METHOD FOR UTILIZING AN IMPLANT IN A BODY OF A PATIENT
A novel method for utilizing an implant in a body of a patient includes placing within a cavity in the body of the patient an implant constructed of biocompatible and biodegradable material configured to support the tissue surrounding the cavity, the implant having radio-opaque properties; and directing a radiation beam to the implant.
1 - 30 . (canceled)
31 . A method for utilizing an implant in a body of a patient, comprising:
placing within a cavity in the body of the patient an implant constructed of biocompatible and biodegradable material configured to support the tissue surrounding the cavity, the implant having radio-opaque properties; and
directing a radiation beam to the implant.
32 . The method of claim 31 , wherein the implant serves as a target for delivery of radiation therapy to margins around the cavity.
33 . The method of claim 32 , wherein the act of directing comprises initiating targeting of a radiation beam for delivery of radiation therapy at least one day after placement of the implant in the cavity.
34 . The method of claim 32 , wherein the act of directing occurs 90 to 120 days subsequent to placement of the implant in the cavity.
35 . The method of claim 31 , further comprising aspirating air from the cavity at any time after placement of the implant in the cavity.
36 . The method of claim 31 , wherein the implant is constructed of a porous material.
37 . A method for utilizing an implant in a body of a patient, comprising:
providing an implant having a radio-opaque marker contained within the implant;
placing the implant within a cavity in the body of the patient to support tissue surrounding the cavity; and
directing a radiation beam to the implant, the radio-opaque marker within the implant serving as a target for delivery of radiation therapy to margins around the cavity.
38 . The method of claim 37 , wherein the radio-opaque marker is centrally located within the implant.
39 . The method of claim 38 , wherein the act of directing occurs 90 to 120 days subsequent to placement of the implant in the cavity.
40 . A method for utilizing an implant in a body of a patient, comprising:
forming a cavity within the body at a site where potentially cancerous tissue has been removed, the cavity having surrounding tissue;
forming an implant of a biocompatible and biodegradable material that is elastically compressible;
sizing the implant to occupy the cavity; and
implanting within the cavity the implant to support the tissue surrounding the cavity, the act of implanting including initially compressing the implant.
41 . The method of claim 40 , further comprising directing a radiation beam to the implant for delivery of radiation therapy to margins around the cavity.
42 . The method of claim 41 , wherein the act of directing comprises initiating targeting of a radiation beam for delivery of radiation therapy at least one day after placement of the implant in the cavity.
43 . The method of claim 41 , wherein the act of directing occurs 90 to 120 days subsequent to placement of the implant in the cavity.