Implantable piezoelectric scaffold and exercise-induced piezoelectric stimulation
AssigneeUniversity of Connecticut
InventorsThanh Duc NGUYEN, Yang LIU
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Abstract
An implantable scaffold is provided including multiple piezoelectric films and at least one compressible intervening layer. A first of the piezoelectric films is on a first side of the compressible intervening layer and a second of the plurality of piezoelectric films is on a second side of the compressible intervening layer opposite the first piezoelectric film. Upon applying a mechanical force to the first piezoelectric film, the first piezoelectric film deforms towards the second piezoelectric film. Also provided is a method of treatment leveraging the implantable scaffold.
Claims20
An implantable scaffold comprising:
- a plurality of piezoelectric films;
- and
- at least one compressible intervening layer,
- wherein a first of the plurality of piezoelectric films is on a first side of the compressible intervening layer and a second of the plurality of piezoelectric films is on a second side of the compressible intervening layer opposite the first piezoelectric film, and
- wherein upon applying a mechanical force to the first piezoelectric film, the first piezoelectric film deforms towards the second piezoelectric film.
A method of treatment for osteoarthritis comprising:
- identifying a cartilage or bone defect to be treated;
- providing an implantable scaffold comprising a plurality of piezoelectric films and at least one compressible intervening layer between at least two of the plurality of piezoelectric films;
- implanting the implantable scaffold adjacent the cartilage or bone defect to be treated and within a pinch point of a joint;
- providing an exercise protocol for generating periodic impact at the pinch point, such that the periodic impact applies a mechanical force to a first piezoelectric film of the plurality of piezoelectric films such that the first piezoelectric film compresses the compressible intervening layer and deforms towards the second piezoelectric film.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.