Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A delayed filling permanent reconstruction implant comprising a inflatable flexible prosthesis having an inlet opening, a normally closed valve in the inlet opening, a filling tube having one end detachably connected to the prosthesis at the inlet opening and operable when in the inlet opening to open the valve, and a reservoir connected to the other end of the filling tube. In addition, a method of performing human tissue expansion and providing a permanent reconstruction implant comprising the steps of providing a permanent prosthesis having an inlet opening, a normally closed valve in the opening, providing a filling tube having one end adapted for insertion into the inlet opening to open the valve and having a self-sealing reservoir at its other end, surgically placing the prosthesis in the area to be expanded and reconstructed and placing the filling tube and reservoir beneath the skin adjacent the prosthesis with the tube one end in the inlet opening, gradually expanding the prosthesis by percutaneous fluid injections into the reservoir, and detaching the reservoir and filling tube from the prosthesis and allowing the prosthesis to remain permanently in position.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim