a first load bearing element, and a bundle of fine filaments which are arranged to allow ingrowth of connective tissue, said filaments having a collective elastic modulus which is greater than the effective elastic modulus of the first element, and being directly attached to the first element at spaced points along their length, the length of filament between said spaced points being greater than the unstressed length of the first element between said spaced points, such that the filaments are substantially unstressed unless the load on the prosthesis exceeds a predetermined value.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
103 words
A bio-compatible connective tissue prosthesis, capable of non linear deformation comprising a first load bearing element, and a bundle of fine filaments which are arranged to allow ingrowth of connective tissue, said filaments having a collective elastic modulus which is greater than the effective elastic modulus of the first element, and being directly attached to the first element at spaced points along their length, the length of filament between said spaced points being greater than the unstressed length of the first element between said spaced points, such that the filaments are substantially unstressed unless the load on the prosthesis exceeds a predetermined value.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
A prosthesis according to claim 1 wherein the first load bearing element has an elastic modulus of from 0.1 to 2 MPa.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
A prosthesis according to claim 1 wherein the fine filaments have a collective elastic modulus of from 100 to 3,000 MPa.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
A prosthesis according to claim 1 wherein the elastic strain limit of the first element is substantially greater than that of the fine filaments.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
A prosthesis according to claim 1 wherein the linear elastic strain limit of the fine filaments is from 2% to 3%.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
A prosthesis according to claim 1 wherein the maximum degree to which the first element can be stretched without stressing the fine filaments is in the range 1% to 15%.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
A prosthesis according to claim 1 wherein the first element comprises a single core, and is surrounded by the fine filaments.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
A prosthesis according to claim 3 wherein the first element is in the form of a spring having the required elastic modulus.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
A prosthesis according to claim 1 wherein the first element comprises one or more substantially straight filaments.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
A prosthesis according to claim 9 wherein the first element is a medical grade silicone rubber filament.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
27 words
A prosthesis according to claim 1 wherein the fine filaments are of a polyester or polyamide, and have a diameter in the range 8 to 20 microns.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
22 words
A prosthesis according to claim 11 comprising from 50 to 1500 filamentary yarns, each consisting of from 20 to 100 fine filaments.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
21 words
A prosthesis according to claim 1 wherein one or both ends of the fine filaments are threaded through a surgical needle.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
18 words
A prosthesis according to claim 1 wherein the fine filaments are wound or woven around the first element.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
18 words
A prosthesis according to claim 14 wherein the fine filaments are coated with an agent promoting cell adhesion.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
55 words
A method of making a prosthesis comprises stretching a first load bearing element by a predetermined amount and then fixing a bundle of fine filaments at two or more spaced points along the length of the first element, such that the fine filaments are unstressed unless the first element is stretched by said predetermined amount.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
55 words
A method of making a prosthesis comprises stretching a first load bearing element by a predetermined amount and then fixing a bundle of fine filaments at two or more spaced points along the length of the first element, such that the fine filaments are unstressed unless the first element is stretched by said predetermined amount.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-02-09 | 1990-08-11 | 1991-02-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-02-09 | 1994-08-11 | 1995-02-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-02-09 | 1998-08-11 | 1999-02-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |