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Method for implanting and subsequently removing mechanical connecting elements from living tissue

  • US 4,170,990 A
  • Filed: 01/27/1978
  • Issued: 10/16/1979
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/28/1977
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method of implanting and subsequently removing mechanical connecting elements from living tissue comprising:

  • providing a connecting element which is formed from the group consisting of a Ni-Ti or a Ti-Nb alloy material which exhibits a memory effect due to heating to a temperature above a material specific temperature and which has been plastically deformed;

    implanting the connecting element;

    thereafter heating the connecting element to a temperature sufficient to actuate the memory effect to cause the element to assume substantially its shape prior to being plastically deformed and to provide the desired connection between portions of living tissue;

    upon completion of the healing process for the living tissue, cooling the implanted connecting element to a temperature below that which actuates the opposite memory effect to return the implanted connecting element to substantially its shape upon implantation; and

    then removing the connecting element.

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