Self-sealing shell for inflatable prostheses

Abstract

A self-sealing shell useful as a component of a soft fluid-filled prosthetic implant is provided. The shell is at least partly constructed of a wall made of a colloid of an elastomeric polymer matrix and particles of a water-swellable material distributed therein.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An inflatable implant comprising:
 an elastomeric shell defining a hollow interior for containing an aqueous saline fluid, the shell comprising a particle/matrix composition comprising an elastomeric silicone polymer matrix defining enclosed spaces, and discontinuous particles of a swellable material occupying the enclosed spaces in the matrix;   wherein, when the shell is contacted with an aqueous fluid, the particles of swellable material enlarge within the enclosed spaces.   
     
     
         2 . The implant of  claim 1  wherein the particles comprise hydrogel particles. 
     
     
         3 . The implant of  claim 1  wherein the particles comprise polyethylene glycol. 
     
     
         4 . The implant of  claim 1  wherein the particles comprise hydroxyethylcellulose. 
     
     
         5 . The implant of  claim 1  wherein the particles comprise hydrogel particles having a size of between about 50 microns to about 1000 microns. 
     
     
         6 . The implant of  claim 1  wherein the particles comprise hydrogel particles having a size of between about 200 microns to about 350 microns. 
     
     
         7 . The implant of  claim 1  wherein the particles make up between about 2% to about 40% by weight of the particle/matrix composition. 
     
     
         8 . The implant of  claim 1  wherein the particles make up between about 25% by weight of the particle/matrix composition. 
     
     
         9 . A breast implant comprising:
 an elastomeric shell defining a hollow interior for containing an aqueous saline fluid, the shell comprising a particle/matrix composition comprising an elastomeric silicone polymer matrix defining enclosed spaces, and discontinuous particles of a swellable material occupying the enclosed spaces in the matrix;   wherein, when the shell is contacted with an aqueous fluid, the particles of swellable material enlarge within the enclosed spaces.   
     
     
         10 . The breast implant of  claim 9  wherein the particles comprise hydrogel particles. 
     
     
         11 . The breast implant of  claim 9  wherein the particles comprise polyethylene glycol. 
     
     
         12 . The breast implant of  claim 9  wherein the particles comprise hydroxyethylcellulose. 
     
     
         13 . A breast implant comprising:
 an elastomeric shell defining a hollow interior for containing a fluid, the shell made of a composition comprising a silicone elastomer matrix having substantially dry hydrogel particles dispersed throughout the matrix.   
     
     
         14 . The breast implant of  claim 13  wherein the particles comprise polyethylene glycol. 
     
     
         15 . The breast implant of  claim 13  wherein the particles comprise hydroxyethylcellulose. 
     
     
         16 . The breast implant of  claim 13  wherein the particles comprise hydrogel particles having a size of between about 50 microns to about 1000 microns. 
     
     
         17 . The breast implant of  claim 13  wherein the particles comprise hydrogel particles having a size of between about 200 microns to about 350 microns. 
     
     
         18 . The breast implant of  claim 13  wherein the particles make up between about 2% to about 40% by weight of the particle/matrix composition. 
     
     
         19 . The breast implant of  claim 13  wherein the particles make up between about 25% by weight of the particle/matrix composition.