SURFACE TREATED IMPLANTABLE ARTICLES AND RELATED METHODS
Surface treated implantable articles and related methods are disclosed. The surface treated implantable articles can be substantially flash-free, include one or more rounded edges, or include an enhanced optical clarity, one or all of which can be produced by polishing. The polishing can include causing the implantable articles to be repeatedly impacted with polishing media when the articles are swelled to an enlarged state. The polishing process can be particularly useful for smoothing lacrimal implants insertable in a lacrimal canaliculus.
1 . A polished implantable article comprising:
an article body having at least one outer surface and at least one edge, the at least one outer surface substantially free of article flash and uncured article material and the at least one edge having a rounded configuration; and
wherein the article body has previously been enlarged using a swelling-promoting solvent and subjected to repeated impacting, while in an enlarged state, with a polishing media including particles having two or more different sizes, at least one of the particle sizes greater than about 3 millimeters across.
2 . The polished implantable article of claim 1 , wherein the article body has previously been enlarged using methylene chloride.
3 . The polished implantable article of claim 1 , wherein the article body includes silicone.
4 . The polished implantable article of claim 1 , wherein the article body includes a lacrimal implant body, including first and second portions, the lacrimal implant body configured such that, when implanted in a lacrimal canaliculus, an outer surface of at least the second portion is biased against at least a portion of the lacrimal canaliculus.
5 . The polished implantable article of claim 1 , wherein the at least one outer surface and the at least one edge is substantially free of the swelling-promoting solvent.