Breast Prosthesis Patents (Class 623/7)
  • Publication number: 20100234944
    Abstract: A breast implant selector system including a breast width selector for selecting breast width input information, a breast tissue type selector for selecting breast tissue type input information in response to breast width input information selected with the breast width selector, and an implant size selector for selecting implant size input information in response to the breast tissue type input information selected with the breast tissue type selector. A result indicator provides a result characterizing at least one suggested breast implant as a function of the input breast width, breast tissue type, and implant size input information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: ALLERGAN, INC.
    Inventors: William P. ADAMS, JR., Steven TEITELBAUM, Bradley P. BENGTSON
  • Publication number: 20100222880
    Abstract: This invention relates to a breast prosthesis which consists of a cup-shaped body of a non-rigid plastic material, which is welded into plastic films to obtain one or more chambers. In accordance with the invention, the filling material is colored with polymeric dyes. This invention furthermore relates to a method for coloring breast prostheses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: AMOENA MEDIZIN-ORTHOPAEDIE-TECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Dirk Muscat, Stefan Moser
  • Publication number: 20100204777
    Abstract: Nanostructured surfaces on selected substrates are described which are highly resistant to cell adhesion. Such surfaces on medical implants inhibit fibroblast adhesion particularly on nanorough titanium deposited on smooth silicone surfaces. The nanostructured deposited metal coatings can also be engineered so that several cell types, including endothelial, osteoblast, and fibroblast cells, show little if any tendency to attach to the coated surface in vivo.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: CHAMELEON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daniel M. Storey, Luke J. Ryves, Barbara S. Kitchell
  • Publication number: 20100204632
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressure sensitive, hot melt processable adhesive composition comprising a polar plasticising oil and a polar polyethylene copolymer, and a layered adhesive construct and a medical device comprising the adhesive composition according to the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventors: Mads Lykke, Astrid Toftkaer, Hasse Buus, Tom Kongebo
  • Patent number: 7766963
    Abstract: An external breast prosthesis includes an elastomeric skin in the form of a human breast surrounding an inner material such as a silicone gel or hydrogel. The inner material may be of a defined shape or may be amorphous and conform to the shape of the elastomeric skin. The elastomeric skin can be formed from a front skin and a rear skin, and the skins can be made of a soft styrenic elastomer having attributes similar to a gel. The elastomeric skin can be substantially soft to the touch and have an elastic memory that tends to maintain the skin in a pliable yet pre-defined shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Alps South, LLC
    Inventor: Aldo A. Laghi
  • Patent number: 7762982
    Abstract: A system for pumping a fluid into an object for insertion into the human body comprising a housing having a pump chamber with means for pumping said fluid therein. A source of fluid is connected to the pumping means and a value is connected to the pumping mechanism and the object. The housing includes means connected to the pumping means for entering an amount of the fluid to be pumped thereby. Upon entering a desired amount of fluid in the entering means, the pumping means causes an amount of the fluid equal to the entered amount to be pumped through the pump chamber and further through the valve to fill the object with the desired amount of fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Inventor: Darshan Shah
  • Patent number: 7753955
    Abstract: This present invention describes methods and compositions useful for the reconstruction of various soft tissue features such as lips, areola, and many other features by taking a mold of the skin feature to be replaced, such as the areola, prior to surgical resection, re-creating the size and shape of the soft tissue feature, for example, the nipple and areola, and making a polymer or biopolymer scaffold that is biocompatible, has the ability to allow the epithelization of the skin cells over the polymer, the capability of cell integration into the body of the scaffold, as well as the capability of infiltration of surrounding nerve fibers into the substance of the scaffold, so that the patient may have the benefit of a reconstructed soft tissue feature that not only has the same size and shape and appearance as the native tissue, but also has functional sensation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Cellular Bioengineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Hank C. K. Wuh
  • Patent number: 7722670
    Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, an implant device may be provided. The implant may be adapted to manipulate the position of an eyeball associated with a patient, whereby the device comprises an insertion device including a first and a second portion. The first portion may include a first thickness and may be adapted to elevate the position of the eyeball. The second portion may include a second thickness and/or a second position relative the first portion for moving the position of the eyeball in a forward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventors: Ebrahim Elahi, Keivan Razavi
  • Publication number: 20100113999
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressure sensitive adhesive composition comprising a continuous phase and a discontinuous phase wherein a) the continuous phase comprises a water vapour permeable hydrophobic polymer; and b) the discontinuous phase comprises a water soluble salt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: Peter Kwok Hing Lam, Anders Bach, Mads Lykke, Astrid Toftkaer, Buus Hasse, Tom Kongebo
  • Publication number: 20100023123
    Abstract: An external breast prosthesis includes an elastomeric skin in the form of a human breast surrounding an inner material such as a silicone gel or hydrogel. The inner material may be of a defined shape or may be amorphous and conform to the shape of the elastomeric skin. The elastomeric skin can be formed from a front skin and a rear skin, and the skins can be made of a soft styrenic elastomer having attributes similar to a gel. The elastomeric skin can be substantially soft to the touch and have an elastic memory that tends to maintain the skin in a pliable yet pre-defined shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: Aldo A. Laghi
  • Publication number: 20100023122
    Abstract: A surgical incision marking template for marking a breast with an intended incision pattern prior to surgery comprises a pliable structural portion with a guide portion. The guide portion is substantially shaped and/or shapeable into a “keyhole” pattern. The keyhole pattern corresponds to the incision pattern generally utilized for the vertical short scar and the inferior pedicle techniques for breast reduction or mastopexy surgery and comprises a generally circular pattern and a generally linear pattern, with the generally linear pattern extending downward from the generally circular pattern when the template is placed on a standing patient. The pliable nature of the structural portion not only allows the shape of the guide portion to be altered but also allows the structural portion to conform to the curvature and shape of the breast. Methods of use for the template to mark the breast are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: BODYAESTHETIC RESEARCH CENTER, INC.
    Inventor: Leroy Young
  • Patent number: 7645475
    Abstract: A method for forming a randomly textured surface on an implantable device such as soft tissue prosthesis. The textured surface has numerous cavities, interstices and passageways or tunnels and is thus referred to as a microporous surface texture. The surface is formed by two or more applications of polymeric particles and a polymeric dispersion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Mentor Corporation
    Inventor: Donovan D. Prewett
  • Patent number: 7628811
    Abstract: A prosthetic breast form that is worn external to the human body to simulate a missing breast or portion thereof. A fabric pouch defines an outer shape that approximates a breast shape or portion thereof, and that further defines an inner compartment. A filler is disposed within the inner compartment, the filler comprising a free flowing blend of fiber filler and beads that are intermingled. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Test Me Out, Inc.
    Inventor: Janis Twiddy Gaskill
  • Publication number: 20090299472
    Abstract: A lightweight breast prosthesis is formed as an enclosed body having therein at least two compartments chamber, wherein one of the compartments chamber is filled with silicone gel, and the other compartment chamber or compartments chamber are filled with a substance lighter than silicone gel. Thus, the breast prosthesis, which is soft and tender like silicone gel but lighter than a breast prosthesis made entirely of silicone gel, can serve either as a complete prosthetic breast or as a breast shape-supplementing pad for locally supplementing the breast shape or making up a partially removed breast.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventor: Chun-Kai HUANG
  • Patent number: 7625405
    Abstract: An implantable soft tissue prosthesis comprising a hollow shell formed of a flexible elastomeric envelope, the shell having an inner volume and an exterior surface, when the inner volume is filled with an elastomeric silicone tubing that is preshaped conforming to the inner volume of the shell, the prosthesis being adapted to be surgically implanted in a human breast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Neosthetic, LLC
    Inventor: Bobby Purkait
  • Patent number: 7615074
    Abstract: A method of biological reconstruction and a device having a major chamber or compartment in the form of the desired anatomy with a shaped chamber inside the main chamber flipped up and held in place by one or more inflatable piston chambers. The inflatable piston chambers selectively hold the shaped chamber and are pressurized in order to support the shape of the device upon implantation. Valves are provided to allow filling the major chamber, the shaped chamber and the piston chambers with a biologically compatible fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Inventor: Edward Carvalio
  • Publication number: 20090276043
    Abstract: A two-layer external breast prosthesis comprising a first inner layer comprised of a self-shaping dispersion and a second outer layer comprised of an elastic material, wherein the second outer layer is relatively stiffer than the first inner layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventors: Roy Wade Bowman, Robert James Halley, Lisa Marie Hughey, Larry Dale Prosser, JR.
  • Patent number: 7601766
    Abstract: The present invention relates to polymeric compositions useful in the manufacture of biocompatible medical devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to certain carboxylic monomers capable of polymerization to form polymeric compositions having desirable physical characteristics useful in the manufacture of ophthalmic devices. The polymeric compositions comprise polymerized carboxylic hydrophilic siloxanyl monomers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Bausch & Lomb Incorporated
    Inventors: Derek Schorzman, Jay Kunzler, Joseph Salamone
  • Patent number: 7575596
    Abstract: A two-layer external breast prosthesis comprising a first inner layer comprised of a self-shaping dispersion and a second outer layer comprised of an elastic material, wherein the second outer layer is relatively stiffer than the first inner layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Amoena Medizin-Orthopädie-Technik GmbH
    Inventors: Roy Wade Bowman, Robert James Halley, Lisa Marie Hughey, Larry Dale Prosser, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7566344
    Abstract: A non-surgical device used to duplicate a protruding or non-protruding nipple and areola containing sebaceous glands (Montgomery follicles) and sweat glands, creating the most natural-looking nipple and areola possible. The device will function as a nipple prosthesis, nipple enhancer or a nipple protector. At the user's discretion, the vertex can be shaped in several polyhedral angles, such as rounded, squared and pointed. The nipple portion may be custom sized by cutting for either erect, non-erect, rounded, squared or have a pointed look or it may be left in its original size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Inventor: Janice Hansen
  • Publication number: 20090177165
    Abstract: The present invention includes a hollow tube and a plunger. The hollow tube has a barrel which has one end tapered to form a first arched barrel connecting to an inverse second arched barrel which in turn is connected to an ejection opening formed at the same diameter as the second arched barrel but into a short length tube. The plunger can push a silicon breast implant s held in the hollow tube through an incision into a patient's breast. The silicon breast implant s is coated with a lubricating fluid non-irritating to human body. Coupled with a smooth connection between the first arched barrel and the second arched barrel, push resistance can be reduced to smoothly and safely move the silicon breast implant without damage into the submammary pocket. Thus augmentation mammaplasty can be performed quickly and safely.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventor: Su-Ben Tsao
  • Publication number: 20090157180
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to implants for use in a mammalian body. The medical implant comprises a substantially impermeable outer layer enclosing a pharmaceutically acceptable content for reconstructive, plastic or cosmetic surgery. Furthermore the pharmaceutically acceptable content comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable detection enhancing agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventor: Steven SCHRAGA
  • Patent number: 7520896
    Abstract: The breast implant is tailor-made for a patient and comprises an envelope, which is made in particular of silicone elastomer and inside which a filler product 15 is arranged, and also a securing element 3 disposed on the envelope 2 and intended to be connected to a support element 5, said support element 5 being fixed substantially in the area of the axilla or on the greater pectoral muscle of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Inventor: Fahd Benslimane
  • Publication number: 20090069891
    Abstract: A breast implant selector system including a breast width selector for selecting breast width input information, a breast tissue type selector for selecting breast tissue type input information in response to breast width input information selected with the breast width selector, and an implant size selector for selecting implant size input information in response to the breast tissue type input information selected with the breast tissue type selector. A result indicator provides a result characterizing at least one suggested breast implant as a function of the input breast width, breast tissue type, and implant size input information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: William P. Adams, JR., Steven Teitelbaum, Bradley P. Bengtson
  • Publication number: 20080161916
    Abstract: Abreast prosthesis/enhancement cover (1) having a perimeter (6), a first rear section (7) secured to a portion of the front section perimeter (6) and a second rear section (8) secured to a portion of the front section perimeter (6) in such a manner so as the second rear section (8) overlaps a portion of the first rear section (7) to form a pocket (11) for the acceptance of a breast prosthesis/enhancement (3). A securing means (4) is located on the front section (2), which is preferably an adhesive strip of a predetermined size. The sections (2), (7) and (8) of the cover (1) are preferably made of a soft, non-irritating material so as to be comfortable to the user. An optional faux nipple (5) may also be located on the front section (2) so as to provide a natural appearance when the cover (1) is used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Virginia V. Heitman
  • Publication number: 20080140194
    Abstract: A non-surgical device used to duplicate a protruding or non-protruding nipple and areola containing sebaceous glands (Montgomery follicles) and sweat glands, creating the most natural-looking nipple and areola possible. The device will function as a nipple prosthesis, nipple enhancer or a nipple protector. At the user's discretion, the vertex can be shaped in several polyhedral angles, such as rounded, squared and pointed. The nipple portion may be custom sized by cutting for either erect, non-erect, rounded, squared or have a pointed look or it may be left in its original size. The nipple portion of the device can be eliminated to give the user a smooth appearance and provide a nipple protector from nipple friction that causes chaffing, sun damage and protect sensitive nipples. The areola will be thin and flexible and may be custom sized by cutting to fit the user's personal size preference or it may be left in it's original size if preferred by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Janice Hansen
  • Patent number: 7354454
    Abstract: A device for inducing weight loss in a patient includes a tubular prosthesis self-expandable from a collapsed position in which the prosthesis has a first diameter to an expanded position in which the prosthesis has a second, larger, diameter. In a method for inducing weight loss, the prosthesis is placed in the collapsed position and inserted into a stomach of a patient. The prosthesis is allowed to self-expand from the collapsed position to the expanded position and into contact with the walls of the stomach, where it induces feelings of satiety and/or inhibits modulation of satiety-controlling factors such as Ghrelin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Synecor, LLC
    Inventors: Richard S. Stack, Richard A. Glenn, Trevor J. Moody, Fred E. Silverstein, Nathan Every, William S. Eubanks, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7347871
    Abstract: A breast prosthesis fabricated from silicone and characterized by an outer shell shaped region and an inner shall-shaped region wherein the inner region is profiled in the form of rings arranged concentrically around the mamilla. The rings may be formed bellows-like adapted to be pushed toward one another when pressure is exerted on the prosthesis. Annularly shaped recesses and beads may be arranged between the rings. The inner region may consist of lower density silicone gel having a firmness of lower penetration value but firmer than the outer region. Preferably, the outer region is slightly thicker above the manilla than below the manilla, and may have a third shell shaped region arranged between the outer and inner shell shaped regions. A recess can be provided in the lower part of the prosthesis to define an air cushion for permitting silent release of air from the prosthesis responsive to pressure applied against the prosthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: THAMERT Orthopadische Hifsmittel GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Reinhold Schneider-Nieskens
  • Publication number: 20080071370
    Abstract: The present invention is a covering for the nipple/areola area of the human breast. In one embodiment, the invention is a cover for the nipple and areola. In a second embodiment, the covering is a nipple prosthesis including an artificial nipple and areola. The covering is preferably fabricated from silicone having self adhering properties that enable the covering to be worn at the end of the breast without additional adhesive. As a nipple cover, the covering includes a concavity placed over the nipple to accommodate the nipple when the covering is worn. As a nipple prosthesis, in one embodiment, the covering includes a pocket or bubble positioned directly under the nipple portion of the prosthesis. After placing the prosthesis on the breast, the air in the pocket and or concavity is released to form a vacuum to allow the prosthesis to be held on the breast without the use of additional adhesive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventor: Luis A. Vinas
  • Publication number: 20070293945
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a lightweight, external breast prosthesis. In particular, the present invention provides a breast prosthesis comprised of three material layers which allow the production of an extremely light prosthesis while maintaining the look, shape, feel, and behavior of a natural human breast. The outermost layer is comprised of reduced density gel formed in the shape of a human breast. The second layer is a thin layer of standard density gel comprised to provide support and firmness to the outer layer. The innermost layer is a removable foam insert with a sticky coating enabling the innermost layer to “grab” the second layer allowing the three layers of the prosthesis to move as a single unit while maintaining the look, feel, and behavior of a natural human breast at a fraction of the weight of a standard silicone breast prosthesis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: Johnny Snyder
  • Publication number: 20070276484
    Abstract: An insertion device for inserting an implant into a body through an incision is provided. The device includes a holder for receiving an implant and has an open downstream end that is dimensioned to be inserted into the incision and for passing the implant therethrough. The device also includes a flexible carrier that extends through the downstream end of the implant holder and is positioned along inner and outer wall surfaces of the holder. The carrier is dimensioned to frictionally engage the implant at least at a position on the inner wall surface proximate the downstream end of the holder. The carrier and the holder are configured such that when the carrier is caused to move through the open downstream end, the implant moves with the carrier, through the opening, and into the incision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Applicant: INSERTION, LLC
    Inventors: Edward Alan Abell, Nabil L. Muhanna, David L. Schalliol
  • Patent number: 7156881
    Abstract: Adapting crosslinking with triglycidyl amine (TGA) to incorporate the use of a particular type of anti-calcification agent provides a broad-reaching solution to the problem in vivo bioprosthesis calcification. The anti-calcification agent in question includes a polyphosphonate compound that contains a functional group, which serves as a reaction site between the polyphosphonate and a polyepoxide. The functional group is reactive enough to dominate the reaction between the polyphosphonate and the polyepoxide, thereby excluding the chelating oxygen atoms of polyphosphonate from the reaction, protecting their anti-calcification ability. Furthermore, the high reactivity of the functional group allows the polyphosphonate to attach to the polyepoxide more completely, which improves the calcification resistance of bioprosthetic material with which the polyepoxide is crosslinked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
    Inventors: Robert J. Levy, Ivan Alferiev
  • Patent number: 7144296
    Abstract: A backless, strapless breast form system to be worn in place of a traditional bra having a pair of breast forms. Each breast form includes a volume of silicone gel encased between thermoplastic film material, and a concave interior surface facing towards a user's breast having a pressure sensitive adhesive layer for securing the breast form to the user's breast. There is a connector adapted to adjoin the breast forms together, and the connector is positioned between inner sides of each of the breast forms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Inventors: David E. Chen, Jasper Chang, Alice Chang
  • Patent number: 7137995
    Abstract: A breast implant injector device comprising a hollow guide cylinder having an open injection end and an opposed filling end, the cylinder having an elongated slot extending from the injection end toward the filling end, and an elongated plunger which can be pushed through the interior of the hollow cylinder. An unfilled breast implant can be inserted in the cylinder and a fill tube extending from the implant can extend from the interior of the cylinder through the elongated slot. Pushing the plunger through the cylinder pushes the implant through the open injection end, which can be directed into the open incision for injecting the implant therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: JSM Licensing, LLC.
    Inventor: Joel R. Studin
  • Patent number: 7122054
    Abstract: A breast prosthesis has an adhesive element which forms a continuous surface conforming to the back section of the prosthesis which faces the user. One side of the adhesive element is detachably secured to the back section of the prosthesis and the other side of the adhesive element is detachably adhered to the user. The adhesive element is formed from an inner body which is lined with material. The breast prosthesis has a flat annular region on its back section and an elevated edge along the perimeter of the flat annular region. A gap is provided in the elevated edge at an upper region of the prosthesis. The adhesive element extends to the inner surface of the elevated edge and has a projection conforming to the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Thämert Orthopädische Hilfsmittel GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Reinhold Schneider-Nieskens
  • Patent number: 7070620
    Abstract: A breast form prosthesis has hook material attached to both front and back surfaces. A bust cup has loop material attached to the inside edges of the bust cup. A comfort pad is constructed of moisture absorbing material and is placed on the back of the prosthesis to absorb perspiration and reduce skin irritation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Inventor: Judith F. Miller
  • Patent number: 7058439
    Abstract: A breast prosthesis may be formed by forming an outer layer on a mold, and filling the mold with a polymerizable foaming composition. The mold may be formed by forming a computer model of the prosthesis based on scanning a patient. The computer model may be used to form a solid model. A prosthesis may be coupled to the patient by coupling at least one metallic insert to the prosthesis and at least one magnet to the patient. Alternately, the prosthesis may be formed with a retaining harness integral to the prosthesis. In still another method, the prosthesis may be coupled to a retaining device surgically implanted in the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: ContourMed, Inc.
    Inventors: L. Daniel Eaton, John J. Miller, John L. May
  • Patent number: 7048761
    Abstract: A narrow linear near vertical fold is formed in the lower portion of a female breast and its lips are held in abutment adhesively. A curved contact member configured for abutting the lower portion of a female breast is positionable below a nipple of the breast along the fold. A rigid pressure rib protruding from the contact member is inserted into the fold so as to cause the breast to expand upwardly forming a convex topper surface on an upper portion of the breast. The contact member is adhesively attached to the exterior surface of the breast. Other means for accomplishing the same result may be applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Inventor: Farideh Salehi Ajili
  • Patent number: 6981988
    Abstract: A method for selecting a properly sized breast implant by first providing a breast ruler, at least one pair of flexible, fillable implant devices, and a liquid measuring device adapted to fill the implant devices. Next, the breast ruler is placed over a breast of a user and a breast width is measured. Then the liquid measuring device is used to fill the implant devices with an approximate amount of liquid corresponding to the earlier measured breast width. Then the filled implants are placed over the breasts with an item of clothing. Finally, the amount of liquid in the implant devices may be adjusted for the desired breast size and appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Inventor: Elizabeth Kinsley
  • Patent number: 6972775
    Abstract: A method of displaying an image of at least a portion of a virtual patient including accessing identification of a video file, the video file comprising video data that depicts virtual patient features over a range of the features, determining an offset into the video file and presenting the video image corresponding to the offset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Medical Learning Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Karl Haakonsen
  • Patent number: 6955690
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mammary prosthesis made of polyacrylamide hydrogel. Said prosthesis include a shell which is made of medical high polymer elastic material, such as silicone, and said shell have a round curved surface. The shell is filled with polyacrylamide hydrogel, or with hydrogel powder, and the weight of the filled powder is matched with the volume of the circular shell, that is to say, each 100 ml volumes of the shell could be filled with about 2.5–5 g hydrogel powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Inventor: Mengjun Cao
  • Patent number: 6936068
    Abstract: An inflatable prosthetic breast for wearing against an outer surface of a chest includes a housing having a back wall having a peripheral edge. A front wall is attached to and extends along a length of the peripheral edge such that an inner space is defined between the front and back walls. The front wall has a convex shape such that the front wall extends outwardly away from the back wall. The housing has an opening therein. The back wall and the front wall comprise a latex material has a thickness generally between 0.08 mm and 2.0 mm. A plug is removably extendable into opening. A fluid may be selectively added into or removed from the housing until the housing has a desired size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Inventor: Melvin E. Knisley
  • Patent number: 6916339
    Abstract: The invention concerns an implantable breast prosthesis comprising a soft pouch capable of a containing filler substance such as a physiological serum or a silicone gel and which is made side-specific, so as to satisfy aesthetic requirements and for better matching the convexity of the thorax.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Inventors: Marie-Christine Missana, Arnaud Rochebiliere
  • Publication number: 20040249457
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for mastopexy surgeries correcting a ptosis condition caused by tissue stretching, in the breast as a result of pregnancy, time, aging, and the effects of gravity and athletic activity provide an implant having homogeneously formed connectors extending from inside an implant wall for anchoring to the chest wall or chest muscles of a patient. Embedded reinforcements and anchoring tabs or sutures may be readily oriented along a rib or other defining physiological location in order to provide immediate, permanent, and symmetric installation of implants in a mastopexy reconstruction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: Lane Fielding Smith, Evan Farr Smith
  • Patent number: 6802861
    Abstract: A surgically implantable prosthetic device includes a first shell having an exterior surface, an interior surface, and enclosing a lumen, wherein the lumen enclosed by the first shell is able to accommodate a first fluid therein. The prosthetic device further includes a second shell having an exterior surface, an interior surface, and enclosing a lumen, wherein the lumen enclosed by the second shell is able to accommodate a second fluid therein. One or more fitted shells arranged adjacent to and in a graduated relation to each other are situated between the exterior surface of the second shell and the interior surface of the first shell. The one or more shells include an innermost fitted shell and an outermost fitted shell, wherein the innermost fitted shell is adjacent to the exterior surface of the second shell and the outermost fitted shell is adjacent to the interior surface of the first shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: RSH-GS Trust
    Inventor: Robert S. Hamas
  • Publication number: 20040192164
    Abstract: A narrow linear near vertical fold is formed in the lower portion of a female breast and its lips are held in abutment adhesively. A curved contact member configured for abutting the lower portion of a female breast is positionable below a nipple of the breast along the fold. A rigid pressure rib protruding from the contact member is inserted into the fold so as to cause the breast to expand upwardly forming a convex topper surface on an upper portion of the breast. The contact member is adhesively attached to the exterior surface of the breast. Other means for accomplishing the same result may be applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventor: Farideh Salehi Ajili
  • Publication number: 20040176841
    Abstract: A medical prosthesis includes a body having a silicone skin and a silicone foam body core. The skin and foam body core are both resilient. The core includes a plurality of voids and a plurality of discontinuities. Some of the discontinuities communicate with more than one void.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventor: Terrell W. Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20040156934
    Abstract: BREAST MOLD is a laminate plastic object, rigid and transparent, thermally molded having a cavity with the geometrical shape and size as equal as possible to a human breast.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Antonio Luis Francalacci Franca
  • Publication number: 20040143325
    Abstract: An artificial nipple prosthetic device attachable to a female human breast that has undergone a stage of breast reconstruction, comprising a substantially cylindrical nipple portion made of a breathable natural or microporous polymeric material. The nipple portion is solid to prevent collapse of the nipple portion. The device includes an areola portion surrounding the nipple portion made of the same breathable water-resistant natural material. The inside of the device, at both the nipple and areola portions, has a concave shape that conforms to an outer contour of a female human breast. The device is attached by means of a water resistant adhesive layer. Upon attachment of the nipple prosthetic device to the breast, the nipple portion projects outwardly from an outer surface of the female human breast, preferably substantially perpendicularly from said outer surface. The shades of color of the nipple and areola portions conform to the female anatomy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventor: Constance Tizard Holmes
  • Patent number: RE40487
    Abstract: A method for forming the outer surface of a breast prosthesis is disclosed. A digital, three-dimensional image is formed of a patient's breast using a computerized scanner. A computer-controlled milling machine utilizes the image to form a solid model of the breast. A sheet of flexible, moldable material having a uniform, precise thickness is then vacuum-formed over the breast model. A hard, two-piece mold is cast from the flexible sheet. A soft, curable material is then either poured or injected between the two pieces of the mold to form the breast prosthesis outer surface. The breast prosthesis outer surface is then turned inside out to form a shape that is a mirror image of the patient's breast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas
    Inventor: L. Daniel Eaton