Biologically active implants

US6998134B2 · kind B2 · utility

Inventors

• Gerhard Schmidmaier · Berlin, DE
• Michael Raschke · Hachenburg, DE
• Axel Stemberger · Neubiberg, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 9, 2001
• Grant date: Feb 14, 2006
• Expiry date: May 24, 2022

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61L2300/606
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

This invention relates to an implant for treating pathological changes in the spinal column and/or locomotor system. According to one embodiment of the invention, the implant may be provided with an enamel-like or varnish-like coating up to 100 μm thick and made of a biodegradable polymer such as polylactide. This coating has an osteoinductive effect, which promotes the healing of fractures. Additional osteoinductive materials such as growth factors may be incorporated in the coating. The invention also relates to a method for producing such an implant using the following steps: preparing a dispersion of biodegradable polymers in an organic solvent; applying the dispersion on the surface to be coated; and allowing the solvent to evaporate.