Silicone Breast Implant Delivery

Abstract

A tapered sleeve is provided that includes a hydrophilic coating on an inner surface. In use, the device is typically removed from sterile packaging and soaked to activate the lubricous properties of the coating. An implant (e.g., a pre-filled silicon breast implant) is introduced into a large end of the sleeve and extruded into a surgical pocket of minimal access incision size through a small-sized end of the device.

1 . A method of inserting a pre-filled prosthesis into a surgical pocket with a tapered sleeve having a length and defining proximal and distal openings, the method comprising:
 fitting the sleeve into a basin in a compacted state, the basin at least partially filled with fluid;   soaking the sleeve in the fluid to activate a lubricous coating adhered to an inner surface of the sleeve;   removing the sleeve from the basin;   inserting the prosthesis into the sleeve through the proximal opening;   introducing the sleeve into the surgical pocket;   manipulating the sleeve to conform to a shape of the prosthesis and apply pressure to direct the prosthesis along the length of the sleeve toward the distal opening, out of the distal opening and into the surgical pocket.   
     
     
         2 . An apparatus for inserting a pre-filled prosthesis into a surgical pocket, the apparatus comprising:
 a compactable, tapered sleeve, open at both proximal and distal ends for use, the sleeve including a hydrophilic coating on an interior surface of the sleeve along at least where prosthesis contact will occur in use.   
     
     
         3 . The sleeve of  claim 2 , wherein only the interior surface is so-coated. 
     
     
         4 . A method of inserting a breast augmentation prosthesis into a surgical pocket within a breast with a tapered sleeve having a length and defining proximal and distal openings, the method comprising:
 hydrating the sleeve to lubricate an inner surface of the sleeve by activating a hydrophilic coating adhered to the sleeve;   inserting the breast augmentation prosthesis into the sleeve through the proximal opening;   introducing the sleeve into the surgical pocket within the breast;   manipulating the sleeve to conform to a shape of the prosthesis and apply pressure to direct the prosthesis along the length of the sleeve toward the distal opening, out of the distal opening and into the surgical pocket within the breast.   
     
     
         5 . A method of preparing a delivery system for use in implanting a pre-filled prosthesis into a surgical pocket, the method comprising:
 soaking the sleeve in fluid to activate a lubricous coating adhered to an inner surface of the sleeve;   inserting the prosthesis into the sleeve through the proximal opening;   manipulating the sleeve to conform to a shape of the prosthesis and apply pressure to direct the prosthesis along the length of the sleeve toward the distal opening, out of the distal opening; and   reinserting the prosthesis into the sleeve to be ready for prosthesis implantation.   
     
     
         6 . A method of preparing a delivery system for use in implanting a pre-filled prosthesis into a surgical pocket, the method comprising:
 fitting the sleeve into a basin in a compacted state, the basin at least partially filled with fluid;   soaking the sleeve in the fluid to activate a lubricous coating adhered to an inner surface of the sleeve;   removing the sleeve from the basin; and   inserting the prosthesis into the sleeve through the proximal opening.