ULTRA HIGH MOLECULAR WEIGHT POLYETHYLENE PRODUCT AND METHOD FOR FORMING ULTRA HIGH MOLECULAR WEIGHT POLYETHYLENE PRODUCT

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an implantable product, and a method for forming an implantable product from a cross-linked ultra high molecular weight polyethylene ("UHMWPE") blend stabilized with vitamin E.SOLUTION: A cross-linked UHMWPE blend may be prepared by mixing a UHMWPE material with vitamin E and then irradiating the UHMWPE blend with electron beams at a sufficient dose rate for causing cross-linking. The cross-linked UHMWPE blend may be incorporated into various implants, in particular into an artificial joint alternative.