Maximum overinflation of tissue expanders.
An ex vivo study was undertaken to document the maximum possible overinflation of tissue expanders with a comparison of all major manufacturers. Ten standard round implants from each vendor were expanded. Mean overinflation varied from 33 to 99 times stated capacity, with a range from 16 to 157 times this volume. The mechanism of failure in 93 percent of implants was envelope rupture. Overexpansion appears safe without risk of implant failure at least to 15 times vendors' stated maximum volume.
Hallock
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Division of Plastic Surgery at Allentown Affiliated Hospitals, PA.
D001940:Breast; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D019736:Prostheses and Implants