SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MOLDING SOFT FLUID-FILLED IMPLANT SHELLS

摘要

Systems and methods for molding shells for fluid-filled prosthetic implants, including spinning and rotating dip- or spray-mandrels during a devolatilization step to ensure an even covering. The mandrels may be spun during the dipping or spraying step, and/or afterward while a solvent evaporates until a gum state is formed. The techniques are particularly useful for forming hollow shells from silicone dispersions for soft implants, such as breast implants.

主权项

1. A method for molding a hollow shell useful as a surgical implant, the method comprising the steps of:
providing an assembly comprising a mandrel and rod, the rod defining a first axis of the assembly; spinning the mandrel about the first axis; rotating the mandrel about a second axis different from the first axis; applying a silicone dispersion to the mandrel by passing the mandrel through a silicone dispersion flow during the spinning to form a silicone dispersion coat on the mandrel; and causing the coat to devolatize.