METHOD FOR PERFORMING SINGLE-STAGE CRANIOPLASTY RECONSTRUCTION WITH A CLEAR CUSTOM CRANIOFACIAL IMPLANT
A method for performing a cranioplasty includes the steps of prefabricating a sonolucent craniofacial implant based upon information generated by preoperative scans, creating a cranial, craniofacial, and/or facial defect, and attaching the craniofacial implant to the cranial, craniofacial, and/or facial defect. The craniofacial implant is composed of a material that is sonolucent and exhibits attenuation of less than 6 dB/cm.
1 - 20 . (canceled)
21 . An implant, comprising:
a sonolucent craniofacial implant for cranial, craniofacial, and/or facial defects requiring cranioplasty of >25 square centimeters, wherein the sonolucent craniofacial implant permits a surgeon to ultrasonically image brain anatomy through the craniofacial implant.
22 . The implant according to claim 21 , further including a neurological device incorporated within the craniofacial implant.
23 . The implant according to claim 21 , wherein the craniofacial implant includes an outer flat surface.
24 . The implant according to claim 21 , wherein the craniofacial implant includes an inside curved surface.
25 . The implant according to claim 21 , wherein the craniofacial implant is a custom craniofacial implant.