摘要:
A device (2) is disclosed for introducing a flexible elongated element through at least two portions of a subject. In a preferred embodiment, the device includes a proximal end and a distal end, and an advancement unit (300) for longitudinally advancing the flexible elongated element toward the distal end of the device (2) such that a proximal end of the elongated element may exit from the distal end of the device with sufficient force to pass through the subject. The device also includes a curved die (204) at the distal end of the device (2) for imparting a looping configuration to portions of the flexible elongated element exiting the distal end of the device (2), and a curved guide at the distal end for receiving the looped flexible elongated element as it returns to the distal end of the device. In a further feature of the invention, a cutting mechanism (206) is provided to permit the looped flexible elongated element to be separated from the remainder of the flexible elongated element. And in a further feature of the invention, the cutting mechanism (206) is adapted to deform the trailing end of the looped flexible elongated element so that the trailing end is forced distally, toward the subject being sutured.
摘要:
A prosthesis is provided for replacing a bone surface. The prosthesis includes an implant (10, 50, 70) having a surface (18, 52, 74) for abutting a bone, and an augment (20, 56, 78) configured to be attached to the surface (18, 52, 74) of the implant (10, 50, 70) by bone cement (32) to compensate for bone loss. The augment (20, 56) is formed to include an aperture (21, 61) therein defined by an inner wall (22, 60). The prosthesis also includes a plastic peg (24, 62) coupled to the implant (10, 50). The peg (24, 62 ) is configured to enter the aperture (21, 61) formed in the augment (20, 56) and to engage the inner wall (22, 60) of the augment (20, 56) to retain the augment (20, 56) in a spaced apart relation relative to the implant (10, 50) to permit the implant (10, 50) to be installed onto the bone before the bone cement cures. Alternatively, the surface (74) of the implant (70) is formed to include an aperture (82) therein, and a plastic retaining ring (86) located in the aperture (82) formed in the surface (74) of the implant (70). A metal peg (98) is coupled to the augment (78). The metal peg (98) is configured to enter the aperture (82) formed in the implant (70) and to engage the plastic retaining ring (86) therein to retain the augment (78) in a spaced apart relation relative to the implant (70).
摘要:
The method includes the steps of providing a thin layer of a thermoplastic polymer on the outer mating surface of the femoral neck 8. To assemble the femoral head 12 and neck 8, the head 12 is placed onto the neck 8 and the assembly is heated to a temperature of approximately 800 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature, the thermoplastic polymer becomes molten and exhibits exceptional adhesive characteristics. Once the thermoplastic is in its molten state, the femoral head 12 is impacted onto the neck by known instrumentation. Impacting provides a tight mechanical connection between the mating parts. Once impacted, the assembly is permitted to cool to ambient temperature which transforms the thermoplastic polymer into its solid state. The thermoplastic polymer chemically bonds the mating parts together and exhibits a strength at the junction around 10 ksi. The use of the thin layer of thermoplastic polymer also forms a uniform contact surface between the mating parts to allow for stress transfer across the entire mating surface and thereby reduces the overall transfer of stress per unit area. The bond created between the mating parts further forms a barrier to moisture to prevent corrosion or fretting between the mating surfaces.
摘要:
The invention provides synthetic metallic heart valves fabricated of zirconium or zirconium alloys that are coated with blue-black zirconium oxide or zirconium nitride to provide a surface that is hard, biocompatible, resistant to impact, cavitation, and microfretting wear and exhibits improved hemocompatibility.
摘要:
Dispositif pour l'étaiement du rachis, comportant au moins une tige (4) ainsi que plusieurs organes d'ancrage (7) pouvant prendre appui sur des vertèbres du rachis et pourvus de moyens de blocage sur ladite tige (4); ces moyens de blocage comprennent au moins une vis pointeau (1) écrouie, et choisie en un matériau ne créant pas d'effet galvanique avec la tige (4) ni avec les organes d'ancrage (7). L'écrouissage de la vis pointeau (1) lui confère une dureté supérieure à celle de la tige (4) et de l'organe d'ancrage (7), ce qui améliore la tenue mécanique du dispositif.
摘要:
Bei einem Verfahren zur Beeinflussung und zur Steuerung der Korrosionsrate von Implantaten (2) aus einem metallischen, biokompatiblen und biokorrodierbaren Werkstoff in vivo, wird eine elektrochemische Zelle mit oder ohne direkter Verbindung zu Körpergewebe (5) des Patienten als Elektrolyt aufgebaut. Es wird eine Spannungs- oder Stromquelle (4) außerhalb des Körpers des Patienten vorgesehen und wenigstens eine Elektrode (3) und/oder eine elektrisch leitende Verbindung (15) nach Implantation des Implantats (2) an dem oder in das Körpergewebe (5) appliziert. Die wenigstens eine Elektrode (3) und/oder die elektrisch leitende Verbindung (15) wird entweder direkt kontaktierend oder mittels Streuströmen über Körpergewebe (5) des Patienten mit dem Implantat (2) verbunden. Nach Implantation eines Implantats (2) erfolgt eine gezielte Steuerung einer Auflösung oder Stabilisierung des Implantats (2) durch Veränderung der Potentiallage. Eine entsprechende Vorrichtung (1) umfasst ein Implantat (2) aus einem metallischen, biokompatiblen und biokorrodierbaren Werkstoff, und zwei Elektroden (3), welche jeweils elektrisch leitend permanent oder entsprechend dem Genesungszustand des Patienten mit einer Strom- oder Spannungsquelle (4) verbunden sind. Die Strom- oder Spannungsquelle (4) befindet sich außerhalb des Körpers des Patienten und wenigstens eine Elektrode (3) und/oder eine elektrisch leitende Verbindung (15) ist nach Implantation des Implantats (2) von außen an dem oder in das Körpergewebe (5) applizierbar. Die wenigstens eine Elektrode (3) und/oder die elektrisch leitende Verbindung (15) ist entweder direkt kontaktierend oder mittels Streuströmen über Körpergewebe (5) des Patienten mit dem Implantat (2) verbunden.