Radiation and melt treated ultra high molecular weight polyethylene prosthetic devices
AssigneesThe General Hospital Corporation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
InventorsEdward W. Merrill, William H. Harris, Murali Jasty, Orhun Muratoglu, Charles R. Bragdon, Daniel O. O'Connor, Premnath Venugopalan
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Abstract
A medical prosthesis for use within the body which is formed of radiation treated ultra high molecular weight polyethylene having substantially no detectable free radicals, is described. Preferred prostheses exhibit reduced production of particles from the prosthesis during wear of the prosthesis, and are substantially oxidation resistant. Methods of manufacture of such devices and material used therein are also provided.
Claims13
1-123. (canceled)
An apparatus made by a process comprising the steps of:
- (a) irradiating a polymer in its solid state, whereby said irradiating step comprises passing the polymer through a radiation source a first time;
- (b) irradiating the polymer in its solid state, whereby said irradiating step comprises passing the polymer through a radiation source a second time;
- and
- (c) heating the polymer,
- wherein the polymer comprises ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene.
A method of producing a polymer comprising the steps of:
- (a) irradiating a polymer in its solid state, whereby said irradiating step comprises passing the polymer through a radiation source a first time;
- (b) irradiating the polymer in its solid state, whereby said irradiating step comprises passing the polymer through a radiation source a second time;
- (c) heating the polymer,
- wherein the polymer comprises ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.