Abstract: The invention relates to a process for making an opaque and glossy film from a thermoplastic polyester composition, comprising the steps of a) extruding the polyester composition through a slot die, and quenching to form a substantially amorphous film having a crystallinity of at most 5%; b) rapidly heating the amorphous film to a drawing temperature in the range from Tg to (Tg+50)° C. while applying a draw ratio in the range of from ?initiation to ?max. in longitudinal direction, and a drawing rate of at least 1 m/min to form an oriented film showing stress-whitening, wherein ?initiation is the draw ratio at which a transfer from a transparent product to a stress-whitened product occurs and ?max. is the draw ratio at which failure of the stress whitened film occurs; and c) heat-setting the oriented stress-whitened film; the thermoplastic polyester composition substantially consisting of at least one crystallisable polyester derived from at least one aliphatic diol and at least one aromatic dicarboxylic acid.

Abstract: A method of installing a transcutaneous prosthesis which includes a first component, a second component adapted for location between the bone and the skin, the second component having a surface treatment for stimulation of fibroblastic cell proliferation and attachment of epithelial cells and a third component adapted for location to extend from the skin surface and the third component having an outer surface. The outer surface of the third component has a surface energy that is lower than a surface energy of at least the first component and which is low enough to deter bacterial adhesion.

Abstract: A method of surface treatment of at least part of a surface of an implant, said method comprising: electrochemical deposition of a layer containing calcium and phosphorus ions onto a metallic substrate; and incorporation of a therapeutic agent into said electrochemically deposited layer and an implant so treated.

Abstract: A transcutaneous prosthetic device having at least one soft tissue fixture adapted to be fixed to the musculo-tendinous soft tissues of a residual limb, an anchor for an external prosthesis that is fixedly coupled, directly or indirectly, to the bone of the residual limb and at least one transmission means, at least part of the transmission means being housed within a body. The transmission means allowing transmission of one or more signals between the soft tissue fixture and an external prosthesis. The transmission means may comprises a connecting means connecting the soft tissue fixture and an external prosthesis. The connecting means may comprise a mechanical or an electrical connector. The connecting means may comprise a sealed connection within the transcutaneous component, to provide an effective barrier between the internal and external environments.

Abstract: A transcutaneous prosthesis includes a first component configured for attachment to a bone, the first component including flutes or grooves on a surface thereof for deterring rotation of the prosthesis within a bone; a second component adapted for location between the bone and the skin, the second component having a surface treatment for stimulation of fibroblastic cell proliferation and attachment of epithelial cells; and a third component adapted for location to extend from the skin surface and is adapted to extend directly from the skin surface in use, the third component having a coating of a non-stick material on an outer surface thereof, the coating having a surface energy that is lower than a surface energy of the first and second components and which is low enough to deter bacterial adhesion.

Abstract: A surgical implant comprises a core region and a porous surface region extending over at least part of the core region. The surface region has a predetermined pore volume fraction. A method of manufacturing a surgical implant comprises: (i) loading metallic powder having a predetermined particle size distribution around a pre-formed core in a sealable capsule; (ii) reducing pressure within the capsule to a predetermined pressure below atmospheric pressure; (iii) pressurising the capsule with a process gas to a predetermined pressure higher than the predetermined pressure of step (ii); (iv) sealing the capsule; (v) heating the pressurised sealed capsule at an elevated temperature and an elevated pressure for a predetermined time to produce an implant precursor; (vi) cooling the sealed capsule, and; (vii) heating the implant precursor for a predetermined time at an elevated temperature and a predetermined pressure below atmospheric pressure, whereby to generate porosity in the implant precursor.

Abstract: A transcutaneous prosthesis includes a first component shaped for implantation into a bone, the first component including flutes or grooves on a surface thereof for deterring rotation of the prosthesis within a bone; a second component adapted for location between the bone and the skin, the second component having a surface treatment for stimulation of fibroblastic cell proliferation and attachment of epithelial cells; and a third component adapted for location to extend from the skin surface and is adapted to extend directly from the skin surface in use, the third component having a coating of a non-stick material on an outer surface thereof, the coating having a surface energy that is lower than a surface energy of the first and second components and which is low enough to deter bacterial adhesion.

Abstract: A transcutaneous prosthesis is disclosed comprising a first component (1) shaped for implantation into a bone (2), a second component (4) intended for location between the bone (2) and the skin, and a third component (5) intended for location exterior to the skin surface, having a low surface energy which deters bacterial adhesion. The second component (4) may carry an adhesion-promoting protein.

Abstract: A surgical implant comprises a core region and a porous surface region extending over at least a part of said core region. The porous surface region has a predetermined pore volume fraction.

Abstract: A transcutaneous prosthesis is disclosed comprising a first component (1) shaped for implantation into a bone (2), a second component (4) intended for location between the bone (2) and the skin, and a third component (5) intended for location exterior to the skin surface, having a low surface energy which deters bacterial adhesion. The second component (4) may carry an adhesion-promoting protein.