Bulk metallic glass medical instruments, implants, and methods of using same

• US 20020162605A1
• Filed: 03/05/2001
• Published: 11/07/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 03/05/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: UT-Battelle LLC
• Original Assignee: UT-Battelle LLC
• Inventors: Parsell, Douglas E., Horton, Joseph A. Jr.
• Application Number:
  US09/799,445
• Publication Number:
  US 20020162605A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 148/304
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 10/02 Instruments for taking cell samples or for biopsy A61B10/0038 and A61B10/0045 take precedence; needle locating or guiding means A61B17/3403; samplers for enzymology or microbiology C12M1/26; sampling or preparing biological specimens G01N33/48
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/3211 Surgical scalpels, knives; Accessories therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/866 Material or manufacture
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 31/026 Ceramic or ceramic-like structures, e.g. glasses
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 31/18 Materials at least partially X-ray or laser opaque
• CPC Class Codes: C22C 14/00 Alloys based on titanium
• CPC Class Codes: C22C 45/10 with molybdenum, tungsten, niobium, tantalum, titanium, or zirconium or Hf as the major constituent
• CPC Class Codes: C22C 9/00 Alloys based on copper

Abstract

MRI-compatible medical instruments and appliances are made using bulk metallic glass alloys. MRI-guided methods include the use of articles that include bulk metallic glass alloys.

Claims

1. An article, at least a portion of said article comprising a bulk metallic glass having magnetic properties suitable for producing an MRI image, said article having a shape suitable for producing an MRI image, said article being configured for use as at least one of the group consisting of medical instruments and biomedical appliances.

2. An article in accordance with claim 1 wherein said article is configured to be surgically implanted in a body in a manner wherein said article is viewable on an MRI after implantation.

3. An article in accordance with claim 1 wherein said article is configured to be surgically implanted in a body in a manner wherein said article is viewable on an MRI during implantation.

4. An article in accordance with claim 1 wherein said article is configured for use as a fixation device.

5. An article in accordance with claim 4 wherein said article is configured for use as an orthopedic device.

6. An article in accordance with claim 4 wherein said article is configured for use as an endodontic device.

7. An article in accordance with claim 1 wherein said article is configured for use as a wear surface.

8. An article in accordance with claim 1 wherein at least part of said article is tubular in shape.

9. An article in accordance with claim 8 wherein said article is configured for use as at least one of the group consisting of probe, speculum, stent, needle, syringe, and biopsy device.

10. An article in accordance with claim 1 wherein said article is configured as a casing.

11. A method of carrying out a medical procedure comprising the steps of:

a. providing an article selected from the group consisting of medical instruments and biomedical appliances, at least a portion of said article comprising a bulk metallic glass; and

b. using said article to carry out a medical procedure.

12. A method in accordance with claim 11 wherein said medical procedure is an orthopedic procedure.

13. A method in accordance with claim 11 wherein said medical procedure is an endodontic procedure.

14. A method in accordance with claim 11 wherein said medical procedure comprises an MRI-guided procedure.

16. A method in accordance with claim 15 wherein said MRI-guided procedure further comprises a medical procedure.

17. A method in accordance with claim 15 wherein said MRI-guided procedure further comprises a non-medical procedure.

15. A method of carrying out an MRI-guided procedure comprising the steps of:

a. providing an article, at least a portion of said article comprising a bulk metallic glass; and

b. using said article to carry out an MRI-guided procedure.