Patent ID: 8518111
Filing Date: 2013-08-27
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
1. An implantable tissue expander for supporting a body tissue comprising: an implantable support member externally positioned with respect to the body tissue to be shaped, said support member comprising a first end and an opposing second end, said first end comprising a first fastener configured to be inserted into the body tissue to secure said first end to a first portion of the body tissue, said second end comprising a second fastener configured to be inserted into the body tissue to secure said second end to a second portion of the body tissue, said first fastener and said second fastener each including at least one of a hook and a needle, said support member comprising a biasing element comprising one of a spring, a coil, and at least one magnet configured to exert a tension force at each of said first end and said second end to shape the body tissue, said support member having shape memory properties and adapted to move to a support configuration, said support member configured to shape the body tissue when said support member is in said support configuration.