Importance

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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.

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First Claim