Prosthesis (i.e. – artificial body members) – parts thereof – or ai – Breast prosthesis – Implantable
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-24
2001-03-20
Willse, David H. (Department: 3738)
Prosthesis (i.e., artificial body members), parts thereof, or ai
Breast prosthesis
Implantable
C623S007000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06203570
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an improved implantable breast prosthesis and, in particular, to an implantable breast prosthesis that may be anchored in place in a body cavity to reduce postoperative movement of the implant and provide an indication of the orientation of the prosthesis.
Breast prostheses are known which are designed to be implanted behind the breast for reconstruction or augmentation of the mammary gland. These prostheses are made up of an elastomeric envelope or shell delimiting a hermetically closed space which is filled with saline solution, silicone gel or other suitable filling material. Typically, a small periareolar, inframammary, transaxillary, or periumbilical incision is made in the patient and a retroglandular or retropectoral pocket is formed into which the breast prosthesis is inserted. The implant is filled with saline solution or other suitable filling material to a specified volume. The physician verifies the correct orientation of the prosthesis before closing the incision.
A postoperative problem may occur if the implant becomes dislodged from its original placement, creating a noticeable breast deformity. This deformity has been detected in women both within the immediate and long-term postoperative period. Additionally, there is currently no means to diagnose whether the implant has become malpositioned at any time after surgery.
Another difficulty with anatomically shaped breast prostheses is correctly orienting the prosthesis once it has been inserted in the retroglandular or retropectoral pocket. Typically a tab is attached to the posterior surface of the prosthesis in the six o'clock position to provide a way for the physician to correctly position the prosthesis within the pocket. However, when a transaxillary incision is used to insert the prosthesis, the surgeon is not able to reach the tab to verify correct placement of the implant and must rely on visual inspection to ensure the proper orientation of the implant.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore the primary object of the present invention to provide an improved breast prosthesis that may be anchored to retroglandular or retromuscular tissue to restrict postoperative movement of the implant.
Another important object of the present invention, as aforesaid, is to provide an improved breast prosthesis with markers to aid the physician in correctly placing the prosthesis during surgery.
Still another important object of the present invention is to provide an improved breast prosthesis with markers to determine postoperative orientation of the prosthesis.
Yet another important object of the present invention is to provide an improved breast prosthesis with radiopaque markers to determine postoperative 3-dimensional orientation of the prosthesis.
These and other objects of the present invention are achieved by providing an improved breast prosthesis having a fastening member secured to the posterior of the flexible shell of the prosthesis which is capable of receiving and holding a suture to secure the prosthesis to the patient's retroglandular or retromuscular tissue. Upper and lower markers on the posterior surface of the flexible shell provide tactile and visual indicators to positively orient the prosthesis during the implantation procedure, as well as reconfirm to the surgeon the implant shape (i.e. round or anatomical). Radiopaque markers provide postoperative location information using standard X-ray equipment to positively determine the 3-dimensional orientation of the implant without use of a surgical procedure.
Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein is set forth by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of this invention.
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Surgitek catalog; (2 pages).
Bristol-Meyers Dow Corning catalog (1 page).
Chase & Yakimo, L.C.
Jackson Suzette J.
Willse David H.
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