Abstract: A surgically implanted device for expanding soft tissues for subsequent use in surgery. The device consists of an envelope portion constructed of a material that is substantially impermeable to extracellular body fluids. A window portion is attached to the envelope and constructed of a material which is readily permeable by extracellular body fluids. An osmotic agent is disposed within the device and induces an osmotic differential across the window portion causing extracellular body fluids to be drawn into the device. As increasing amounts of extracellular fluid are drawn into the device, the material of the envelope expands and subsequently causes the overlying tissue to also expand. A substantially rigid base may be provided to limit the direction of this expansion. The window and osmotic agent may also be incorporated into a remotely positioned fill port. The fill port is connected to the envelope by a conduit which permits the transfer of fluid from the port to expand the envelope.

Abstract: A tissue expander for implantation in a patient to expand skin and mucosal tissue comprises a low profile construction facilitating implantation in the patient and which is effective to promote a more uniform expansion free of overfolds in the expansion envelope which have been present in prior art devices. The expander of the invention comprises an envelope which is expansible by stretching. In one embodiment the envelope is separably mounted on the base and the base can be cut by the surgeon to conform its general shape to the need of any given patient.

Abstract: A conforming foam wound dressing and the method of forming it, wherein an enclosure is placed over the wounded area, an opening is formed in the enclosure and medical grade foam is injected through the opening. The foam is dispensible from a pressurized container and dries rapidly to form a solid body.

Abstract: A surgically implantable device for expanding skin and mucous tissue comprises a partially collapsed sealed envelope formed from a material which is permeable to extracellular body fluid. The envelope contains a material which establishes an osmotic potential across the envelope wall. Body fluid crosses the membrane to fill the envelope. As the envelope fills it expands the adjacent tissue. In use, the partially collapsed envelope is surgically implanted under the tissue to be expanded and is allowed to absorb fluid whereby expansion of the bag and subsequent tissue expansion is accomplished. A variety of surgical procedures using the expanded tissue are possible.