IMPLANT CHRONOLOGY

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IMPLANT CHRONOLOGY

# 1976: Congress gives the Food and Drug

Administration the authority to regulate medical

devices such as breast implants. Because implants

already were on the market, sales were allowed to

continue without proof they were safe or effective.

# 1980s: Reports begin appearing of illnesses possibly

linked to ruptured implants.

# 1992: The FDA bans silicone gel-filled breast

implants, except for patients with breast cancer and

certain other conditions who could get them through

specially monitored research studies. Implants filled

with saline, or salt water, were not restricted, the

only option left for cosmetic enlargement.

# 1999: The Institute of Medicine said there was not

evidence linking breast implants to serious illnesses,

but that breaking, pain and other local complications

occurred frequently. Also, a judge approved a $3.2

billion settlement with Dow Corning Corp. to

compensate women who had sued, claiming ill effects

from silicone gel implants.

# 2000: The FDA re-evaluated saline-filled implants

and declared that two companies' versions were safe

enough to continue selling if women are warned about

high breakage and replacement rates.

# 2003: Inamed Corp. asks the FDA to approve its

silicone-gel implants.

(AP)