Methods for positioning a load-bearing component of an orthopedic implant device by inserting a malleable device that hardens in vivo
US8663328B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 21, 2006 |
| Grant date | Mar 4, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 4, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2210/0085
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A device is provided that is non-rigid, i.e., flexible and/or malleable, in a first form, and then transformable after insertion to an in vivo site into a rigid, or hardened, form; a cure-initiating energy is applied to the device; and the device is then positioned in the in vivo site where it hardens to provide a load-bearing function or other structural and/or mechanical function. The device includes a biocompatible sheath and a curable material sealed within the sheath. The curable material is provided in a first form that provides flexibility to the device and is structured to rigidize in a second form after application of a quantity of an initiating energy to the material.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.