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Abstract

A fluid-filled mammary prosthesis for implantation beneath the skin of a patient comprising a shell and an adjunctive filler. The shell is preferably a closed silicone elastomer envelope having an interior volume and valve for filling. The filler material is a mixture of a fluid such as saline and an adjunct consisting of a plurality of hollow silicone beads having two or more fenestrations within the wall of each bead which provide fluid communication between the outside of the bead and the hollow interior. The beads are packed into the shell prior to the introduction of fluid into the interior of the shell. The beads serve as a baffle to prevent unwanted hydraulic behavior of the fluid portion of the filler material and also serve to help maintain the anatomical profile of the implant. The hollow beads, which range in size from about 7/32 inch to 1/2 inch in inside diameter, may be conveniently made by injection molding. The adjunctive filler may be a plurality of beads of a particular size or a mixture of different sized beads.

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First Claim