Implants based on engineered metal matrix composite materials having enhanced imaging and wear resistance
US7270679B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 18, 2004 |
| Grant date | Sep 18, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 22, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB33Y80/00
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
This invention relates to an implantable medical device to treat a patient. The implantable device can be an orthopedic device such as a spinal implant including, but not restricted to, a disc or nucleus pulposus prosthesis, a spinal rod assembly, or a bone fixation plate. The orthopedic device can be formed to include a metal matrix composite that provides enhanced wear and diagnostic imaging techniques. In other forms, the present invention provides an implantable medical device that includes a porous metal matrix composite that can deliver a therapeutic composition to a patient. In still other forms, the present invention provides an implantable electrical device or lead formed to include a metal matrix composite that provides lower polarization and interfacial impedance and allows enhanced sensing of the physiological signals.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.