Method for utilizing an implant in a body of a patient

Abstract

A novel method for utilizing an implant in a body of a patient includes placing within a cavity in the body of the patient an implant constructed of biocompatible and biodegradable material configured to support the tissue surrounding the cavity, the implant having radio-opaque properties; and directing a radiation beam to the implant.

1 - 30 . (canceled) 
     
     
         31 . A method for utilizing an implant in a body of a patient, comprising:
 placing within a cavity in the body of the patient an implant constructed of biocompatible and biodegradable material configured to support the tissue surrounding the cavity, the implant having radio-opaque properties; and   directing a radiation beam to the implant.   
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the implant serves as a target for delivery of radiation therapy to margins around the cavity. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein the act of directing comprises initiating targeting of a radiation beam for delivery of radiation therapy at least one day after placement of the implant in the cavity. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein the act of directing occurs 90 to 120 days subsequent to placement of the implant in the cavity. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 31 , further comprising aspirating air from the cavity at any time after placement of the implant in the cavity. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the implant is constructed of a porous material. 
     
     
         37 . A method for utilizing an implant in a body of a patient, comprising:
 providing an implant having a radio-opaque marker contained within the implant;   placing the implant within a cavity in the body of the patient to support tissue surrounding the cavity; and   directing a radiation beam to the implant, the radio-opaque marker within the implant serving as a target for delivery of radiation therapy to margins around the cavity.   
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein the radio-opaque marker is centrally located within the implant. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the act of directing occurs 90 to 120 days subsequent to placement of the implant in the cavity. 
     
     
         40 . A method for utilizing an implant in a body of a patient, comprising:
 forming a cavity within the body at a site where potentially cancerous tissue has been removed, the cavity having surrounding tissue;   forming an implant of a biocompatible and biodegradable material that is elastically compressible;   sizing the implant to occupy the cavity; and   implanting within the cavity the implant to support the tissue surrounding the cavity, the act of implanting including initially compressing the implant.   
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 40 , further comprising directing a radiation beam to the implant for delivery of radiation therapy to margins around the cavity. 
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 41 , wherein the act of directing comprises initiating targeting of a radiation beam for delivery of radiation therapy at least one day after placement of the implant in the cavity. 
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 41 , wherein the act of directing occurs 90 to 120 days subsequent to placement of the implant in the cavity.