Made Of Metal Patents (Class 623/23.53)
  • Patent number: 11872136
    Abstract: A surgical implant device, including: an implant body; a porous layer disposed adjacent to the implant body, wherein the porous layer includes a lattice of intersecting struts; and a plurality of needle structures protruding from the porous layer opposite the implant body, wherein at least some of the plurality of needle structures traverse the porous layer and are anchored to the implant body. The plurality of needle structures that traverse the porous layer and are anchored to the implant body are coupled to one or more intersecting struts of the lattice. Optionally, some of the plurality of needle structures are spaced apart from the implant body and are anchored only to the porous layer. Preferably, one or more of the implant body, the porous layer, and the plurality of needle structures are formed by an additive manufacturing technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: Kyocera Medical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Steinmann, Scott Rucker, Tim Rasmussen, John P. Steinmann, Trace Cawley, Thomas Ross, Ernesto Rios, Andrew Olcese
  • Patent number: 11672886
    Abstract: Porous regions are formed using selected additive manufacturing techniques. The porous regions can assist in fibro-inductive regions and/or osteo-inductive regions. A prosthetic member can be formed completely with the additive manufacturing technique and/or the additive manufacturing techniques can be used to form an augment portion that is added to the prosthetic member formed separately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Jason D. Meridew, Joshua R. Porter
  • Patent number: 11304811
    Abstract: A surgical implant device, including: an implant body; a porous layer disposed adjacent to the implant body, wherein the porous layer includes a lattice of intersecting struts; and a plurality of needle structures protruding from the porous layer opposite the implant body, wherein at least some of the plurality of needle structures traverse the porous layer and are anchored to the implant body. The plurality of needle structures that traverse the porous layer and are anchored to the implant body are coupled to one or more intersecting struts of the lattice. Optionally, some of the plurality of needle structures are spaced apart from the implant body and are anchored only to the porous layer. Preferably, one or more of the implant body, the porous layer, and the plurality of needle structures are formed by an additive manufacturing technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Kyocera Medical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Steinmann, Scott Rucker, Tim Rasmussen, John P. Steinmann, Trace Cawley, Thomas Ross, Ernesto Rios, Andrew Olcese
  • Patent number: 11298747
    Abstract: A porous apparatus includes a first layer and a second layer. The second layer has a plurality of struts. At least some of the struts define a porous geometry defining a plurality of faces, at least one of the plurality of the faces at least partially confronting the first layer. Each face is bounded by intersecting struts at vertices. Less than all of the vertices of each face of the porous geometry at least partially confronting the first layer are connected by a strut to the first layer. A process of producing the at least partially porous structure includes depositing and scanning metal powder layers. At least some of the scanned metal powder layers form either one or both of a portion of a first section of the structure and a portion of a second section of the structure formed by at least the struts defining the porous geometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
    Inventors: Robert W. Klein, Lewis Mullen, Joseph Robinson
  • Patent number: 10994056
    Abstract: A device for fixing biological soft tissue is endowed with strength and deformation performance for being used as a device for coupling biological soft tissue that has been cut or separated due to an incision or the like during a surgical procedure, and is completely degraded in vivo and discharged after adhesion of the soft tissue or after healing of the incision tissue. The device is composed of a ternary Mg alloy material of Mg—Ca—Zn. In the Mg alloy material, the Ca and Zn are contained within the solid-solubility limit with respect to the Mg. The remainder is composed of Mg and unavoidable impurities. The Zn content is 0.5 at % or less. The Ca and Zn content has a relationship of Ca:Zn=1:x (where x is 1 to 3) by atom ratio. The crystal grain structure is equiaxed, the crystal grain size according to linear intercept being 30 to 250 ?m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORPORATION KOBE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Toshiji Mukai, Naoko Ikeo, Eisei Gu, Takumi Fukumoto, Hikaru Yabuuchi
  • Patent number: 10675384
    Abstract: A medical implant is disclosed. The medical implant includes: a first biocompatible metal forming a substrate (210, 310, 410), a second biocompatible metal diffused into the first biocompatible metal to form an biocompatible alloy surface (220, 314, 414), the alloy surface further including a diffusion hardening species, wherein the diffusion hardening species may be carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, boron, or any combination thereof. A method of forming a medical implant is also disclosed. The method includes the steps of: providing a first biocompatible metal or alloy that forms a substrate (210, 310, 410), providing a second biocompatible metal or alloy, diffusing the second biocompatible metal into the first biocompatible metal to form an alloy layer (220, 314, 414), removing excess second metal material from the substrate to expose the alloy layer, and diffusion hardening the alloy layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: SMITH & NEPHEW INC.
    Inventors: Vivek Pawar, Donald E. Kramer, Carolyn L. Weaver, Shilesh C. Jani
  • Patent number: 10499966
    Abstract: A bone fixation system is configured to be implanted and secured to a bone so as to stabilize a bone. The bone fixation system includes an implant having a plate portion configured to be secured to a first segment of the bone by a first bone anchor, and a second segment of the bone by a second one anchor. The implant further includes a mesh portion configured to abut a third segment of the bone to prevent movement of the third segment relative to both the first segment and the second segment. The implant defining an outer perimeter defined in part by the plate portion and in part by the mesh portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Kobayashi, Harry Thomas Hall, IV, Glen Pierson
  • Patent number: 10478311
    Abstract: A surgical implant having a surface treatment which contains primary cavities and secondary cavities. The primary cavities are larger than the secondary cavities and the primary cavities have an average length ranging from 20-500 micrometers. The surface treatment includes recasted material adjacent to a plurality of the primary cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Miccio, Jason Zappacosta
  • Patent number: 10117747
    Abstract: A temporo-mandibular joint prosthesis comprising: a first part for attaching to a temporal bone; a second part for attaching to a mandible bone; and a mechanism linking the first part and the second part. The mechanism defines a range of motion of the first part relative to the second part for when the first and second parts are attached to a temporal bone and a mandible bone, respectively. The mechanism includes a rotary joint providing a rotational range of motion of the first part relative to the second part; and a first slider joint providing a first translational range of motion of the first part relative to the second part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignees: OBL SA, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Dijon
    Inventors: Guillaume Dubois, Narcisse Zwetyenga
  • Patent number: 10098746
    Abstract: In embodiments of the invention, an implant that anchors into bone may have a bone-facing region that comprises a plurality of interconnected struts. The interconnected struts may define local features such as engagement ridges, fins, crests, a macroscopic surface-interrupting feature, a divertor structure, and sawteeth in any combination. Such features may help resist translation or rotation of the implant, and may be conducive to bone ingrowth. Parameters such as local empty volume fraction and local average strut length can be varied, even within the features, by the design of the network of struts. Struts may be tapered. Cantilever struts may also be provided, which may point in a desired direction. The pattern of struts may be specified to the level of dimensions and location of individual struts. The implant may be manufactured by additive manufacturing methods. The mesh of struts may be generated by an algorithm using Voronoi tessellation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Nextstep Arthropedix, LLC
    Inventors: Cowan H. Moore, Randall R. Theken, Christopher Lee Fries, Eric Montgomery Lucas, Richard Barros
  • Patent number: 9308153
    Abstract: A method for the surface preparation of devices made of titanium or titanium alloys, zirconium, zirconia, alumina or zirconia/alumina compounds, stainless steels and cobalt-base superalloys for medical use; the devices being implantable in the human body or in animals and attached extracorporeal parts made with the same materials, particularly for dental and orthopedic implantology. The implantable device is treated by exposing at least one portion of the surface of the device to a solution including hydrofluoric acid, phosphoric acid, at least one surfactant substance and water; for a time period and in conditions sufficient to provide the surface of the implant with the desired surface roughness and the formation of self-induced surface titanium dioxide, maintaining the structural integrity of the device and without altering the centesimal measurement size. The surface thus is rinsed with demineralized water and ultrasounds in order to prevent metalosis phenomena.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Inventor: Cristiano Ugo Ciranni
  • Patent number: 9044332
    Abstract: In various embodiments, provided are implantable devices for replacing all or a portion of a metatarsophalangeal joint, comprising (i) a metatarsal component comprising a substantially convex bearing surface; or (ii) a phalanx component comprising a substantially concave bearing surface; or (iii) both. In various embodiments, also provided are methods of treating hallux valgus by replacing all or a portion of a metatarsophalangeal joint with one or more of the provided implantable devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Wright State University
    Inventors: Tarun K. Goswami, Allison L. Van Horn, Alexander O. Sheets
  • Publication number: 20150142098
    Abstract: An implant comprises a structure that may be implanted into tissue and that has a first material property at normal body temperature. The first material property is variable at elevated temperatures above normal body temperature. The implant also has a plurality of particles dispersed in the structure that are adapted to convert incident radiation into heat energy when irradiated with electromagnetic radiation. The particles are in thermal contact with the structure such that exposure of the particles to incident radiation raises the temperature of the structure thereby changing the first material property relative to the first material property at normal body temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Patrick H. Ruane, Cameron L. Wilson
  • Patent number: 9034051
    Abstract: A bone repair material being superior in apatite-forming ability and its stability in a storage and high in scratch resistance is disclosed. The material is produced by a method comprising the steps of: immersing a substrate made of titanium or a titanium alloy in a first aqueous solution that does not contain calcium ions but contains at least one cation selected from the group consisting of sodium ions and potassium ions and is alkaline; immersing the substrate in a second aqueous solution that does not contain phosphate ions but contains calcium ions; heating the substrate in a dry atmosphere; and treating the substrate with hot water of 60° C. or higher or with steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: ADVANCED MEDIX INC.
    Inventors: Tadashi Kokubo, Takashi Kizuki, Seiji Yamaguchi, Tomiharu Matsushita
  • Publication number: 20150118649
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a surface treatment method for an implant, comprising: providing an implant; and forming a ceramic layer on a surface of the implant by atomic layer deposition, wherein the ceramic layer has a thickness of 5-150 nm; a root mean square roughness increase in a range of 15 nm or less; and a friction coefficient of 0.1-0.5. The ceramic layer formed on the surface of the implant can fully encapsulate the surface of the implant with excellent uniformity to effectively block the free metal ions dissociated from the implant. Moreover, it has anti-oxidation and anti-corrosion effects, and greatly enhances the biocompatibility of the implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: National Taiwan University
    Inventors: Sheng-Hao HSU, Wan-Yu TSENG, Li-Deh LIN, Ming-Shu LEE, Ming-Hung TSENG, Wei-Fang SU, Feng-Yu TSAI, Min-Huey CHEN
  • Patent number: 9011665
    Abstract: A metal implant for use in a surgical procedure is provided with a surface layer that is integral with the metal substrate, and which incorporates a biocidal material. The surface layer is grown by anodizing at a voltage between 50 and 150 V, and the biocidal material incorporated in it by ion exchange. This produces a significantly harder surface than anodizing at low voltage, and generates pits containing ion-absorbing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Accentus Medical Limited
    Inventors: Martin Edward Lee Pickford, David Richard Lewis, Andrew Derek Turner
  • Patent number: 9012043
    Abstract: A medical implant device or component thereof comprising a metal substrate and a coating layer structure provided on the substrate. The coating layer structure comprises an outermost layer of a ceramic material. A bonding structure is deposited between the metal substrate and the coating layer structure. The bonding structure comprises a chromium rich layer, which is deposited onto the metal substrate surface and has a higher concentration of chromium than the metal substrate, as well as a gradient layer having a composition gradient from the chromium rich layer towards the surface of the device providing increasing proportions of a gradient material which has structural correspondence with the layer of the coating layer structure that is most adjacent to the bonding structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Sandvik Intellectual Property AB
    Inventors: Ola Wilhelmsson, Tom Eriksson, Per Mårtensson
  • Publication number: 20140371863
    Abstract: An additively manufactured medical implant, comprising a metallic body having at least one porous surface configured to promote bony on-growth or in-growth of tissue, the porous surface being replicated from a high resolution scan of bone, and a biological surface coating configured to create a barrier to particulate debris, the biological surface coating being produced from a titanium porous plasma spray surface coating or a biomimetic coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: TOM VANASSE, Gautam Gupta, Jason Meridew
  • Patent number: 8876910
    Abstract: A method for selectively dissolving the beta (?) phase of a titanium alloy out of the surface of the alloy, thereby leaving behind a nano-scale porous surface having enhanced bonding properties with either a biological tissue, such as bone, or an adhesive material, such as a polymer or ceramic by immersing the alloy in an ionic aqueous solution containing high levels of hydrogen peroxide and then exposing the alloy to an electrochemical voltage process resulting in the selective dissolution of the beta phase to form a nano-topographic metallic surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Syracuse University
    Inventors: Jeremy Gilbert, Zhijun Bai, Nithya Chandrasekaran
  • Patent number: 8864839
    Abstract: An implant device for humans or mammals has a body structure having an exposed surface and one or more selected portions of the exposed surface having a bone formation enhancing 3-dimensional pattern. The exposed surface can be on exterior portions of the body structure or internal portions of the body structure or both. The one or more selected portions of the exposed portions having the bone formation enhancing 3-dimensional patterns are in the external exposed surfaces or in the internal exposed surfaces or both internal and external exposed surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Vivex Biomedical, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Ganey
  • Patent number: 8834576
    Abstract: Fired magnesium oxide stabilized zirconia ceramic body having a highly smooth, polished or otherwise equivalent surface has, on at least part of the surface, a metal/metal alloy coating. The fired ceramic body can be a magnesium oxide stabilized tetragonally toughened zirconia. The coating can be from a metal or metal alloy other than by tantalum vapor deposition, and can include a titanium metal or alloy. The coated magnesium oxide stabilized zirconia ceramic can be a tool or an orthopedic implant or component for an orthopedic implant, which can be a load bearing implant or component for a load bearing implant having an articular surface and a nonarticular surface where the metal or metal alloy coating is on at least part of the nonarticular surface. Plasma arc spraying under vacuum may be employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventor: Louis A. Serafin, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140172116
    Abstract: An osteotomy implant including a porous portion, a solid portion, and a hinge portion. The porous portion includes a first part and a second part that defines a clearance therebetween. A solid portion abuts the porous portion. A hinge portion of the solid portion is coupled to the first part and the second part. The hinge portion is configured to enable the implant to be changed from a first configuration to a second configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Biomet Sports Medicine, LLC
    Inventors: William Maxson, Gautam Gupta
  • Publication number: 20140163691
    Abstract: The invention relates to an osteosynthesis implant (1) for adapting the shape and the working volume of a ribcage with a view to the implantation of an artificial heart in said ribcage, characterized in that it comprises the following elements:—a main part (10) which has a shape and dimensions that can be adapted to the shape and the dimensions of the rib cage,—attaching elements (20) for attaching the main part to the ribcage, wherein said attaching elements (20) are rigidly attached to the main part (10), and—a protection (30) for the artificial heart, attached to the main part (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventor: Philippe Dartevelle
  • Patent number: 8696759
    Abstract: Implants with a calcium phosphate containing layer are disclosed. The implants, which can have a metallic character (e.g., made from a cobalt chromium alloy), can include a surface that is exposed to one or more formulations that results in a chemical and/or physical modification. In some instances, the modified surface is texturized so as to include a plurality of surface pits. The average pit size opening can range, for example, from 40 nm to about 10 ?m, and can include a plurality of average pit sizes in some cases. The modified surfaces can promote growth of a calcium phosphate layer, which can be accelerated relative to conventional techniques. Other variations of such implant surfaces, and methods of producing similar implant surfaces, are also discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Depuy Synthes Products, LLC
    Inventors: Weidong Tong, Larry Salvati, Pooja Kadambi
  • Patent number: 8697231
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a porous structure having a controlled pattern (1), which is repeated in space, in three dimensions, said porous structure enabling the production of surgical implants for filling in bone defects. According to the invention, said structure is characterized in that said pattern (1) consists of three wings (2) arranged in a star shape, each angle (A) formed between two wings being substantially equal to 120°, each wing having a generally rectangular shape and being hollowed (3) at the center thereof. Each of the three wings (2) of said pattern is advantageously beveled at its free end or tip (4), and the width of the base (5) of each bevel is slightly greater than the thickness of the wings (2) of which it forms an extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: OBL
    Inventors: Patrice Longepied, Guillaume Dubois
  • Publication number: 20140050942
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are biodegradable medical devices comprising biodegradable materials (e.g., magnesium-calcium alloys) having an adjustable rate of degradation that can be used in various applications including, but not limited to, drug delivery applications, cardiovascular applications, and orthopedic applications to make biodegradable and biocompatible devices. Also disclosed herein are methods of making biodegradable medical devices comprising biodegradable materials by using, for instance, hybrid dry cutting/hydrostatic burnishing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: Board of Trustees of The University of Alabama
    Inventors: Yuebin Guo, Michael Sealy, Meisam Salahshoor Pirsoltan
  • Publication number: 20140046453
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a new composition and medical implant made therefrom, the composition comprising a thick diffusion hardened zone, and preferably further comprising a ceramic layer. The present invention relates to orthopedic implants comprising the new composition, methods of making the new composition, and methods of making orthopedic implants comprising the new composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: SMITH & NEPHEW, INC.
    Inventors: Vivek PAWAR, Shilesh C JANI, Carolyn L WEAVER
  • Patent number: 8647701
    Abstract: Methods of making surface hardened medical implants comprising providing a biocompatible alloy with a surface comprising an oxide or nitride layer, diffusing at least a portion of the respective oxygen or nitrogen from the oxide or nitride layer the substrate for a period of time to form a diffusion hardened zone of desired thickness. The period of time is based at least on (1) the diffusivity of a diffusing specie in the oxide or nitride layer, (2) a desired hardness profile of at least a portion of said implant defined by a function selected from the group consisting of: an error function, an exponential function, a near uniform distribution function, and any sequential combination thereof, or (3) a desired thickness of said oxide or nitride layer to be retained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Vivek Pawar, Shilesh C. Jani, Carolyn Weaver
  • Publication number: 20140025181
    Abstract: A method of forming an implant having a porous region replicated from scanned bone, the method comprising imaging bone with a high resolution digital scanner to generate a three-dimensional design model of the bone; removing a three-dimensional section from the design model; fabricating a porous region on a digital representation of the implant by replacing a solid portion of the digital implant with the section removed from the digital representation; and using an additive manufacturing technique to create a physical implant including the fabricated porous region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: Tom Vanasse, Gautam Gupta, Jason Meridew
  • Patent number: 8603388
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for obtaining a metal implant for open porosity tissue support and/or replacement, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: (i) selecting a mould, (ii) arranging in the mould a solid metal core (7), (iii) filling the volume of the mould (1) still available with a powder of microspheres (3), (iv) consolidating the microspheres (3) with each other as well as with said at least one solid core (7) by electrical discharge sintering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignees: Protip SAS, Universite Louis Pasteur (ULP), Hopitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg (HUS)
    Inventors: Christian Debry, André Walder
  • Publication number: 20130297037
    Abstract: A surgical implant component comprising an implant component body manufactured from an alloy comprising from about 23 to about 33 wt % Cr, from about 8 to about 20 wt % Mo, from about 0.05 to about 1.5 wt % Si, from about 0.35 to about 3.5 wt % C, from about 40 to about 60 wt % Co, and incidental impurities. The implant component alloy has an atomic % ratio of (Cr+Mo+Nb)/Co of at least 0.59, a matrix metallurgical microstructure comprising between about 45% and about 85% by volume face-centered cubic structure, and between about 15% and about 55% by volume hexagonal close-packed structure; and a Rockwell C hardness of greater than 35. A method for manufacturing a surgical implant component body for a surgical implant by a manufacturing method selected from the group consisting of casting, forging, and powder metallurgy pressing-plus-sintering from an alloy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: DELORO STELLITE HOLDINGS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Matthew Yao, Rachel Collier, Danie DeWet
  • Publication number: 20130261765
    Abstract: A bone repair material being superior in apatite-forming ability and its stability in a storage and high in scratch resistance is disclosed. The material is produced by a method comprising the steps of: immersing a substrate made of titanium or a titanium alloy in a first aqueous solution that does not contain calcium ions but contains at least one cation selected from the group consisting of sodium ions and potassium ions and is alkaline; immersing the substrate in a second aqueous solution that does not contain phosphate ions but contains calcium ions; heating the substrate in a dry atmosphere; and treating the substrate with hot water of 60° C. or higher or with steam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: ADVANCED MEDIX INC.
    Inventors: Tadashi Kokubo, Takashi Kizuki, Seiji Yamaguchi, Tomiharu Matsushita
  • Publication number: 20130211539
    Abstract: A pressurizable implant, comprising a body and at least one porous arm extending from and interconnected to the body, the at least one porous arm being configured to accommodate a pressure gradient that is created by a device removably connectable to the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventors: John M. McDaniel, Nathan Winslow
  • Patent number: 8496703
    Abstract: This invention provides a new class of medical devices and implants comprising amorphous metal alloys. The medical devices and implants may be temporary or permanent and may comprise other materials as well, such as polymers, ceramics, and conventional crystalline or polycrystalline metal alloys. Specifically, this invention provides implantable surgical fabrics comprising amorphous metal alloys. The presence of amorphous metal alloys in these fabrics can serve a variety of purposes, including structurally reinforcing the surgical fabric and/or imparting to the fabric the ability to shield against harmful radiation. The fabric may be used inside or outside the body during medical procedures. Further, the implantable surgical fabrics may be woven or non-woven fabrics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Zuli Holdings Ltd.
    Inventor: Jacob Richter
  • Patent number: 8486152
    Abstract: An orthopedic implant comprising a metallic substrate coated with a diamond-like carbon (DLC) layer, and a layer of a polymeric material placed over the DLC layer that is less stiff than the substrate, and methods of manufacturing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, LLC
    Inventors: Cyril Voisard, Goetz Thorwarth, Markus Kraft
  • Publication number: 20130178946
    Abstract: An orthopaedic implant for filling voids in bones, and methods of using the same. The orthopaedic implant comprises an open porous metal component, having pores for promoting bone regeneration, and a resorbable bone growth promoting component which is resorbed into new bone. The orthopaedic implant and methods of the present disclosure provide structural support for the bone as well as osteoconductive and/or osteoinductive matrix for promoting bone re-growth within bone void. Advantageously, the orthopaedic implants and methods disclosed herein are useful in filling critically sized bone voids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew E. Monaghan, Timothy A. Hoeman
  • Patent number: 8449991
    Abstract: Polycrystalline diamond compacts for use in artificial joints achieve reduced corrosion and improved biocompatibility through the use of solvent metal formulations containing tin and through the control of solvent metal pore size, particularly in inner layers of the compact. Solvent metal formulations containing tin have been discovered which provide sintering ability, part strength, and grind resistance comparable to levels achieved by using CoCrMo solvent metals. It has been discovered that limiting the solvent metal pore size in the diamond layers minimizes or eliminates the occurrence of micro cracks in the solvent metal and significantly reduces the corrosion of the compact as manifested by the release of heavy metal ions from the compact. Polycrystalline diamond compacts which utilize both the solvent metal formulations containing tin and the control of pore sizes achieve significantly reduced corrosion and improved biocompatibility compared to prior art polycrystalline diamond compacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Dimicron, Inc.
    Inventors: Clayton F. Gardinier, Alfred S. Despres, Troy J. Medford, Tim Bunton
  • Patent number: 8415019
    Abstract: A new composition and medical implant made there from comprises a thick diffusion hardened zone, and layered ceramic surface. Orthopedic implants comprising the new composition, methods of making the new composition, and methods of making orthopedic implants comprising the new composition are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Vivek Devidas Pawar, Shilesh C. Jani, Carolyn L. Weaver
  • Patent number: 8398789
    Abstract: Superelastic and/or shape memory nickel-titanium alloys having an increased fatigue life that is superior to known nickel-titanium alloys are disclosed. The nickel-titanium alloys have a minimum fatigue life that may be at least about 10 million strain cycles at a strain of at least about 0.75. The minimum fatigue life may be due, at least in part, to the nickel-titanium alloy having at least one of an oxygen concentration of less than about 200 ppm, a carbon concentration of less than about 200 ppm, the absence of oxide-based and/or carbide-based inclusions having a size greater than about 5 microns (?m), the presence of an R-phase, or combinations of the foregoing. Articles manufactured from such fatigue-resistant nickel-titanium alloys can be more durable because they are more resistant to repetitive strain and crack propagation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Sophia L. Wong, Zhicheng Lin, Alan G. Tahran, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130046393
    Abstract: A bone implant for a patient with low bone mineral density is disclosed, which includes a strontium element. The bone implant also can further include a calcium element and a phosphorus element. The strontium element is contained in a range from 0.01% mol to 99.98% mol. The calcium element is contained in a range from 0.01% mol to 99.98% mol. The phosphorus element is contained in a range from 0.01% mol to 99.98% mol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: NATIONAL CHENG KUNG UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Tzer-Min LEE, Kuan-Chen KUNG, Shih-Ping YANG, Chyun-Yu YANG, Kuo YUAN
  • Publication number: 20130046392
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is directed to compositions and methods for enhancing attachment of soft tissues to a metal prosthetic device. In one embodiment a construct is provided comprising a metal implant having a porous metal region, wherein the porous region exhibits a nano-textured surface, and a biocompatible polymer matrix coating the nano-textured surface. The polymer matrix coating comprises a naturally occurring extracellular matrix with biocompatible inorganic materials distributed within the matrix, or a biocompatible polymer and an osteo-inductive agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicants: DEPUY PRODUCTS, INC., PURDUE RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: PURDUE RESEARCH FOUNDATION, DePUY PRODUCTS, INC.
  • Patent number: 8357205
    Abstract: A femoral head made from a ceramic-metal composite having a multi-layered construction and related method of manufacture is disclosed. The femoral head includes an inner metal core bonded to a relatively thin ceramic outer layer that is used as the articulating surface with an acetabular cup during total hip arthoplasty. In another embodiment, an interface layer having a ceramic and metal mixture may be laminated between the inner metal core and the exterior ceramic layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Inventors: Mohamed Naushad Rahaman, Bhajanjit Singh Bal, Yadong Li
  • Publication number: 20130018480
    Abstract: The invention relates to an implant with a basic body made of aluminum, a method of producing an implant and an device for producing an implant. The implant has a microstructure and a macrostructure. Through this the biochemical interaction between the implant and tissue is optimized with regard to degradation and ingrowth behavior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: Meotec GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Alexander KOPP
  • Patent number: 8328962
    Abstract: A damping and shock absorbing method and apparatus for permanent or non-permanent use in the human body and having a shape memory alloy material cycled through stress-strain hysteresis to dissipate energy for effective damping. A sufficiently high pre-stress is applied to the damping element(s) to ensure that the damping working range is within the superelastic cycle. The damping apparatus can work in tension or compression or both in tension and compression. Moreover, damping elements from a shape memory alloy can also work in flexion and extension as well in rotation. The damping apparatus can have a stroke and force suitable for use in the human body by the design, the structure and the chemical composition of the shape memory alloy and their pre-set properties, such as plateau stresses of the superelastic cycle depend on the ambient temperature, the force of damping elements can also be changed in-situ by changing the temperature of the damping elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: ACANDIS GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Kirsi Schussler
  • Publication number: 20120288699
    Abstract: The invention provides a biocompatible component having a surface intended for contact with living tissue, wherein the surface comprises particles of metal oxide, said particles having an average particle size of less than 100 nm. A method for the production of such biocompatible component is also provided. It was found that the bioactivity of the biocompatible component was increased compare to a reference in that it induced earlier apatite nucleation in vitro. It is believed that by the biocompatible component may induce early hydroxyapatite nucleation in vivo and thus promote osseointegration of an implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventors: Elisabet AHLBERG, Ingela MATTISSON, Johanna LÖBERG
  • Publication number: 20120271431
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods for producing a partial or complete bioactive coating of an iron and/or zinc based metal implant material with calcium phosphates, a bioactively coated iron and/or zinc based metal implant, which is partially or completely coated with calcium phosphates, and bone implants containing an implant material according to the invention. In order to produce the coating according to the invention, iron and/or zinc based metal implant materials are brought in contact with acidic aqueous solutions, which have a pH value of 6.0 or less and contain calcium phosphates, whereby a calcium phosphate layer is deposited on the surface of the implant materials. The iron and/or zinc based metal implant materials, which are used in methods according to the invention, are materials consisting of base iron alloys or pure iron or materials that contain other substances, which are coated with pure iron, with a base iron alloy and/or with zinc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: INNOTERE GMBH
    Inventors: Berthold Nies, Stefan Glorius, Sophie Rössler
  • Patent number: 8287915
    Abstract: Biocompatible bone graft material having a biocompatible, resorbable polymer and a biocompatible, resorbable inorganic material exhibiting macro, meso, and microporosities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Orthovita, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore D. Clineff, Gina M. Nagvajara, Antony Koblish, Erik M. Erbe, Charanpreet S. Bagga
  • Patent number: 8277577
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for obtaining a surface of a titanium-based metal implant intended to be inserted into bone tissue, comprising: (a) projecting particles of aluminum oxide under pressure on the external area of the implant; (b) chemically treating the sandblasted external area of the implant with an acid composition comprising sulfuric acid and hydrofluoric acid; and (c) thermally treating the sandblasted external area of the implant by heating at a temperature of 200-450° C. for 15-120 min. The invention likewise defines a metal implant having said surface. The surface thus obtained has good micrometer-scale roughness with a suitable morphology, as well as a composition which is virtually free of impurities and a thickness which is approximately three times the thickness of conventional surfaces, which characteristics provide it with very good osseointegration properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Inventors: Francisco J. Garcia Saban, Juan Carlos Garcia Saban, Miguel Angel Garcia Saban
  • Patent number: 8273194
    Abstract: This invention discloses a method, using pure niobium as a transient liquid reactive braze material, for fabrication of cellular or honeycomb structures, wire space-frames or other sparse builtup structures or discrete articles using Nitinol (near-equiatomic titanium-nickel alloy) and related shape-memory and superelastic alloys. Nitinol shape memory alloys (SMAs), acquired in a form such as corrugated sheet, discrete tubes or wires, may be joined together using the newly discovered joining technique. Pure niobium when brought into contact with nitinol at elevated temperature, liquefies at temperatures below the melting point and flows readily into capillary spaces between the elements to be joined, thus forming a strong joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Board of Trustees of Michigan State University the Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: John A. Shaw, David S. Grummon
  • Patent number: 8257445
    Abstract: By forming a bone-compatible implant wherein a groove or hole has been formed in the surface of a base material made of titanium metal or a titanium alloy at its joint with a bone tissue and the groove or hole has on the inner surface thereof an oxide film formed by heating in an oxygen-containing atmosphere, apatite is allowed to deposit on the inner surface of the groove or hole easily. Thus, an implant is provided which can be attached to a bone within a relatively short period of time even without resorting to bone cement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Nakashima Medical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kanji Tsuru, Satoshi Hayakawa, Akiyoshi Osaka, Atsushi Sugino, Kenji Doi, Koichi Kuramoto