Method for improving wear resistance of polymeric bioimplantable components
US5577368A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 3, 1995 |
| Grant date | Nov 26, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 3, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65B31/04
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Wear resistance and oxidation resistance of bioimplantable polymeric parts is improved by packaging the parts within flexible, gas impermeable containers while subjecting the containers and the parts to a relatively high vacuum force. The containers are heat sealed while subjected to the vacuum force such that, upon sealing, hydrostatic pressure is exerted on the part. Following sealing of the packages, the packages and their contents are irradiated to an extent sufficient to sterilize the parts and to promote crosslinking within the part. Alternatively, the same property enhancements can be imparted to polymeric parts by packaging the part within rigid or flexible containers, minimizing the oxygen content within the containers, pressurizing the containers with an inert gas, or with a mixture of hydrogen and an inert gas, to greater than 1.5 atmospheres, and irradiating the part and the container.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.