PROPHYLACTIC BACTERICIDAL IMPLANT

• US 20100198357A1
• Filed: 04/13/2010
• Published: 08/05/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 06/30/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Richard A. Wysk, Thomas A. Fuller, Wayne J. Sebastianelli
• Original Assignee: Richard A. Wysk, Thomas A. Fuller, Wayne J. Sebastianelli
• Inventors: Wysk, Richard A., Sebastianelli, Wayne J., Fuller, Thomas A.
• Application Number:
  US12/759,455
• Publication Number:
  US 20100198357A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 623/23.53
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/60 for external osteosynthesis, e.g. distractors, contractors
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/86 Pins or screws or threaded wires; nuts therefor A61B17/72 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/864 hollow, e.g. with socket or cannulated
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/866 Material or manufacture
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/8685 comprising multiple separate parts
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00734 battery operated
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/0077 Special surfaces of prostheses, e.g. for improving ingrowth A61F2/30767 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/0095 Packages or dispensers for prostheses or other implants for intraocular lenses A61F2/1691; for dental surgery A61C19/02
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/28 Bones joints A61F2/30
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/30 Joints
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/30724 Spacers for centering an implant in a bone cavity, e.g. in a cement-receiving cavity
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/30744 End caps, e.g. for closing an endoprosthetic cavity
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/30767 Special external or bone-contacting surface, e.g. coating for improving bone ingrowth
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/32 for the hip
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/34 Acetabular cups
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/36 Femoral heads ; Femoral endoprostheses
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/3609 Femoral heads or necks; Connections of endoprosthetic heads or necks to endoprosthetic femoral shafts A61F2/3601 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/3662 Femoral shafts
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/367 Proximal or metaphyseal parts of shafts trochanteric devices connected to said proximal parts A61F2/30739
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/3676 Distal or diaphyseal parts of shafts
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/482 : Electrical means
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/009 : for hindering or preventing attachment of biological tissue of bone tissue onto implantable joints A61F2002/30932
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/2821 : Bone stimulation by electromagnetic fields or electric current for enhancing ossification
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30235 : tubular, e.g. sleeves
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30322 : differing in surface structures
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30329 : Connections or couplings between prosthetic parts, e.g. between modular parts; Connecting elements
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30354 : Cylindrically-shaped protrusion and recess, e.g. cylinder of circular basis
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30405 : made by screwing complementary threads machined on the parts themselves
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30433 : using additional screws, bolts, dowels, rivets or washers e.g. connecting screws
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/305 : Snap connection
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30535 : Special structural features of bone or joint prostheses not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30589 : Sealing means
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30593 : hollow
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30604 : modular
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30668 : Means for transferring electromagnetic energy to implants
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30677 : Means for introducing or releasing pharmaceutical products, e.g. antibiotics, into the body
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30718 : Means for protecting prosthetic parts, e.g. during operation
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30795 : Blind bores, e.g. of circular cross-section
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30932 : for retarding or preventing ingrowth of bone tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/3611 : Heads or epiphyseal parts of femur
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/3625 : Necks
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/3631 : with an integral complete or partial peripheral collar or bearing shoulder at its base
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/368 : with lateral apertures, bores, holes or openings, e.g. for reducing the mass, for receiving fixation screws or for communicating with the inside of a hollow shaft
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2220/0025 : Connections or couplings between prosthetic parts, e.g. between modular parts; Connecting elements
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2220/0033 : made by longitudinally pushing a protrusion into a complementary-shaped recess, e.g. held by friction fit
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2220/0041 : using additional screws, bolts, dowels or rivets, e.g. connecting screws
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2230/0069 : cylindrical
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2250/0001 : Means for transferring electromagnetic energy to implants
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2250/0026 : differing in surface structures
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2250/0043 : differing in electric properties, e.g. in electrical conductivity, in galvanic properties
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2250/0058 : Additional features; Implant or prostheses properties not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00029 : Cobalt-based alloys, e.g. Co-Cr alloys or Vitallium
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00059 : Chromium or Cr-based alloys
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00065 : Manganese or Mn-based alloys
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00071 : Nickel or Ni-based alloys
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00077 : Copper or Cu-based alloys
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00083 : Zinc or Zn-based alloys
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00107 : Palladium or Pd-based alloys
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00113 : Silver or Ag-based alloys
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00149 : Platinum or Pt-based alloys
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00155 : Gold or Au-based alloys
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00395 : Coating or prosthesis-covering structure made of metals or of alloys
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00413 : Coating made of cobalt or of Co-based alloys
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00449 : Coating made of chromium or Cr-based alloys
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00455 : Coating made of manganese Mn-based alloys
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00461 : Coating made of nickel or Ni-based alloys
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00467 : Coating made of copper or Cu-based alloys
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00473 : Coating made of zinc or Zn-based alloys
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00514 : Coating made of palladium or Pd-based alloys
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/0052 : Coating made of silver or Ag-based alloys
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00562 : Coating made of platinum or Pt-based alloys
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00568 : Coating made of gold or Au-based alloys
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/0082 : using chemical substances
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2300/102 : Metals or metal compounds, e.g. salts such as bicarbonates, carbonates, oxides, zeolites, silicates
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2300/104 : Silver, e.g. silver sulfadiazine
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2300/404 : Biocides, antimicrobial agents, antiseptic agents
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2300/602 : Type of release, e.g. controlled, sustained, slow
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2300/606 : Coatings
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2430/02 : for reconstruction of bones; weight-bearing implants
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 27/30 : Inorganic materials
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 27/306 : Other specific inorganic materials not covered by A61L27/303 - A61L27/32
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 27/54 : Biologically active materials, e.g. therapeutic substances A61L27/227 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/00 : Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor A61N2/00 takes precedence; irradiation apparatus A61N5/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/18 : Applying electric currents by contact electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/20 : continuous direct currents
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/205 : for promoting a biological process
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/30 : Apparatus for iontophoresis, i.e. transfer of media in ionic state by an electromotoric force into the body, or cataphoresis

Abstract

A medical implant system is described for inhibiting infection associated with a joint prosthesis implant. An inventive system includes an implant body made of a biocompatible material which has a metal component disposed on an external surface of the implant body. A current is allowed to flow to the metal component, stimulating release of metal ions toxic to microbes, such as bacteria, protozoa, fungi, and viruses. One detailed system is completely surgically implantable in the patient such that no part of the system is external to the patient while the system is in use. In addition, externally controlled devices are provided which allow for modulation of implanted components.

Claims

1. A medical implant system, comprising:

an implant body made of a biocompatible material, the implant body having an external surface;

a metal component disposed on the external surface of the implant body;

a conduit for electrical current, the conduit in contact with the metal component; and

a power source in electrical communication with the conduit for electrical current.

2. The medical implant system of claim 1, wherein the implant body further comprises:

an internal cavity, the internal cavity having a wall and an opening; and

a cap removably disposed in the opening of the internal cavity, wherein the power source is disposed in the internal cavity and wherein the conduit is the implant body.

3. The medical implant system of claim 1, wherein the implant body is adapted to be disposed totally within a human body when in use.

4. The medical implant system of claim 2, further comprising a metal component disposed on a portion of the internal cavity wall.

5. The medical implant system of claim 1, wherein the metal component comprises silver.

6. The medical implant system of claim 1, wherein the metal component comprises a metal selected from the group consisting of:

gold, zinc, copper, cadmium, cobalt, nickel, platinum, palladium, manganese, and chromium.

7. The medical implant system of claim 1, wherein the metal component is a coating disposed on the external surface of the implant body.

8. The medical implant system of claim 7, wherein the metal coating ranges in thickness between 1×

10<sup>−

9</sup>-5×

10<sup>−

5</sup> meters.

9. The medical implant system of claim 7, wherein the metal coating is disposed on a portion of the external surface of the implant body ranging from 1-100% of the external surface of the implant body.

10. The medical implant system of claim 7 wherein the metal coating is disposed on a portion of the external surface of the implant body ranging from 50-99% of the external surface of the implant body.

11. The medical implant system of claim 7, wherein the metal coating is disposed as a single region of continuous coating on the external surface.

12. The medical implant system of claim 7, wherein the implant body comprises an articular surface having no coating.

13. The medical implant system of claim 7, wherein the metal component is in the form of a wire disposed on the external surface.

14. The medical implant system of claim 1, wherein the metal component is more electrically conductive than the biocompatible material.

15. The medical implant system of claim 1, further comprising a resistor in electrical communication with the power source.

16. The medical implant system of claim 1, further comprising a switch in electrical communication with the power source.

17. The medical implant system of claim 16, further comprising a controller in signal communication with the switch.

18. The medical implant system of claim 2, wherein the cap is made of an electrically insulating material.

19. The medical implant system of claim 1, further comprising an electrically insulating material disposed between the external surface of the implant body and the metal component.

20. The medical implant system of claim 17, wherein the controller is external to the body of an individual having an implant body disposed therein.

21. A method for inhibiting microbial infection associated with an orthopedic implant, comprising:

providing a medical implant system according to claim 1;

delivering a current to a metal component disposed on an external surface of an implant body, the implant body located in a human body at a site of potential infection, wherein the delivery of current to the metal component causes release of metal ions toxic to an infectious microbe at the site of potential infection, such that microbial infection is inhibited.