AMORPHOUS METAL ALLOY MEDICAL DEVICES

• US 20090062823A1
• Filed: 10/01/2008
• Published: 03/05/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 06/27/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Zuli Holdings, Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Zuli Holdings, Ltd.
• Inventors: RICHTER, Kobi (Jacob)
• Application Number:
  US12/243,732
• Publication Number:
  US 20090062823A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 606/151
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2210/0076 multilayered, e.g. laminated structures
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 17/145 Coating
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 27/04 Metals or alloys
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 27/34 Macromolecular materials
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 31/022 Metals or alloys
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 31/10 Macromolecular materials
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 442/10 Scrim [e.g., open net or mesh, gauze, loose or open weave or knit, etc.]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 442/188 Metal or metal-coated fiber-containing scrim
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 442/654 Including a free metal or alloy constituent
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 442/656 Preformed metallic film or foil or sheet [film or foil or sheet had structural integrity prior to association with the nonwoven fabric]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 442/657 Vapor, chemical, or spray deposited metal layer

Abstract

This invention provides a new class of medical devices and implants comprising amorphous metal alloys. The medical devices and implants may be temporary or permanent and may comprise other materials as well, such as polymers, ceramics, and conventional crystalline or polycrystalline metal alloys.

Specifically, this invention provides orthodontic and orthopedic implants comprising amorphous metal alloys. The orthodontic implants contemplated by this invention include permanent implants (e.g., tissue growth limiters) as well as temporary implants (e.g., orthodontic wires and braces used in orthodontic braces for realigning teeth). The orthopedic implants are in the form of reconstructive hardware for repairing ligaments and tendons, including implantable orthopedic prostheses and tissue growth limiters comprising an amorphous metal alloy.

Claims

1. An orthopedic implant for reconstructive surgery comprising an amorphous metal alloy.

2. The orthopedic implant according to claim 1, wherein the orthopedic implant is selected from the group consisting of a wire, spring and mesh.

3. The orthopedic implant according to claim 1 further comprising a tissue growth limiter.

4. The orthopedic implant according to claim 1 further comprising a material selected from the group consisting of a biocompatible metal, plastic and ceramic.

5. The orthopedic implant according to claim 1, wherein said amorphous metal alloy comprises an element selected from the group consisting of silicon, boron, and phosphorous.

6. The orthopedic implant according to claim 1, wherein said amorphous metal alloy is an iron-based alloy containing Fe, Cr, B, and P.

7. An orthopedic prosthesis comprising an amorphous metal alloy.

8. The orthopedic prosthesis according to claim 7, wherein said amorphous metal alloy comprises an element selected from the group consisting of silicon, boron, and phosphorous.

9. The orthopedic implant according to claim 7, wherein said amorphous metal alloy is an iron-based alloy containing Fe, Cr, B, and P.

10. An orthodontic implant comprising an amorphous metal alloy.

11. An orthodontic implant according to claim 10, wherein the orthodontic implant is selected from the group consisting of a wire, bracket and clamp.

12. The orthodontic implant according to claim 10, wherein said amorphous metal alloy comprises an element selected from the group consisting of silicon, boron, and phosphorous.

13. The orthodontic implant according to claim 10, wherein said amorphous metal alloy is an iron-based alloy containing Fe, Cr, B, and P.