US5607477A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Soft tissue augmentation apparatus
Assignee: University of California, San Diego
•
Filing: 1995-01-27
•
Granted: 1997-03-04
•
Expires: 2015-01-27
Abstract
Abstract A soft tissue augmentation kit comprises a flexible implant and an insertion tool for the implant. The implant is formed of a biocompatible material that is permeable to red blood cells and includes a cavity. The cavity opens to the exterior and permits fibrous tissue ingrowth. The insertion tool carries the implant via the cavity for insertion into selected soft tissue. When the insertion tool is removed the implant is left in the selected tissue.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert Schindler
- 👤 Corey Maas
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-22 23:38
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/0059
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
147 words
A soft tissue augmentation kit comprising: an implant, the implant consisting essentially of a non-degradable, biocompatible material and having exterior and interior surfaces, the interior surface defining a cavity longitudinally extending from at least one cavity end, at least a portion of the implant between the exterior and interior surfaces being permeable to fibrous tissue growth, the implant adapted to have textural compatibility with soft tissue when implanted while maintaining sufficient of the cavity for tissue ingrowth into the cavity adjacent to the at least one end; and, an insertion tool for the implant, the insertion tool including a shaft and terminating with a tool sharp tip, the tool being of a construction sufficient to carry the implant with the sharp tip extending beyond the implant through an incision made at least in part by the sharp tip and into a selected implant position in soft tissue.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
147 words
A soft tissue augmentation kit comprising: an implant, the implant consisting essentially of a non-degradable, biocompatible material and having exterior and interior surfaces, the interior surface defining a cavity longitudinally extending from at least one cavity end, at least a portion of the implant between the exterior and interior surfaces being permeable to fibrous tissue growth, the implant adapted to have textural compatibility with soft tissue when implanted while maintaining sufficient of the cavity for tissue ingrowth into the cavity adjacent to the at least one end; and, an insertion tool for the implant, the insertion tool including a shaft and terminating with a tool sharp tip, the tool being of a construction sufficient to carry the implant with the sharp tip extending beyond the implant through an incision made at least in part by the sharp tip and into a selected implant position in soft tissue.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
39 words
The soft tissue augmentation kit as in claim 1 wherein a cross section of the implant has pores of about 10 to 50 microns, and the implant is sufficiently flexible as to flatten from overlying soft tissue when implanted.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The soft tissue augmentation kit as in claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the implant is formed of an expanded, fibrillated polytetrafluoroethylene.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The soft tissue augmentation kit as in claim 1 wherein said implant is carried via the cavity on the insertion tool shaft.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
The soft tissue augmentation kit as in claim 1 wherein the implant is attached to the shaft such that the implant maybe inserted into the selected tissue.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
38 words
The soft tissue augmentation kit as in claim 1 wherein a wall of the implant has pores of about 10 to 50 microns and at least a portion of the implant is formed of an expanded, fibrillated polytetrafluoroethylene.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
11 words
The kit as in claim 6 having a plurality of implants.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The kit as in claim 6 where substantially the entire implant is formed of the expanded, fibrillated polytetrafluoroethylene.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
29 words
The kit as in claims 1 wherein the implant material has sufficient porosity so as, together with the cavity, to permit tissue ingrowth and resultant implant anchoring after implantation.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
24 words
The kit as in claim 1 wherein the implant is within a package of a structure sufficient to maintain a sterile condition until use.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
26 words
The kit as in claim 1 wherein sufficient of the cavity is maintained for tissue ingrowth to substantially fill the cavity and thereby to anchor it.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
DE262365C
Cited
US4306318A
Cited
US4963150A
Cited
US4963150B1
Cited
US4662885A
Cited
US4854316A
Cited
US4838280A
Cited
US4936835A
Cited
US5024671A
Cited
US5007926A
Cited
US5236447A
Cited
US5405379A
Cited
US5147387A
Cited
WO1993005730A1
Cited
US5147374A
Cited
US5246452A
Cited
US5263969A
Cited
US5304187A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2000-03-03 | 2000-09-02 | 2001-03-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-03-03 | 2004-09-02 | 2005-03-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-03-03 | 2008-09-02 | 2009-03-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |