Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing biofilm from, or reducing bacterial adhesion to, a metallic medical device (40) external to the human or animal body. The method comprises connecting a first electrode (50) to a surface of the medical device (40); exposing a target area on the surface of the medical device (40) to an electrolytic fluid (14); placing a second electrode (20) proximal to the target area; and providing electrical power between the first (50) and second (20) electrode such that electrolysis occurs in the electrolytic fluid; wherein the electrical power comprises a plurality of electrical pulses, wherein the potential difference between the first and second electrode is at least IV and wherein the current density applied in each electrical pulse is up to (15) A per cm2 of the target area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an artificial joint comprising a first joint portion (101), a second joint portion (105) and an intermediate portion (103). The first joint portion and the second joint portion each comprise an electrically conductive material and the intermediate portion comprises a non-conductive material and is arranged in between the first joint portion and the second joint portion such that the first joint portion is electrically isolated from the second joint portion. The artificial joint further comprises an internal electronic unit (110) provided inside of the isolating portion being connected to the first joint portion via at least one first electrode (111) and to the second joint portion via at least one second electrode (113). Thus, a first voltage can be applied to the first joint portion and a second electric voltage can be applied to the second joint portion, the voltages being with reference to a common reference potential.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an artificial joint comprising a first joint portion (101), a second joint portion (105) and an intermediate portion (103). The first joint portion and the second joint portion each comprise an electrically conductive material and the intermediate portion comprises a non-conductive material and is arranged in between the first joint portion and the second joint portion such that the first joint portion is electrically isolated from the second joint portion. The artificial joint further comprises an internal electronic unit (110) provided inside of the isolating portion being connected to the first joint portion via at least one first electrode (111) and to the second joint portion via at least one second electrode (113). Thus, a first voltage can be applied to the first joint portion and a second electric voltage can be applied to the second joint portion, the voltages being with reference to a common reference potential.