Abstract: An implant that includes an envelope, a saline based fill material in the envelope, and a single valve. The envelope is formed by a mandrel dipping process and includes an opening formed by a support rod for the mandrel. To remove the envelope from the mandrel, the opening is stretched over the mandrel. This opening, a natural port, is sealed by a single valve structure. The valve structure includes the valve through which the saline based fill material is introduced. The valve is two piece, and the two pieces mechanically interlock to bias and draw a diaphragm tightly against a valve seat, which provides a primary resilient closure for the valve. The valve further includes a secondary resilient closure where two confronting faces form a slit through which a filling tube is inserted and where end portions of the two confronting faces are bonded to each other to minimize the chances of the slit tearing at its ends.

Abstract: A rheologically modified, osmotically balanced dispersion for an implant for the body. The dispersion includes an osmotic control agent of preferably polyvinylpyrrolidinone, a rheological agent of preferably guar gum, and an antimicrobial. Methods for filling an implant are also disclosed. The osmotic control agent or first polymeric agent is present in the dispersion in an amount effective to substantially balance the osmotic pressure of the implant with the osmotic pressure of the portion of the body into which it is implanted. The rheological agent or second polymeric agent forms a three-dimensional network and is present in the dispersion in an amount effective such that the fill material is pseudoplastic. Both the first and second polymeric agents are biocompatible.

Abstract: A rheologically modified, osmotically balanced dispersion for an implant for the body. The dispersion includes an osmotic control agent of preferably polyvinylpyrrolidinone, a rheological agent of preferably guar gum, and an antimicrobial. Methods for filling an implant are also disclosed. The osmotic control agent or first polymeric osmotic control agent is present in the dispersion in an amount effective to substantially balance the osmotic pressure of the implant with the osmotic pressure of the portion of the body into which it is implanted. The rheological agent or second polymeric agent forms a three-dimensional network and is present in the dispersion in an amount effective such that the fill material is pseudoplastic. Both the first and second polymeric agents are biocompatible.

Abstract: A biocompatible hydrophobic laminate. The laminate structure includes one layer of a rubber, such as silicone rubber, which is biocompatible with the inside of the body. The laminate structure further includes a hydrophobic layer or membrane formed of a thermoplastic elastomer such as a styrene triblock copolymer. The triblock copolymer may contain styrene endblocks with an elastomeric midblock such as polyisoprene, polybutadiene, polyisobutylene, and poly(ethylene-co-butylene). The laminate structure may be utilized for structures to be introduced into the body, such as for a breast prosthesis shell or a coating for a catheter.