CPC A61N 5/1015 (2013.01) [A61B 90/39 (2016.02); A61B 90/94 (2016.02); A61N 5/1049 (2013.01); A61N 5/1069 (2013.01); A61B 2017/00004 (2013.01); A61B 2017/00716 (2013.01); A61B 2090/0815 (2016.02); A61B 2090/3908 (2016.02); A61B 2090/3925 (2016.02); A61B 2090/3954 (2016.02); A61B 2090/3966 (2016.02); A61N 2005/1098 (2013.01)] | 18 Claims |
1. A method, comprising:
creating a cavity in a breast of a patient's body during a lumpectomy procedure by removing soft tissue through a surgical incision from a location within the patient's body;
inserting into the cavity by an open surgical method a bioabsorbable implant including a plurality of arms emanating from a center of the implant, a first arm of the plurality of arms including a first enlarged spherical end and a second arm of the plurality of arms including a second enlarged spherical end, the first enlarged spherical end having a different size than the second enlarged spherical end, wherein the implant has x, y, and z axes, wherein at least the first arm of the plurality of arms emanating along one of the x, y, and z axes of the implant is orthogonal to at least the second arm of the plurality of arms of the implant emanating along another of the x, y, and z axes of the implant, and wherein the implant is asymmetrical about two of the x, y, and z axes of the implant;
positioning a first axis defining asymmetry of the implant in a known orientation relative to the patient's body to aid in marking, orientating, or identifying a specific anatomical orientation of the implant relative to the patient's body during a subsequent imaging procedure; and
suturing the implant to secure the implant in place within the cavity.
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