Wear resistant hydrogel for bearing applications
US7282165B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 27, 2004 |
| Grant date | Oct 16, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 5, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61L2430/06
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A wear resistant hydrogel for use as a prosthetic implant, such as for cartilage, is made by forming a solution of polyvinyl alcohol in a solvent of DMSO/water. The solution is placed in a mold and is gelated by cycling the mold in a freeze-thaw cycle at a temperature at or below 4° C. for a period of 2 to 24 hours. The hydrogel so formed is washed in a saline solution, including potassium carbonate. The hydrogel is then dehydrated to 20 to 70% water content and thereafter irradiated with Gamma radiation. The surface of the hydrogel is then cross-linked using a boric acid solution preferably between 2.5 and 5% for about 1 minute. The hydrogel is then rinsed and sterilized.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.