Patent · US Expired

Implanted bone stimulator and prosthesis system and method of enhancing bone growth

US6143035A · kind A · utility

99Cited by
12References
17Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJan 28, 1999
Grant dateNov 7, 2000
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 28, 2019

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61N1/3605
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

An implanted piezoelectric module generates charge which may be applied to tissue or used to power or recharge an implanted device such as a pump or pacemaker. In a system for enhanced bone healing or anchoring of an implanted bone prosthesis such as a plate, stem, articulation component or other structural component, the piezoelectric element is coupled to receive mechanical strain from body activity and generates a charge which is applied to enhance bone growth for anchoring the prosthesis. In one embodiment, the piezoelectric element is attached to a prosthetic hip stem on the medial side in a position on the shoulder or neck of the stem to preferentially undergo compressive strain. Preferably the element attaches near the surface and is poled such that its outer surface constitutes a negative electrode that operates to stimulate bone growth across an opposing receiving gap in the proximal femur. In another embodiment, an electrode lead extends distally from the piezoelectric element to apply the generated charge remotely thereto, such as at a prosthetic stem or fracture plate distal to the element itself. The piezo element may be located on a different bone. A metal mesh screen…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.