US 10,292,718 B2 · Graphene-enhanced orthopedic cutting instruments

Abstract

An orthopedic reamer cutting tool is disclosed that incorporates a second material such as graphene having an increased coefficient of thermal conductivity to remove heat generated at the tissue cutting surface during use. The reamer is constructed having a hemispherical cutting shell that extends from an equatorial base to an apex at a distal end. A plurality of cutting teeth, each having a tissue cutting surface, extend from the exterior of the cutting shell. A reamer driver interface may be positioned spanning the diameter of the reamer base. The second material, having increased thermal conductivity, may be applied to the interior and/or exterior shell surfaces. In addition, the second material may be incorporated within the shell or the driver interface.

Claims18

Dependent claims

A reamer, which comprises:

a) a cutting shell having a shell wall with spaced apart exterior and interior shell surfaces, a shell wall thickness therebetween, the shell having a curvature comprising at least a portion of a first hemisphere extending from an apex to a lower edge, the cutting shell being rotatable about a rotational axis that extends through the apex, wherein the cutting shell is composed of a first material having a first coefficient of thermal conductivity;
b) a second material having a second coefficient of thermal conductivity that is greater than the first coefficient of thermal conductivity of the first material and that contacts at least a portion of the shell interior surface;
and
c) a plurality of cutting teeth, each having a tissue cutting surface, wherein the tissue cutting surface extends outwardly from the exterior surface of the shell.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Graphene-enhanced orthopedic cutting instruments

Life of this patent

Graphene-enhanced orthopedic cutting instruments

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims18