WO2006015465A1

WO2006015465A1 - Threads used in aesthetic surgery and surgical interventions

Info

Publication number: WO2006015465A1
Application number: PCT/BR2005/000141
Authority: WO
Inventors: Elizabete De Andrade Braga Scaranari
Original assignee: De Andrade Braga Scaranari Eli
Priority date: 2004-08-10
Filing date: 2005-07-27
Publication date: 2006-02-16

Abstract

The said threads, also known as 'up thread', are used in face lifting procedures. These surgeries are performed in regions having facial flaccidity, since they are previously analyzed and diagnosed by a specialist in the subject. Generally, they are used to attenuate, alleviate or prevent wrinkles, facial grooves, neck flaccidity, lifting eyebrows, among others.

Description

"THREADS USED IW AESTHETIC SURGERY AWD SURGICAL INTERVEWTIOWS"

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present Invention relates to threads used in aesthetic surgery and surgical interventions, provided with an innovative conception and important practical and functional improvements in conformity with the required specifications and norms; having innovative and proper characteristics, provided with essential requirements of novelty and inventive act, which results in a series of actual and extraordinary advantages inherent to its applicability and usability.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The said threads used in aesthetic surgery and surgical interventions, also known as "up thread", are used in face lifting procedures. These surgeries are performed in regions having facial flaccidity, since they are previously analyzed and diagnosed by a specialist in the subject. Generally, they are used to attenuate, alleviate or prevent wrinkles, facial grooves, neck flaccidity, lifting eyebrows, among others.

As it is well known to those skilled in the art, the up thread is made of polypropylene, which is a non-biodegradable and biocompatible material with strong resistance, and inert in the human organism. It is the same material of threads used in internal sutures, which is used in other types of surgeries; however, up threads used in aesthetic surgeries have small hooks projecting from the proper thread. These hooks are important for the desired aesthetic function, since they have a tensioning function to combat flaccidity, as well as they are responsible by the fastening of the thread in the patient, where they are implanted in the facial subcutaneous adipous tissue, above the muscular layer. The implantation of these threads is made through cannulas inserted into the face of the patient, in delineations previously analyzed by the doctor; subsequently, after implanted, the projecting hooks of the up thread are firmly fastened to the fatty tissue, anchoring on it.

As a consequence, the action of the tensions created by the shape of the hooks of the up thread makes the sagging region presents a traction force, lifting the tissues and helping to minimize the effect of flaccidity that the patient already has or will acquire over the years. Moreover, the lifting of sagging tissues is also enhanced by the natural reaction of the organism, which stimulates the production of elastin and collagen around the thread, transforming the polypropylene thread into a supporting ligament of facial soft tissues.

In threads known in the state of the art, the arrangement applied to these important hooks in up threads is made like a fish spine, where the hooks are disposed in opposite sides, in a coplanar way, and both directed to the same direction.

Moreover, it is known a patent where, at the superior segment of the thread axis, a thread comprises two coplanar tiny cogs or barbs directed upwardly and a tiny cog or barb in the inverse direction, i.e., they are directed downwardly, in a plane perpendicular to the two parallels. At the inferior segment of the thread, such positions are inverted. This thread is intended to attend an activity comprising two forces, wherein the first is a supporting force that does not allow the soft tissue to return to the original position after it has been implanted; and the second is a traction force that will elevate the soft tissues to a higher position.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Along the time, studies were carried out to improve these threads used in aesthetic surgery and surgical interventions, in an attempt to make them much more efficient. As a result, constructive arrangements described in the present invention were developed, allowing the conception of innovative products having the following basis:

1. Use of bi-directional hooks;

2. Use of a thread consisting of a set of tiny cogs or barbs comprising a coplanar pair and a perpendicular pair, wherein between a set and another, a pair of tiny cogs or barbs is disposed in the opposite direction;

3. Use of hooks with a coplanar pair and another perpendicular pair.

With reference to the first embodiment of the present invention, instead of the hooks being directed only to a determinate direction, as in up threads known in the state of the art, the threads of the present invention have hooks in opposite direction, wherein the said hooks are disposed in a plane perpendicular to the other hooks.

These additional and novel hooks can be simple, i.e., they are only disposed in one of the sides of the main thread, as well as they can also be disposed in pairs, i.e., disposed in both sides of the main thread.

In view of that, the thread used in aesthetic surgery and surgical interventions of the present invention is advantageous in relation to the threads known in the state of the art, by the fact that produces an additional fastening and traction forces on the sagging tissues, in a more efficient way; produces greater tension on the region that is desirable to recover; and allows the action of these additional hooks to provide a better distribution of tension of the thread on the tissues. Of course, in the case of a single additional hook, the tension generated is lower in relation to the threads having additional hooks disposed in pairs.

With reference to the second embodiment of the present invention, and in accordance with the thread thereof, the set of tiny cogs or barbs works with a coplanar pair, a perpendicular pair, and with a pair of tiny cogs or barbs displaced from this set, in an opposite direction.

Again, in this thread, it has a combination of traction and supporting, wherein the four tiny cogs or barbs disposed upwardly at the superior segment (two and two perpendiculars) are intercalated with a pair of coplanar tiny cogs or barbs to assist in inhibiting the return of the tissue, providing an efficient alternative, when required by the tissue. At the inferior segment, on the bottom side of the thread, the direction is inversed.

In another constructive arrangement applied to the thread of this second embodiment of the present invention, it looks for a supporting as the main action, which is intercalated with a secondary single traction, i.e., four tiny cogs or barbs (two coplanar and two perpendicular), which, when they are downwardly, they exert a supporting intercalated by a pair in a opposite direction, and when they are upwardly, they exert a secondary traction.

In this way, instead of the four tiny cog or barb set to be directed only to a determinate direction, as in up threads known in the state of the art, the threads of the present invention have sets of four tiny cogs or barbs in opposite direction, wherein the said tiny cogs or barbs are disposed in a plane that is perpendicular and coplanar to the plane of the other tiny cogs or barbs, and the said set are intercalated by a pair of tiny cogs or barbs, in a opposite direction. Therefore, the thread used in aesthetic surgery and surgical interventions of the present invention is advantageous in relation to the threads known in the state of the art, by the fact that it produces traction and supporting force on the sagging tissues, in a more efficient way; moreover, it looks for a supporting as the main action, which is intercalated with a secondary single traction, on the region that is desirable to recover, wherein the action of these tiny cogs or barbs allows a better distribution of tension of the thread on the tissues. Of course, in the case of coplanar and perpendicular tiny cogs or barbs, it exhibits greater traction and supporting in relation to the prior threads with tiny cogs or barbs.

With reference to the third embodiment of the present invention, and in accordance with the thread thereof, the set of tiny cogs or barbs works with a coplanar pair and a perpendicular pair, wherein the tiny cogs or barbs of the superior segment are disposed upwardly and the tiny cogs or barbs of the inferior segment are disposed downwardly. This arrangement aims to pull when the doctor observes that the tissue is softer than others, since the said four tiny cogs or barbs which are directed to only a direction tend to exert more effort than to the double and perpendicular tiny cogs or barbs. At the inferior segment of the thread, the said four tiny cogs or barbs are in an inverse direction to stop the return of the tissue, consequently, the application of the thread is not only destined to re-lift the facial tissue, but also other tissues, justifying the necessity of adjusting the traction and the positions of the tiny cogs or barbs, according to their ease of firming the tissue.

In another constructive arrangement applied to the thread of this third embodiment of the present invention, it is considered that in determinate areas, and not only facial, it can be crucial to a doctor when he/she prefers supporting rather than traction.

In accordance with the developed technique, if the tiny cogs or barbs are directed upwardly at the superior segment of the thread, the thread will exert traction, as the main action; and if the tiny cogs or barbs are directed downwardly at the superior segment of the thread, the thread will exert supporting, as a secondary action; therefore, as the implanted superior segment of the thread will make the traction effort, it is placed upwardly.

In this way, instead of the four tiny cog or barb set to be directed only to a determinate direction, as in up threads known in the state of the art, the threads of the present invention have sets of four tiny cogs or barbs in opposite direction, wherein the said tiny cogs or barbs are disposed in a plane that is perpendicular and coplanar to the plane of the other tiny cogs or barbs.

Therefore, the thread used in aesthetic surgery and surgical interventions of the present invention is advantageous in relation to the threads known in the state of the art, by the fact that it produces traction and supporting force on the sagging tissues, in a more efficient way; moreover, it produces a higher tension on the region that is desirable to recover; and allows the action of these tiny cogs or barbs providing a better distribution of traction or supporting of the thread on the tissues. Of course, in the case of coplanar and perpendicular tiny cogs or barbs, it exhibits greater traction and supporting in relation to the prior threads with tiny cogs or barbs. However, since this set of tiny cogs or barbs presents way and direction opposite to those of the other tiny cogs or barbs, the application of these threads with tiny cogs or barbs will depend on the clinical conditions of the patient to be evaluated by the specialist. This evaluation is made in accordance with the intensity and necessity in which the facial flaccidity of the patient is.

Since the additional hooks exhibit way and direction opposite to those of the other tiny cogs or barbs, and the set of tiny cogs or barbs presents way and direction opposite to those of the other tiny cogs or barbs, the application of threads with additional hooks, whether single or in pairs, as well as the application of threads with tiny cogs or barbs will depend on the clinical conditions of the patient to be evaluated by the specialist. This evaluation is made in accordance with the intensity and necessity in which the facial flaccidity of the patient is.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To obtain a clearer picture of the new constructive arrangement applied to threads used in aesthetic surgery and surgical interventions in question, drawings are attached, to which reference is made in order to better illustrate the following detailed description.

Figure 1 represents a perspective view of the thread used in aesthetic surgery and surgical interventions, with a set of three hooks, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 represents a plane view of the thread of Figure 1.

Figure 3 represents a perspective view of the thread used in aesthetic surgery and surgical interventions with a set of four hooks, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 represents a plane view of the thread of Figure 3.

Figure 5 represents a perspective view of the thread used in aesthetic surgery and surgical interventions, with sets of four tiny cogs or barbs directed in opposite directions, intercalated by a pair of tiny cogs or barbs in opposite direction, in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 represents an anterior cut view of the thread, in accordance with a plane indicated by the A-A line, illustrated in this Figure.

Figure 7 represents a cut view of the thread, in accordance with a plane indicated by the B-B line, illustrated in this Figure.

Figure 8 represents a perspective view of a variant constructive of the thread used in aesthetic surgery and surgical interventions of the second embodiment of the present invention, with sets of four tiny cogs or barbs directed in the same direction, intercalated by a pair of tiny cogs or barbs in opposite direction.

Figure 9 represents a cut view of the thread of Figure 8, according to a plane indicated by the C-C line, illustrated in this Figure.

Figure 10 represents a cut view of the thread of Figure 8, according to a plane indicated by the D-D line, illustrated in this Figure.

Figure 11 represents a perspective view of the thread used in aesthetic surgery and surgical interventions, with sets of four tiny cogs or barbs directed in opposite direction, in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 12 represents a cut view of the thread of Figure 11 , according to a plane indicated by the E-E line, illustrated in this Figure.

Figure 13 represents a perspective view of a variant constructive of the thread used in aesthetic surgery and surgical interventions of Figure 11 , with sets of four tiny cogs or barbs directed in the same direction.

Figure 14 represents a cut view of the thread of Figure 13, according to a plane indicated by the F-F line, illustrated in this Figure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As can be seen by Figures 1 , 2, 3, and 4, the constructive arrangement applied to threads used in aesthetic surgery and surgical interventions, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention, is characterized essentially by a thread (1) formed by a flexible cylindrical body (2), from which are projected in regular intervals two protuberances (3) having conical shape and a hook-shaped bending, following the longitudinal axis of the flexible cylindrical body (2), wherein the said two protuberances (3) are coplanar and disposed on the opposite sides of the said flexible cylindrical body (2).

In a plane perpendicular to the plane of the two protuberances (3) and at the same point where they are disposed on the flexible cylindrical body (2), it is disposed another protuberance (4a) having conical shape and a hook-shaped bending, following the longitudinal axis of the flexible cylindrical body (2), in a direction opposite to the said two protuberances (3). In a plane coplanar to the protuberance (4a), on an opposite side in relation to the flexible cylindrical body (2), and depending on the need of application of the product, it is disposed another protuberance (4b), having a shape and direction identical to the other protuberance (4a).

Figures 5, 6 and 7 show in details one second embodiment of the constructive arrangement applied to threads used in aesthetic surgery and surgical interventions, which is characterized by a thread (1) formed by a flexible cylindrical body (5), from which sets of four tiny cogs or barbs (6) disposed outwardly are projected in regular intervals, wherein the said tiny cogs or barbs have a conical shape and a hook-shaped bending, following the longitudinal axis of the flexible cylindrical body (5), wherein from these four tiny cogs or barbs (6), two of them are coplanar and two are perpendicular, disposed on the opposite sides of the said flexible cylindrical body (5), and among the sets of four tiny cogs or barbs (6), it is disposed a pair of tiny cogs or barbs (J) in opposite direction.

At the opposite portion of this same thread (1) and in regular intervals, identical sets of four tiny cogs or barbs (6) disposed outwardly are projected, wherein the said tiny cogs or barbs have a conical shape and a hook-shaped bending, following the longitudinal axis of the flexible cylindrical body (5), and among the sets of four tiny cogs or barbs (6), it is disposed a pair of tiny cogs or barbs (7) in opposite direction.

A variant constructive of this thread, in accordance with Figures 8, 9, and 10, is characterized by a thread (1) formed by a flexible cylindrical body (5a) from which sets of four tiny cogs or barbs (6a) disposed inwardly are projected in regular intervals, wherein the said tiny cogs or barbs have a conical shape and a hook-shaped bending, following the longitudinal axis of the flexible cylindrical body (5a), wherein from these four tiny cogs or barbs (6a), two of them are coplanar and two are perpendicular, disposed on the opposite sides of the said flexible cylindrical body (5a), and among the sets of four tiny cogs or barbs (6a), it is disposed a pair of tiny cogs or barbs (7a) in opposite direction.

At the opposite portion of this same thread (1) and in regular intervals, identical sets of four tiny cogs or barbs (6a) disposed inwardly are projected, wherein the said tiny cogs or barbs have a conical shape and a hook-shaped bending, following the longitudinal axis of the flexible cylindrical body (5a), and among the sets of four tiny cogs or barbs (6a), it is disposed a pair of tiny cogs or barbs (7a) in opposite direction.

In a third embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in Figures 11 and 12, the constructive arrangement applied to threads used in aesthetic surgery and surgical interventions, it is characterized by a thread (1 ) formed by a flexible cylindrical body (8) from which sets of four tiny cogs or barbs (9) disposed outwardly are projected in regular intervals, wherein the said tiny cogs or barbs have a conical shape and a hook-shaped bending, following the longitudinal axis of the flexible cylindrical body (8), wherein from these four tiny cogs or barbs (9), two of them are coplanar and two are perpendicular, disposed on the opposite sides of the said flexible cylindrical body (8).

A variant constructive of this thread (Figures 13 and 14) comprises a thread (1) formed by a flexible cylindrical body (8a) from which sets of four tiny cogs or barbs (9a) disposed inwardly are projected in regular intervals, wherein the said tiny cogs or barbs have a conical shape and a hook-shaped bending, following the longitudinal axis of the flexible cylindrical body (8a), wherein from these four tiny cogs or barbs (9a), two of them are coplanar and two are perpendicular, disposed on the opposite sides of the said flexible cylindrical body (8a).

At the opposite portion of this same thread (1) and in regular intervals, identical sets of four tiny cogs or barbs (9a) disposed inwardly are projected, wherein the said tiny cogs or barbs have a conical shape and a hook-shaped bending, following the longitudinal axis of the flexible cylindrical body (8a).

It is not known any thread used in aesthetic surgery _

and surgical interventions that combines all abovementioned constructive and functional characteristics, and that is (or was) so effective, either directly or indirectly, as the constructive arrangement applied to the present invention.

Therefore, it refers to a product of great importance to the aimed purpose, which consists of a novel constructive arrangement applied to threads used in aesthetic surgery and surgical interventions, satisfying completely the proposed objectives and fulfilling its destined functions in a practical and efficient way, providing a series of advantages inherent to its applicability and usability, and having innovative and proper characteristics, provided with essential requirements of novelty and inventive act.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1) "THREADS USED IM AESTHETIC SURGERY AWD SURGICAL INTERVENTIONS" characterized by a first embodiment, which comprises a thread (1) formed by a flexible cylindrical body (2), from which are projected in regular intervals two protuberances (3) having conical shape and a hook-shaped bending, following the longitudinal axis of the flexible cylindrical body (2), wherein the said two protuberances (3) are coplanar and disposed on the opposite sides of the said flexible cylindrical body (2), and, in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the two protuberances (3) and at the same point where they are disposed on the flexible cylindrical body (2), it is disposed another protuberance (4a) having conical shape and a hook-shaped bending, following the longitudinal axis of the flexible cylindrical body (2), in a direction opposite to the said two protuberances (3); and in a plane coplanar to the protuberance (4a), but on an opposite side in relation to the flexible cylindrical body (2), and depending on the need of application of the product, it is disposed another protuberance (4b), having a shape and direction identical to the other protuberance (4a).

2) " THREADS USED IN AESTHETIC SURGERY AND SURGICAL INTERVENTIONS", in accordance with claim 1, characterized by the second embodiment, which comprises a thread (1) formed by a flexible cylindrical body (5), from which sets of four tiny cogs or barbs (6) disposed outwardly are projected in regular intervals, wherein the said tiny cogs or barbs have a conical shape and a hook- shaped bending, following the longitudinal axis of the flexible cylindrical body (5), wherein from these four tiny cogs or barbs (6), two of them are coplanar and two are perpendicular, disposed on the opposite sides of the said flexible cylindrical body (5), and among the sets of four tiny cogs or barbs (6), it is disposed a pair of tiny cogs or barbs (7) in opposite direction; and at the opposite portion of this same thread (1) and in regular intervals, identical sets of four tiny cogs or barbs (6) disposed outwardly are projected, wherein the said tiny cogs or barbs have a conical shape and a hook-shaped bending, following the longitudinal axis of the flexible cylindrical body (5), and among the sets of four tiny cogs or barbs (6), it is disposed a pair of tiny cogs or barbs (7) in opposite direction; and by a variant of the second embodiment, which comprises a thread (1) formed by a flexible cylindrical body (5a) from which sets of four tiny cogs or barbs (6a) disposed inwardly are projected in regular intervals, wherein the said tiny cogs or barbs have a conical shape and a hook-shaped bending, following the longitudinal axis of the flexible cylindrical body (5a), wherein from these four tiny cogs or barbs (6a), two of them are coplanar and two are perpendicular, disposed on the opposite sides of the said flexible cylindrical body (5a), and among the sets of four tiny cogs or barbs (6a), it is disposed a pair of tiny cogs or barbs (7a) in opposite direction; and at the opposite portion of this same thread (1) and in regular intervals, identical sets of four tiny cogs or barbs (6a) disposed inwardly are projected, wherein the said tiny cogs or barbs have a conical shape and a hook-shaped bending, following the longitudinal axis of the flexible cylindrical body (5a), and among the sets of four tiny cogs or barbs (6a), it is disposed a pair of tiny cogs or barbs (7a) in opposite direction.

3) "THREADS USED IN AESTHETIC SURGERY AND SURGICAL INTERVENTIONS", in accordance with claim 1, characterized by the third embodiment, which comprises a thread (1) formed by a flexible cylindrical body (8) from which sets of four tiny cogs or barbs (9) disposed outwardly are projected in regular intervals, wherein the said tiny cogs or barbs have a conical shape and a hook- shaped bending, following the longitudinal axis of the flexible cylindrical body (8), wherein from these four tiny cogs or barbs (9), two of them are coplanar and two are perpendicular, disposed on the opposite sides of the said flexible cylindrical body (8); and by a variant of the third embodiment, which comprises a thread (1 ) formed by a flexible cylindrical body (8a) from which sets of four tiny cogs or barbs (9a) disposed inwardly are projected in regular intervals, wherein the said tiny cogs or barbs have a conical shape and a hook-shaped bending, following the longitudinal axis of the flexible cylindrical body (8a), wherein from these four tiny cogs or barbs (9a), two of them are coplanar and two are perpendicular, disposed on the opposite sides of the said flexible cylindrical body (8a); and at the opposite portion of this same thread (1 ) and in regular intervals, identical sets of four tiny cogs or barbs (9a) disposed inwardly are projected, wherein the said tiny cogs or barbs have a conical shape and a hook-shaped bending, following the longitudinal axis of the flexible cylindrical body (8a).