Metal Implant

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention is a medical implant or tool made from a metal (such as titanium), where the surface is coated with a polycrystalline, doped, electrically conductive diamond layer. When the implant is used in the body as part of an electrochemical system (with a suitable electrical setup), antimicrobial oxidizing agents are generated directly at the implant’s surface. These agents can effectively kill bacteria on or near the implant, preventing or treating microbial infections associated with implants, such as dental or orthopedic implants, without releasing harmful metal ions or relying on antibiotics.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Dental implants (e.g., to prevent or treat infections like peri-implantitis)
• Orthopedic implants and endoprostheses (e.g., hip, knee replacements) to reduce post-surgical infections
• Short-term implants (e.g., specialized wires or electrodes used in procedures)
• Medical tools and instruments that can be temporarily implanted to reduce infection risk
• Root canal disinfection in dentistry during endodontic procedures
• Treatment or prevention of biofilm-associated infections on implanted medical devices

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Reduces bacterial and microbial infection risk directly at the implant surface
• Provides an on-demand, controllable antimicrobial effect by electrical activation, avoiding continuous cytotoxic ion release
• Avoids use of systemic antibiotics, thus reducing risk of antibiotic resistance
• Does not significantly harm surrounding healthy tissue or cells when used as designed
• Compatible with widely-used implant materials such as titanium and its alloys
• Potentially extends implant lifespan and success rates by minimizing infection-related failures
• Flexible electrical activation allows for repeated and safe re-treatment if necessary
• Prevents far-reaching negative effects of chronic implant-associated infections, such as tissue inflammation and implant loosening

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to an implant or medical tool made of a metal or having a surface made of a metal for use in a therapeutic treatment, the implant or the tool having, on the surface thereof, a coating having polycrystalline doped electrically conductive diamond, the therapeutic treatment being a treatment of a microbial infection of a human or animal body, the implant or tool being connected as an anode (12) in an electrochemical system in the body, the electrochemical system comprising in addition to the anode (12) a cathode (16), a current source electrically connected to the anode and to the cathode, and an electrolyte that comprises a body fluid or consists of a body fluid, or the electrochemical system consisting of the anode (12), a cathode (16), a current source electrically connected to the anode and to the cathode, and an electrolyte that comprises a body fluid or consists of a body fluid, or the implant or the tool being arranged within an electric field, whereby a negative charge is induced in a first location and a positive charge is induced in a second location on the implant or tool by induction, whereby the first location becomes the anode (12) in an electrochemical system and the second location becomes the cathode (16) in the electrochemical system, the electrochemical system comprising in addition to the implant or the tool an electrolyte that comprises a body fluid or consists of a body fluid, or the electrochemical system consisting of the implant or the tool and an electrolyte that comprises a body fluid or consists of a body fluid.