Abstract: Methods for forming bone implants for the repair of the ends of bones at orthopedic joints, which implants have a Young's modulus close to that of human cortical bone. Substrates of dense isotropic graphite are coated overall with hard, microporous, isotropic pyrocarbon of specific character such that it can be polished to serve as an articular surface and can also securely receive an anchoring first metal layer through PVD. The first layer has a character such that, by thermal spraying a second biocompatible metal layer thereupon, fusion occurs and thereby anchors an outermost layer that is formed with a network of randomly interconnected pores and a surface character of peaks and valleys designed to promote enhanced appositional growth of cortical bone at the interface therewith.

Abstract: A hemi-arthroplasty implant (11) joint replacement for the base of the first metacarpal of the CMC joint is created which can effectively restore and reestablish functional joint mechanics. The implant (11) has a unique head section (13) creating a particular interrelation between a spherical head articular surface (19), that is received in a surgically prepared cavity in the trapezium, wherein a supporting neck (21) in a re-entrant region joins the head to a flat, generally oblong collar (15).

Abstract: A humeral head resurfacing implant (11) that has a modulus of elasticity close to that of human cortical bone as a result of its design from an integral substrate of isotropic graphite covered completely with a reinforcing layer of dense isotropic pyrolytic carbon. A carefully engineered cruciform stem (15) extends from the axial center of a flat distal circular surface (23) of a spherical cap portion (19) of the implant head located within the confines of a surrounding skirt portion (21).

Abstract: A hemi-arthroplasty implant (11) joint replacement for the base of the first metacarpal of the CMC joint is created which can effectively restore and reestablish functional joint mechanics. The implant (11) has a unique head section (13) creating a particular interrelation between a spherical head articular surface (19), that is received in a surgically prepared cavity in the trapezium, wherein a supporting neck (21) in a re-entrant region joins the head to a flat, generally oblong collar (15).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for proof testing an assembled mechanical heart valve prosthesis having a valve body and at least one movable occluder wherein at least one of the components has a surface of nonmetallic crystalline material, such as pyrocarbon, in which microcrack growth may occur. The assembled valve prosthesis is subjected to fluid loading with the occluder in the closed position so as to create omnidirectional pressure of at least 20 psig therewithin on the downstream side of the occluder. During fluid loading of the assembled valve, acoustic monitoring is carried out using a transducer to detect sounds that are indicative of crack nucleation and/or incremental crack extension, based upon a predetermined fail-pass criterion. Any valve prosthesis wherein sounds of a greater magnitude are detected is rejected.

Abstract: A sewing ring for a heart valve prosthesis to allow the valve to be sutured into operative position in association with a region of a human heart from which a defective valve has been excised. The generally cylindrical exterior surface of a valve body of circular cross-section is provided with either an encircling groove or a protruding annular band. To interconnect with such groove or band, a metal split sleeve is provided which has either a radially inward directed projection or an annular cavity for mating, respectively, with the groove or band of the valve body. A tubular fabric sleeve from which a sewing cuff is constructed is first fitted about the valve body, and a central portion of such fabric sleeve is sandwiched between the split sleeve and the valve body so that it is entrapped and preferably compressed between the interconnecting elements. A continuous locking ring, e.g.