US4863470A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Identification marker for a breast prosthesis
Assignee: Medical Engineering Corp
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Filing: 1987-09-24
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Granted: 1989-09-05
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Expires: 2007-09-24
Abstract
Abstract A radiopaque identification marker is incorporated into a radiolucent prosthesis, such as a breast implant. The marker denotes data which is ascertainable prior or subsequent to implantation.
Inventors
- 👤 Garry L. Carter
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 16:23
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/12; A61B; A61B90/00; A61B90/90; A61B17/00; A61B2017/00831; A61B2017/00902; A61B90/39; A61B2090/3937; A61F2250/00; A61F2250/0058; A61F2250/0096; A61F2250/0098
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
72 words
A prosthesis for subcutaneous implantation in a patient comprising: a container suitable for implantation, said container being at least partly transparent and having a radiolucent portion; and a radiopaque identification marker at least partly surrounded by said radiolucent portion, said marker including alphanumeric symbols that are visible and readable by eye through said transparent part of said container prior to implantation and readable after implantation from an x-ray photograph of the patient.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
72 words
A prosthesis for subcutaneous implantation in a patient comprising: a container suitable for implantation, said container being at least partly transparent and having a radiolucent portion; and a radiopaque identification marker at least partly surrounded by said radiolucent portion, said marker including alphanumeric symbols that are visible and readable by eye through said transparent part of said container prior to implantation and readable after implantation from an x-ray photograph of the patient.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
The prosthesis of claim 1 wherein said container includes a radiolucent outer shell and a radiolucent material encased within said shell, said marker being at least partly surrounded by said radiolucent material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
The prosthesis of claim 1 wherein said container is suitably shaped for implantation in a patient's breast, said shell is a silicone elastomer and said material is a silicone gel.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The prosthesis of claim 2 wherein said identification marker is made of silicone with bismuth trioxide.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The prosthesis of claim 3 wherein said identification marker is made of silicone with barium sulfate.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The prosthesis of claim 3 wherein said identification marker is secured to an inner wall of said shell.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
The prosthesis of claim 3 wherein said identification marker is substantially fixed in position within said silicone gel.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
65 words
A mammary prosthesis for subcutaneous implantation in a patient comprising: a radiolucent and transparent silicone elastomer shell; a radiolucent and transparent silicone gel contained within said shell; and a radiopaque identifying marker within said gel, said marker including alphanumeric symbols that are readable by eye through said transparent shell and gel prior to implantation and readable after implantation from an x-ray photograph of the patient.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
65 words
A mammary prosthesis for subcutaneous implantation in a patient comprising: a radiolucent and transparent silicone elastomer shell; a radiolucent and transparent silicone gel contained within said shell; and a radiopaque identifying marker within said gel, said marker including alphanumeric symbols that are readable by eye through said transparent shell and gel prior to implantation and readable after implantation from an x-ray photograph of the patient.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
29 words
The prosthesis of claim 3 wherein said gel has a high viscosity so as to enable said identification marker to be located in a fixed position in said gel.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
The prosthesis of claim 3 wherein said identification marker is shaped to indicate the prosthesis size.
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) | 1992-09-04 | 1993-03-06 | 1993-09-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-09-04 | 1997-03-06 | 1997-09-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-09-04 | 2001-03-06 | 2001-09-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |