Mentor Corporation

Julie Maddock

Robert S Bley

Patricia Altavilla

Method and apparatus for filling mammary prostheses and tissue expanders using pumping systems are disclosed. In accordance with the method, a pumping system is used to deliver flow at the desired flow rate or pressure through a tube to the injection needle, allowing the surgeon to concentrate his attention on the injection itself to fill the inflatable mammary prosthesis or the tissue expander without having to operate and count filling syringes, all in a much faster manner than in the prior art. The pumping system used may include fluid volume measuring capabilities, pressure measuring capabilities, and other capabilities such as the capability, for viscosity reduction purposes, of heating the fluid to a temperature still compatible with injection. By providing the fluid in an appropriate bag with flexible tubing attached thereto, all in a sterile condition, the injection system and method of the invention provides a substantially closed system allowing fast and accurate filling of a mammary prosthesis or tissue expander with minimal opportunity for infection. Alternate methods and apparatus are disclosed.

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Santa Barbara, CA, United States of America

Julie Maddock