Surgical implant
First Claim
1. A precursor device for forming a surgical implant in the form of a bone prothesis which comprises a stiff moldable matrix of biocompatible thermoplastic electrically insulating material which material has sufficient rigidity for supporting bone in carrying out a load bearing function and within which is embedded a plurality of electrically conductive fibres, opposite ends of at least some of the fibres extending outwardly from the matrix and being exposed to provide electrical contacts which permit heating and softening of the matrix for shaping thereof, by the application of a suitable electric potential to said contacts.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A precursor device is provided for forming a surgical implant for prosthetic surgery. The device has a body or matrix of biocompatible material which is thermoplastic and electrically insulating. Embedded in the matrix is a plurality of electrically conductive fibres. Opposite ends of at least some of the fibres project outwardly from the matrix to permit heating and softening of the matrix for shaping thereof, by the application of a suitable electric potential to opposite ends of said outwardly projecting fibres.
180 Citations
13 Claims
- 1. A precursor device for forming a surgical implant in the form of a bone prothesis which comprises a stiff moldable matrix of biocompatible thermoplastic electrically insulating material which material has sufficient rigidity for supporting bone in carrying out a load bearing function and within which is embedded a plurality of electrically conductive fibres, opposite ends of at least some of the fibres extending outwardly from the matrix and being exposed to provide electrical contacts which permit heating and softening of the matrix for shaping thereof, by the application of a suitable electric potential to said contacts.
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9. A method of prosthetic surgery in which a bone prosthesis comprising a stiff matrix of biocompatible thermoplastic electrically insulating material within which is embedded a plurality of electrically conductive fibres, projecting outwardly from opposite ends of the matrix and being exposed to provide electrical contacts, is implanted in a living body, the method comprising,
heating the matrix by means of an electrical potential applied to said electrical contacts to soften the matrix, shaping the matrix while soft into a desired permanent shape for its intended use, causing or allowing the matrix to cool and harden into said permanent shape, and then implanting the prosthesis into the body.
Specification