Prophylactic bactericidal medical device
AssigneeAionx Antimicrobial Technologies, Inc.
InventorsThomas A. Fuller, Richard A. Wysk, Wayne J. Sebastianelli
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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.
Claims17
A medical device, comprising:
- a body having an external surface;
- an antimicrobial material disposed on the external surface of the body;
- and
- a current generator connected to the body such that a flow of antimicrobial ions is created from the antimicrobial material into a conductive medium adjacent the external surface of the body.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.