Prosthesis for supporting a breast structure

Abstract

The invention relates to a prosthesis for supporting a breast implant comprising: a reinforcement part configured to receive a curved lower portion of a breast implant, the reinforcement part having an elongation under 50N in the vertical direction of E1, a fixation part intended to be fixed to the pectoral muscle, the fixation part having an elongation under 50N in the vertical direction of E2, and a transition part connecting together the reinforcement part and the fixation part, said transition part having an elongation under 50N in the vertical direction of E3, wherein E3 is greater than E1 and greater than E2.

Claims

1. A method for implanting a prosthesis for supporting a breast structure comprising: a) making an incision in an area of an infra-mammary fold, b) optionally, positioning a breast implant between a chest wall and a pectoral muscle, c) positioning a prosthesis including a reinforcement part, a fixation part, and a transition part connecting together said reinforcement part and said fixation part, so that a curve-shaped lower portion of the breast tissue or breast implant is received in said reinforcement part, with a lower edge of said reinforcement part facing a chest wall, and an upper area of said fixation part facing a pectoral muscle, d) suturing the lower edge of the reinforcement part to the chest wall, e) fixing said fixation part to said pectoral muscle, and f) closing the incision.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0252] The prosthesis and method of the invention will now be further described in reference to the following description and attached drawings in which:

[0253] FIG. 1 is a side view of a healthy breast,

[0254] FIG. 2 is a side view of a reconstructed breast comprising a breast implant only,

[0255] FIG. 3 is a front view of a first embodiment of a prosthesis according to the invention,

[0256] FIG. 4 is a front view of a second embodiment of a prosthesis according to the invention,

[0257] FIG. 5 is a front view of a third embodiment of a prosthesis according to the invention,

[0258] FIG. 6 is a front view of a fourth embodiment of a prosthesis according to the invention,

[0259] FIG. 7 is a front view of a fifth embodiment of a prosthesis according to the invention,

[0260] FIG. 8 is a front view of a sixth embodiment of a prosthesis according to the invention,

[0261] FIG. 9 is a front view of a seventh embodiment of a prosthesis according to the invention,

[0262] FIG. 10 is a side view of a prosthesis of FIGS. 3-9 implanted within a patient for supporting a breast implant,

[0263] FIG. 11 is a front view of another embodiment of a prosthesis according to the invention,

[0264] FIG. 12 is a side view of the prosthesis of FIG. 11 implanted within a patient for supporting breast tissue.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0265] With reference to FIGS. 3-8 are shown embodiments of a prosthesis 100 of the invention. As will appear from the description below, the prosthesis 100 is intended to be implanted into a female patient in a view of supporting a breast implant 12 (see FIG. 10) in breast reconstruction post mastectomy or in a view of supporting breast tissue (see FIGS. 11 and 12) in breast lifting aesthetics surgery.

[0266] With reference to FIGS. 3-8, the prosthesis 100 comprises three parts, a reinforcement part 101, a fixation part 102 and a transition part 103. The reinforcement part 101 is configured to receive at least a curve-shaped lower portion of a breast structure and is intended to be sutured to the chest wall or to the infra-mammary fold. The fixation part 102 is intended to be fixed to the pectoral muscle. The fixation part 102 will usually be surrounding the top conical portion of the breast structure (see FIGS. 10 and 11). The transition part 103 connects the reinforcement part 101 to the fixation part 102.

[0267] With reference to FIGS. 3-8 the reinforcement part 101 has a globally elongated shape in the horizontal direction, said shape showing a convex lower edge 104. The shape of the reinforcement part 101 is suited to engage over the lower or bottom curve portion of a breast structure in a manner to cup or otherwise support the structure in a bra-like fashion. The reinforcement part 101 will form the bottom part of the prosthesis and its lower edge is substantially an arch shaped perimeter edge, using a predetermined depth or arc corresponding to the natural shape of breast.

[0268] The convex lower edge 104 of the reinforcement part therefore allows encompassing the lower portion of a breast structure while remaining close to the chest wall or to the infra-mammary fold. As will appear later in the description, the lower edge 104 of the reinforcement part 101 is intended to be sutured or fixed to the chest wall or to the infra-mammary fold once the prosthesis 100 is implanted.

[0269] For example, the shape of the reinforcement part 101 may be generally oval or elliptical as shown on FIGS. 5-7. In such a case, the shape of the reinforcement part shows a convex upper edge 105.

[0270] Alternatively, the shape of the reinforcement part 101 may show a concave upper edge 105, as shown on FIGS. 3, 4 and 8. For example, the reinforcement part 101 may have a crescent shape, as shown on FIGS. 3 and 4. With reference to FIG. 8, the concave upper edge 105 of the reinforcement part 101 may show an additional concave curve 108.

[0271] With reference to FIG. 9, the fabric used for forming the reinforcement part 101 may have another initial shape and can then be cut to such an elongate shape, in particular to a shape adapted to the function of the reinforcement part.

[0272] With reference to FIGS. 3-9, the transition part 103 connects the reinforcement part 101 to the fixation part 102. The transition part 103 may have substantially the shape of a portion of a circular crown. In particular, the transition part 103 shows a height h (see FIG. 6) in the vertical direction substantially constant. In this view, the lower edge 106 and the upper edge 107 of the transition part 103 are substantially parallel to each other.

[0273] Indeed, as will appear later in the description, the transition part 103 possesses an elongation greater than the elongation of the reinforcement part 101 and of the fixation part 102, so that stretch and elasticity close to the natural behavior of a healthy breast is conferred to the supported breast structure. In this view, having a substantially constant height h of the transition part 103 allows maintaining a relatively constant stretch feeling along the horizontal direction of the prosthesis 100, and therefore of the supported breast structure.

[0274] For example, the lower edge 106 of the portion of a circular crown forming the transition part 102 is also the upper edge 105 of the reinforcement part 101. With reference to FIGS. 3, 4, 8 and 9, the lower edge 106 and the upper edge 107 of the transition part 103 show therefore a concave shape. With reference to FIG. 8, the lower edge 106 and the upper edge 107 of the transition part 103 are not substantially parallel as the lower edge 106 of the transition part 103 comprises the concave curve 108, whereas the upper edge 107 does not include any additional curve.

[0275] On the contrary, with reference to FIGS. 5-7, the lower edge 106 and the upper edge 107 of the transition part 103 show therefore a convex shape.

[0276] In embodiments, H represents the total height of the prosthesis 100 and h the height of the transition part 103, along a vertical direction, when the prosthesis 100 is in a planar configuration, for example as shown on FIG. 6, the ratio h/H ranges from about 1/30 to about 1/2, preferably from about 1/12 to about 1/4.

[0277] In embodiments, the height h of the transition part ranges from 1 to 5 cm, preferably from 2 to 3 cm.

[0278] Such embodiments allow providing to the entire prosthesis an elasticity and stretch allowing it to behave similarly to biological breast tissues, while not jeopardizing the mechanical properties necessary for the prosthesis to perform its support function.

[0279] The fixation part 102 forms the upper part of the prosthesis 100 and is intended to be fixed to the pectoral muscle once the prosthesis 100 is implanted (see FIGS. 10 and 11). The fixation part 102 may have any shape as long as said shape provides sufficient surface for overlapping an area of the pectoral muscle sufficient for ensuring a reliable fixation between the fixation part 102 and the pectoral muscle. For example, with reference to FIGS. 3-9, the fixation part 102 comprises a lower edge 109 from which extend vertically and in the upper direction one or more arm(s) 110 intended to be fixed to the pectoral muscle.

[0280] The arms 110 have a lower end 111 and an upper 112. Preferably, the lower 111 is larger in the horizontal direction than the upper 112, in order to ensure better resistance against gravity and better fixation. With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the lower ends 111 of the arms 110 form a continuous strip 113.

[0281] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 5, two arms 110 extend from the lower edge 109 of the fixation part 102 in the upper direction. With reference to FIGS. 4, 7 and 8, four arms 110 extend from the lower edge 109 of the fixation part 102 in the upper direction. With reference to FIGS. 6 and 9, five 110 extend from the lower edge 109 of the fixation part 102 in the upper direction.

[0282] The number of arms 110 may be varying from one up to ten, as long as said arms provide the necessary surface and strength for ensuring a reliable fixation to the pectoral muscle.

[0283] In addition, the shape and number of arms 110 allow shaping the fixation part 102 in a three-dimensional manner, in order to conform to the conical shape of the top portion of the breast structure. Thanks to the substantially triangular shape of the arms 110 and to their number preferably greater than one, pleats are avoided when the surgeon shapes the fixation part 102 in conformity with the three dimensional shape of the breast structure.

[0284] With reference to FIGS. 5, 7 and 9 is shown a recess 114 provided in the prosthesis. The recess 114 may be provided in the transition part 103 (see FIG. 9) or may be part of the fixation part 103 and of the transition part 102 as shown on FIGS. 5 and 7. The recess 114 is intended to face the nipple-areola complex when the prosthesis 100 is implanted. The presence of the recess 114 in the prosthesis 100 avoids an additional thickness in the area of the nipple-areola complex and leaves free this area when the surgeon proceeds to the reconstruction of nipple-areola complex if needed.

[0285] With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 is shown a reinforcement member under the form of a wire 115, provided in the lower region of the reinforcement part 101. The wire 115 is configured for inducing a curved shape to the reinforcement part 101 conformable with the curve-shaped lower portion of the breast structure. The wire 115 is substantially set back from the lower edge of the reinforcement part 101.

[0286] The materials that may be suitable for producing the wire 115 may be chosen from any biocompatible material having a certain rigidity and a certain resilience in order to meet the requirements described above.

[0287] In one embodiment, the wire is made of a bioresorbable material. For example, the bioresorbable material can be chosen from among polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactones (PCL), polydioxanones (PDO), trimethylene carbonates (TMC), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), oxidized cellulose, polyglycolic acid (PGA), copolymers of these materials and mixtures thereof. For example, the bioresorbable material can be a copolymer of polylactic acid and of polyglycolic acid. Such embodiments allow avoiding that foreign material stay too long a time in the body of the patient.

[0288] Alternatively, the wire 115 may be made of a non-bioresorbable material chosen from among polypropylenes, polyesters such as polyethyleneterephthalates, polyarnides, silicones, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyether ketone ketone (PEKK), polyarylether ether ketone (PAEK), polyurethanes and mixtures thereof. Additional support is therefore provided on a long term basis to the prosthesis 100 for holding the breast implant against gravity.

[0289] In another embodiment, said reinforcement member is formed by a combination of bioresorbable material and of non-bioresorbable material.

[0290] The wire 115 may be overmolded on the reinforcement part 101.

[0291] In embodiments, the reinforcement part 101 is linked to the transition part 103 by means of sewing, gluing, welding, overmolding and combinations thereof. In embodiments, the transition part 103 is linked to the fixation part 102 by means of sewing, gluing welding, overmolding and combinations thereof.

[0292] Alternatively, the first, second and third fabrics forming the reinforcement part, the transition part and the fixation part are made as a single unitary structure. For example, using a knitting machine and the proper knitting pattern and/or yarn, the whole prosthesis, namely the reinforcement part, fixation part and transition part, and more particularly the first, second and third fabrics may be knitted and formed as a single unitary structure requiring no sewing or cutting. Such embodiment allows a very natural appearance as significant thickness variations or fabric ridges are thereby avoided.

[0293] The reinforcement part 101 of FIGS. 3-9 comprises, or may consist in, a first fabric made of a first arrangement of yarns as described above in the present application, with in particular an elongation under 50N in the vertical direction referred to as E1. The fixation part 102 of FIGS. 3-9 comprises, or may consist in, a second fabric made of a second arrangement of yarns as described above in the present application, with in particular an elongation under 50N in the vertical direction referred to as E2. The transition part 103 of FIGS. 3-9 comprises, or may consist in, a third fabric made of a third arrangement of yarns as described above in the present application, with in particular an elongation under 50N in the vertical direction referred to as E3.

[0294] For each prosthesis 100 of FIGS. 3-9, the first, second and third fabrics are combined together so as to form the reinforcement part, the fixation part and the transition part, with the proviso that E3 is greater than E1 and greater than E2.

[0295] For example, for a prosthesis 100 of FIGS. 3-8, the reinforcement part 101 may be formed of Knit X described above, in combination with the fixation part 102 made of Knit F described above and with the transition part 103 made of Knit A described above. In such an embodiment, E1 is 25%, E2 is 5% and E3 is 50%.

[0296] In another example, for a prosthesis 100 of FIGS. 3-8, the reinforcement part 101 may be formed of Knit Y described above, in combination with the fixation part 102 made of Knit F described above and with the transition part 103 made of Knit B described above. In such an embodiment, E1 is 19%, E2 is 5% and E3 is 59%.

[0297] In another example, for a prosthesis 100 of FIGS. 3-8, the reinforcement part 101 may be formed of Knit Z described above, in combination with the fixation part 102 made of Knit F described above and with the transition part 103 made of Knit C described above. In such an embodiment, E1 is 35%, E2 is 5% and E3 is 46%.

[0298] With reference to FIG. 10 is shown a prosthesis 100 of FIGS. 3-9 in place within a patient in a view of supporting a breast implant 12. As shown on this Figure, the lower edge 104 of the reinforcement part 101 of the prosthesis 100 is sutured to the chest wall 8 by means of suture 200. Alternatively, the lower edge 104 of the reinforcement part 101 of the prosthesis 100 could be sutured to the infra-mammary fold 6. The reinforcement part 101 receives the lower curved portion of the breast implant 12 so as to cup said breast implant 12.

[0299] The fixation part 102 faces the pectoral muscle 7. In particular, in the surgical procedure shown, the implant breast 12 is positioned behind the pectoral muscle 7. The second fabric forming the fixation part 102 is provided with barbs 116 on its face fixed to the pectoral muscle 7.

[0300] With reference to FIG. 11 is shown another prosthesis 100 of the invention, comprising a reinforcement part 101, a fixation part 102 and a transition part 103. The fixation part 102 is provided with two arms 110. The prosthesis 100 is further provided with a recess 114 intended to face nipple-areola complex. In the prosthesis of FIG. 11, the recess 114 is located in the reinforcement part 101. Such a prosthesis is particularly adapted for lifting up healthy breast tissue in pure aesthetic surgery.

[0301] With reference to FIG. 12 is shown the prosthesis 100 of FIG. 11 in place within a patient in a view of supporting a healthy breast 1. No part of the healthy breast 1 has been removed and the lobules 4 and the milk ducts 5 are still present and received within the reinforcement part 101 of the prosthesis 100. As shown on this Figure, the lower edge 104 of the reinforcement part 101 of the prosthesis 100 is sutured to the chest wall 8 by means of suture 200. Alternatively, the lower edge 104 of the reinforcement part 101 of the prosthesis 100 could be sutured to the infra-mammary fold 6. The reinforcement part 101 receives the lower curved portion of the breast 1 so as to cup said breast 1.

[0302] The fixation part 102 faces the anterior face of the pectoral muscle 7. The second fabric forming the fixation part 102 is provided with barbs 116 on its face fixed to the anterior face of the pectoral muscle 7. The recess 114 is positioned facing the nipple-areola complex 2 so as to preserve it.

[0303] In order to implant the prosthesis 100 of the invention, the surgeon may perform the following steps:

[0304] a) making an incision in the area of the infra-mammary fold 6,

[0305] b) if needed, for example in breast reconstruction surgery, positioning the breast implant 12 between the chest wall 8 and the pectoral muscle 7,

[0306] c) positioning the prosthesis 100 so that the curve-shaped lower portion of the breast implant 12 or of the breast tissue is received in the reinforcement part 101, with the lower edge 104 of the reinforcement part 101 facing the chest wall 8, and an upper area of the fixation part 102 facing the pectoral muscle 7,

[0307] d) suturing the lower edge 104 of the reinforcement part 101 to the chest wall 8, for example by means of suture 200,

[0308] e) determining the best position of the fixation part 102 with respect to the pectoral muscle 8,

[0309] f) fixing the fixation part 102 to the pectoral muscle 7,

[0310] g) closing the incision.

[0311] For example, step e) may be completed by gripping and ungripping the fixation part 102, in particular the arms 110, as many times as necessary with the help of the barbs 116 present on the second fabric forming the fixation part 102. The barbs 116 may show a free end or head greater in width than a body of the barbs and a generally spheroidal or mushroom shape. The head of the barbs 116 are capable of penetrating in the pectoral muscle 7 for gripping each arm 110 to the pectoral muscle 7. The surgeon may examine whether the position of the arms 110 is correct or not. If the surgeon evaluates that the position should be corrected, he simply ungrips the arms 110 and proceeds to a second gripping of the arms 110 into the pectoral muscle 7. Thanks to the presence of the barbs 116, the fixation part 102 is repositionable. In addition, the determination of the adequate fixation position may be completed with the help of patient in a standing or seating position.

[0312] Because of its structure comprising at least three parts and because of the relative values of the respective elongations under 50N in the vertical direction of these three parts, the prosthesis of the invention once implanted in view of supporting a breast structure, allows for stretching and elasticity of the supported breast structure, in a manner very close to the natural behavior of a breast, thereby yielding a more natural appearance and movement during movement such as walking by the patient. The prosthesis of the invention further provides excellent support to the multi directional curves of the supported breast structure.

[0313] The structure of the prosthesis of the invention allows both efficient support to avoid sagging and bottoming out of the breast structure such as a breast implant and adequate elasticity for natural feel and movement. The prosthesis of the invention further supports the breast structure in the proper orientation.