BONE IMPLANT AND SYSTEMS THAT CONTROLLABLY RELEASES SILVER

摘要

Silver and/or zinc ion releasing implants, systems and method of operating, inserting and activating/inactivating them are described. In some variations the implant is configured as a bone implant that includes a bone-screw or intramedullary rod like body configured to receive a treatment cartridge having a plurality of ion-releasing members configured as an anode that can controllably engage with a catheter to turn galvanic release of ions on/off as desired. These devices may be configured to release silver ions (and/or zinc ions) above a predetermined level for a predetermined period of time and may maintain a concentration of ions over a relatively large volume of tissue. The ion-releasing members may be configured to reduce or prevent implant movement.

主权项

1. An implant for providing antimicrobial treatment to a bone, tissue or organ, the implant comprising:
an elongate body having a threaded outer screw region; an inner channel within the elongate body; a plurality of exit channels extending from the inner channel and out through the elongate body; and a treatment cartridge configured to mate with the inner channel and comprising a plurality release members, each release member configured to extend from the cartridge body out through an exit channel and to galvanically release silver, zinc, or silver and zinc.