Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 21
Claim 1
Independent Claim
184 words
A flexible fixation device for implantation into human or animal tissue to promote healing of a fractured tissue comprising: a first layer of flexible material that is minimally-porous to macromolecules, being capable of shaping in three dimensions by manipulation by human hands, having a first and second major surface, a second layer of flexible material that is microporous being capable of shaping in three dimensions by manipulation by human hands, having a first and second major surface, at least part of the second layer containing at least one treating material, the first layer being substantially impermiable to at least one treating material contained in the second layer, the first major surface of the second layer being adapted to be adjacent the fractured tissue, the second major surface of the second layer being adjacent to a major surface of the first layer, the device being flexible in three dimensions by manipulation by human hands, the second layer having material release means for release of the at least one treating material in a directional manner when placed adjacent to a major surface of the first layer.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
184 words
A flexible fixation device for implantation into human or animal tissue to promote healing of a fractured tissue comprising: a first layer of flexible material that is minimally-porous to macromolecules, being capable of shaping in three dimensions by manipulation by human hands, having a first and second major surface, a second layer of flexible material that is microporous being capable of shaping in three dimensions by manipulation by human hands, having a first and second major surface, at least part of the second layer containing at least one treating material, the first layer being substantially impermiable to at least one treating material contained in the second layer, the first major surface of the second layer being adapted to be adjacent the fractured tissue, the second major surface of the second layer being adjacent to a major surface of the first layer, the device being flexible in three dimensions by manipulation by human hands, the second layer having material release means for release of the at least one treating material in a directional manner when placed adjacent to a major surface of the first layer.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
The device of claim 1 wherein at least one material of the first layer is selected from the group consisting of a metal, a metal alloy, a ceramic, or a polymer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
45 words
The device of claim 1 wherein the at least one treating material is selected from the group consisting of a growth factor, a glycosaminoglycan, an antibiotic, a bioactive ion, a vitamin, a molecule produced by fractured tissue, a pharmaceutical, a hormone, or a living cell.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
52 words
The device of claim 1 wherein at least one material of the second layer is selected from the group consisting of a metal, a metal alloy, polymer, a plastic, a ceramic, a surgical gut, a gelatin, a collagen, a biological polymer, living tissue, synthetic tissue, or a polymer resorbable by living tissues.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device of claim 1 being constructed such that said first layer contains means to hold fracture fragments in register during healing.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device of claim 1 being constructed of a material capable of persisting within human or animal tissues for an indefinate period.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
12 words
The device of claim 1 being constructed of a biodegradable, resorbable material.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device of claim 1 wherein the device is capable of binding as a unit in a temporary manner.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said first layer is 0.1 mm to 10.0 mm thick and said second layer is 0.1 mm to 15.0 mm thick.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
46 words
The device of claim 1 wherein the second major surface of the second layer is smaller in area than the first major surface of the first layer, the greater surface area of the first layer providing the means to secure the device to the fracture site.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device of claim 10 wherein the device is capable of being cut with standard surgical instruments.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device of claim 10 wherein the device is capable of being resorbed by human or animal tissues.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device of claim 10 wherein the at least one treating material includes a growth factor.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device of claim 10 wherein the at least one treating material is derived from fractured tissue.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device of claim 10 wherein the at least one treating material is includes an antibiotic.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device of claim 10 wherein the at least one treating material is includes an pharmaceutical.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
38 words
The device according to claim 10, wherein said first layer comprises a biologically compatible substance which is flexible, is minimally-porous to medicines embedded in said second layer, and contains means to hold said second layer against fractured tissues.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
109 words
The device of claim 10 wherein said first layer comprises a biologically-compatible substance which is flexible in three dimensions and is minimally-porous to medicines embedded in said second layer and contains means to hold said second layer against fractured tissues, and said second layer comprises a biologically compatible substance which is flexible in three dimensions, contains means to be impregnated with medicine, and contains means to release said medicine in a directional fashion when said second layer is adjacent to said first layer, such that said device comprises a unit that contains means to simultaneously hold fractured tissues together and deliver medicine to fractured tissues in a directional manner.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device of claim 10 wherein the device is capable of affixing to bone.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device of claim 10, wherein the device is capable of restricting the free flow of macromolecules produced within the fractured tissue.