US3909852A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Implantable substitute structure for at least part of the middle ear bony chain
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1973-12-17
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Granted: 1975-10-07
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Expires: 1993-12-17
Abstract
Abstract A structure for in vivo implantation in place of the bony chain between the ear drum and the vestibule which includes a biocompatible columella having a suitable length and biocompatible porous pads secured to the ends of the columella which have the characteristics of promoting living tissue therein.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles A Homsy
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 19:12
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/18; A61F2002/183; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S128/00; Y10S128/14
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
122 words
A structure for in vivo implantation comprising a biocompatible columella having a suitable length and transverse dimensions for implantation as a substitute for at least a part of the bony chain of the middle ear, a porous pad secured to both ends of said columella, said pads being biocompatible and having the characteristics of promoting ingrowth of living tissue therein when implanted, one of said pads being of sufficient thickness so that when positioned against the eardrum the tissue of the eardrum becomes a part of said pad for efficient transmission of vibrations and without atrophy of said eardrum, and the other of said pads being adapted to secure said columella in position to transmit vibrations to the oval window when implanted.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
122 words
A structure for in vivo implantation comprising a biocompatible columella having a suitable length and transverse dimensions for implantation as a substitute for at least a part of the bony chain of the middle ear, a porous pad secured to both ends of said columella, said pads being biocompatible and having the characteristics of promoting ingrowth of living tissue therein when implanted, one of said pads being of sufficient thickness so that when positioned against the eardrum the tissue of the eardrum becomes a part of said pad for efficient transmission of vibrations and without atrophy of said eardrum, and the other of said pads being adapted to secure said columella in position to transmit vibrations to the oval window when implanted.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
A structure according to claim 1, wherein the transverse dimensions of said columella are less than two millimeters.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
A structure according to claim 1, wherein said columella is a cylinder having a diameter of less than one and one-half millimeter.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
A structure according to claim 1, wherein the dimensions of said pads transverse to the length of said columella is substantially greater than said transverse dimensions of said columella.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
A structure according to claim 1, wherein the side of each of said pads facing said columella includes means for closing the pores of said pads to prevent growth of living tissue therethrough.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
A structure according to claim 5 wherein said pad closing means also functions to bond said pads to said columella.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
A structure according to claim 5 wherein said pads are a porous material of carbon fibers bonded together by polytetrafluoroethylene.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
A structure according to claim 5 wherein said pads are polyester velour material.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
13 words
A structure according to claim 1 wherein said columella is a biocompatible polymer.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
12 words
A structure according to claim 1, wherein said columella is a polytetrafluoroethylene.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
A structure according to claim 1, wherein said columella is a high molecular weight polyethylene.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
A structure according to claim 1, wherein said columella is a perfluorinated ethylene propylene polymer.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
19 words
A structure according to claim 5, wherein said closing means is a perfluorinated high polymer bonded to said pads.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
31 words
A structure according to claim 6, wherein said bonding and closing means is a perfluorinated high polymer bonded to said pads and bonding said pads to the ends of said columella.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-10-06 | 1979-04-07 | 1979-10-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-10-06 | 1983-04-07 | 1983-10-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-10-06 | 1987-04-07 | 1987-10-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |