Prophylactic bactericidal implant
AssigneeArgentumCidalElectrics, Inc.
InventorsThomas A. Fuller, Richard A. Wysk, Wayne J. Sebastianelli
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A medical implant system is described for inhibiting infection associated with a joint prosthesis implant. An inventive system includes an implant body made of a biocompatible material which has a metal component disposed on an external surface of the implant body. A current is allowed to flow to the metal component, stimulating release of metal ions toxic to microbes, such as bacteria, protozoa, fungi, and viruses. One detailed system is completely surgically implantable in the patient such that no part of the system is external to the patient while the system is in use. In addition, externally controlled devices are provided which allow for modulation of implanted components.
Claims33
A medical implant system, comprising:
- an implant body made of a biocompatible material, the implant body having an external surface;
- a metal component containing an antimicrobial metal disposed on the external surface of the implant body;
- a power source having a first terminal and a second terminal, one of the terminals being in electrical communication with the metal component;
- and
- an insulator placed in a current path between the first terminal of the power source and the second terminal of the power source preventing current flowing from the first terminal from reaching the second terminal without completing a circuit including a conductive body tissue or fluid adjacent to the external surface of the implant system when implanted.
A medical implant system, comprising:
- an implant body made of a biocompatible material, the implant body having a first element having a first external surface and a second element having a second external surface;
- a first metal component containing an antimicrobial metal disposed on the first external surface of the implant body;
- a power source having a first terminal and a second terminal, the first terminal in electrical communication with the first metal component;
- and
- an insulator placed in a current path between the first terminal of the power source and the second terminal of the power source preventing current flowing from the first terminal from reaching the second terminal without completing a circuit including a conductive body tissue or fluid adjacent to the external surface of the implant system when implanted.
A medical implant system, comprising:
- an implant body made of a biocompatible material, the implant body having a main body portion having a first external surface and an internal cavity, the internal cavity having a wall and an opening, the implant body having a cap portion removably disposed in the opening of the internal cavity, the cap portion having a second external surface;
- an antimicrobial metal-containing coating disposed on the first external surface of the main body portion;
- a power source disposed in the internal cavity, the power source having a first terminal and a second terminal, the first terminal in electrical communication with the antimicrobial metal-containing coating;
- and
- an insulator placed in a current path between the first terminal of the power source and the second terminal of the power source preventing current flowing from the first terminal from reaching the second terminal without completing a circuit including a conductive body tissue or fluid adjacent to the external surface of the implant system when implanted.
A medical implant system, comprising:
- a support structure for supporting at least two orthopedic fixators, the support structure adapted to secure the at least two orthopedic fixators to the support;
- a first orthopedic fixator supported by the support structure, the first fixator having a first external surface;
- a second orthopedic fixator supported by the support structure, the second fixator having a second external surface;
- a first metal component containing an antimicrobial metal disposed on the first external surface of the first fixator;
- a power source having a first terminal and a second terminal, the first terminal in electrical communication with the first metal component;
- and
- an insulator disposed on the support structure in a current path between the first terminal of the power source and the second terminal of the power source preventing current flowing from the first terminal from reaching the second terminal without completing a circuit including a conductive body tissue or fluid adjacent to the external surface of the first fixator when implanted.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.