Biocompatible material for implants

US6526984B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• ST. JUDE MEDICAL AB · SE

Inventors

• Kenth Nilsson · Åkersberga, SE
• Johan Lidman · Stockholm, SE
• Karin Ljungström · Nordstraße, SE
• Charlotte Kjellman · Stockholm, SE

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 20, 2000
• Grant date: Mar 4, 2003
• Expiry date: Oct 20, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C04B35/495
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A biocompatible medical implant has at least one part thereof composed of ceramic material with the formula NaxKyNbO3, wherein 0≦x≦0.8, 0.2≦y≦1, and x+y=1. The ceramic material can be polarized to give the implant spatially varying piezoelectric properties. Signals can be measured from the respective piezoelectric regions of the selectively polarized ceramic material to provide an indication of the degree of fixation of the implant to surrounding tissue.