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July 2009 Vol. 1, No. 7 Materials for Medical Device Database Record of the Month Medical Device News Conferences and Seminars Subscribe/Sign-up Sponsor MPMD eNews |
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 Electrochemical coatings for orthopaedic and dental implants  Polymer coated spun-sugar fibers offer sweet technique for nerve repair  Clinical trials set to start for mitral valve regurgitation repairs  Nitinol & polyurethane device to repair common heart defect granted CE Mark
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Electrochemical coatings for orthopaedic and dental implants Tel Aviv University researcher Prof. Noam Eliaz of the TAU School of Mechanical Engineering has developed an electrochemical process for coating metal implants which vastly improves their functionality, longevity and integration into the body. learn more > Rapid Prototyping in regenerative medicine at the 4th Fraunhofer Life Science Symposium On October, 29 the 4th Fraunhofer Life Science Symposium will be held in Leipzig. This year's topic is "Rapid Prototyping and Scaffolds - New Techniques for Tissue Engineering". learn more > Tiny biological fuel cells could power implant devices & prosthetic limbs University of Georgia (UGA) researchers have developed a successful way to grow molecular wire brushes that conduct electrical charges, a first step in developing biological fuel cells that could power pacemakers, cochlear implants and prosthetic limbs. learn more > Polymer coated spun-sugar fibers offer sweet technique for nerve repair Researchers at Purdue University have developed a technique using spun-sugar filaments to create a scaffold of tiny synthetic tubes that might serve as conduits to regenerate nerves severed in accidents or blood vessels damaged by disease. The sugar filaments are coated with a corn-based degradable polymer, and then the sugar is dissolved in water, leaving behind bundles of hollow polymer tubes that mimic those found in nerves. learn more > Funding opportunity: AHRQ to establish National Joint Replacement Registry The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) plans to spend $12 million over four years on a clinical registry of orthopedic devices, drugs and procedures. learn more > Clinical trials set to start for mitral valve regurgitation repairs NeoChord (Minnetonka, Minn.) is commercializing a tool that enables the minimally invasive surgical implantation of artificial chordae tendineae, or strip of muscle, while the heart is still beating. learn more > Microelectrode array may restore mobility to amputees and the paralyzed Experimental devices that read brain signals have helped paralyzed people use computers and may let amputees control bionic limbs. A University of Utah study shows that brain signals controlling arm movements can be detected accurately using new microelectrodes that sit on the brain but don't penetrate it. learn more > Gold implants shown to reduce joint pain and stiffness Joint pain in animals and man may be due to injury, wear or deformity. In dogs, a common source of joint pain is hip dysplasia, a developmental defect of the hip joint. Implantation of gold into the soft tissues around the hip joints of dogs with dysplasia can relieve pain and lessen stiffness for several years. learn more > Nitinol & polyurethane device to repair common heart defect granted CE Mark The Coherex FlatStent™ EF PFO Closure System has been granted CE Mark clearance for use in Europe and other countries to close Patent Foramen Ovales (PFO), a common heart defect found in approximately 20 percent of the worldwide population. learn more > back to top > |
Poly(lactic Acid)/Tricalcium Phosphate (PLA/TCP)
Materials for Medical Devices > Materials
The material is a blend of a polylactic acid (PLA) polymer and tricalcium phosphate (TCP). Polylactic acid is one of the common degradable polymers. It is used in a wide range of medical applications, such as ACL screws, devices for fracture fixation and spinal implants. Co-polymers containing PLA are also commonly used in the fabrication of tissue engineering scaffolds. TCP is one of the calcium phosphate materials. Tricalcium phosphate is a compound with formula Ca3(PO4)2. It is also known as calcium orthophosphate, tertiary calcium phosphate, tribasic calcium phosphate, or "bone ash" (calcium phosphate being one of the main combustion products of bone).
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MPMD Conference and Expo
August 10-12 2009
Minneapolis, MN
Additional Plenary Session talk scheduled
David Wayne Polly, Jr., M.D.
Professor and Chief of the Spine Service
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Minnesota
Spinal instrumentation and clinical performance: issues with their use
Spinal implants and devices from a clinical perspective - what are we doing now, what works, what doesn't work - where are the success and failures leading us in terms of materials and designs.
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Get the latest state-of-the-art training from the leading practioners at the seminar series that will be held in conjunction with the MPMD Conference. Maximize your training and conference opportunities by combining them!
Schedule for Seminars at MPMD Conference
Tight travel budgets? Consider bringing our Customized On-Site Training to your facility. Contact John Cerne for more information. back to top >
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