IMPLANTABLE DEVICES AND TECHNIQUES FOR ONCOPLASTIC SURGERY
Described herein are devices for placement in surgically created soft tissue spaces, potential spaces, or cavities. The implantable devices generally include a bioabsorbable body having an open framework that facilitates attachment of tissue thereto in a manner that helps avoid post-surgical deformities. Methods for using the implantable devices in oncoplastic surgery are further described.
1 . A method of reconstituting the contour of a breast after surgical removal of tissue comprising:
placing a device within a cavity or space, the cavity or space formed by the surgical removal of tissue, wherein the device comprises a semi-rigid and compliant open framework to provide structural support to the cavity or space and allow body fluids and tissue to pass into the body of the device to reconstitute the contour of the breast.
2 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising manipulating the tissue surrounding the device.
3 . The method of claim 2 , wherein manipulating the tissue surrounding the device comprises attaching the surrounding tissue to the device.
4 . The method of claim 2 , wherein manipulating the tissue surrounding the device comprises wrapping the surrounding tissue around the device.
5 . The method of claim 4 , wherein the wrapped tissue is sutured to secure it around the device.
6 . The method of claim 3 , wherein attaching the surrounding tissue comprises suturing the tissue to the semi-rigid and compliant open framework.
7 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the cavity or space is formed by the surgical removal of tumor tissue.
8 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the semi-rigid and compliant open framework comprises a bioabsorbable material.
9 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the semi-rigid and compliant open framework is mammographically radiolucent.
10 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the device comprises a radiographically visible element.
11 . The method of claim 1 , wherein placing the device into the cavity or space partially replaces a volume of the surgically removed tissue.
12 . The method of claim 2 , wherein manipulating the tissue surrounding the device comprises pulling the surrounding tissue through the device.
13 . The method of claim 2 , wherein manipulating the tissue surrounding the device comprises suturing the surrounding tissue through the semi-rigid and compliant open framework.
14 . A method of reconstituting the contour of a breast after surgical removal of tissue comprising:
placing a device within a cavity or space, the cavity or space formed by the surgical removal of tissue, wherein the device comprises a trellis-like framework to provide structural support to the cavity or space and allow body fluids and tissue to pass into the body of the device to reconstitute the contour of the breast.
15 . A method of reconstituting the contour of a breast comprising:
placing a device into a cavity or void created by removal of a volume of breast tissue, the device comprising a semi-rigid and compliant open framework to provide structural support to the cavity or void and formed of a bioabsorbable material, wherein the device is sized smaller than the cavity or void; and
manipulating remaining breast tissue surrounding the device,
wherein body fluids and tissue pass into the device to promote tissue regrowth within the device thereby reconstituting the contour of the breast.
16 . The method of claim 15 , wherein manipulating remaining breast tissue comprises attaching tissues within the semi-rigid and compliant open framework.
17 . The method of claim 15 , wherein the cavity or void has minimal overlying tissue.
18 . The method of claim 17 , wherein the device has a flattened or low profile shape.
19 . The method of claim 15 , wherein the device is sized so that it corresponds to the size of a tumor contained within the removed volume of breast tissue.
20 . The method of claim 15 , wherein the device comprises a radiographically visible element.
21 . A method of reconstituting the contour of a breast comprising:
placing a device into a cavity or void created by removal of a volume of breast tissue, the device comprising a trellis-like open framework to provide structural support to the cavity or void and formed of a bioabsorbable material, wherein the device is sized smaller than the cavity or void; and
manipulating remaining breast tissue surrounding the device,
wherein body fluids and tissue pass into the device to promote tissue regrowth within the device thereby reconstituting the contour of the breast.