Active Implants Corporation Announces CE Mark Approval for Novel Low Wear,

nospam@example.com (Patricia Walter) — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 17:34:15 -0700

Link http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_2006_Sept_18/ai_n16729494/

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Active Implants Corporation (AIC), a pioneer in pliable orthopaedic implant technology, today announced CE Mark approval for its novel low wear, polymer hip implant which allows the sale of the product throughout Europe.

The AIC Hip Buffer(TM) is a press-fit, low wear polycarbonate polyurethane acetabular cup. This acetabular implant allows for larger femoral head sizes that should enhance joint stability and improve range of motion and shock absorption. The AIC Hip Buffer(TM) has potential applications in both total hip (complete replacement of the joint) and hip resurfacing (replacement of just the surface) surgical procedures, providing a less invasive implant with low wear metal-polymer characteristics. The company will implement a post-approval controlled release of the Hip Buffer(TM).

The AIC Hip Buffer(TM) introduces advanced low wear, pliable materials and innovative implant designs that are less invasive, bone sparing and expected to restore closer to normal joint function. The materials used by AIC are at least 50 times more pliable than all other materials used for this application and can allow for a better and more normal stress transfer to surrounding bone.

"We view this as disruptive technology and are pleased with our progress working closely with leading orthopaedic surgeons on establishing the clinical safety and efficacy of our novel implant technology" said Stephen Bradshaw, President and Chief Executive Officer of AIC. "Following more than a decade of research and development work, the Hip Buffer(TM) marks the beginning of a new generation of resilient implant solutions with a potential broad range of applications in the extremity joints and spine."

About Active Implants Corporation

Active Implants Corporation is a privately-held company formed in 2004 by an experienced team of orthopaedic executives and inventor with vast experience in advanced, pliable materials. AIC owns a robust intellectual property estate of innovative implant solutions and minimally invasive surgery technology with a potential broad range of medical applications. Headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, the mission of the company is to serve the emerging "Interventional Arthroplasty" market by providing earlier in life orthopaedic implant solutions.

Metal Ion Study Four Year Results

nospam@example.com (Patricia Walter) — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 09:54:07 -0700

Blood and urine metal ion levels in young and active patients after Birmingham hip resurfacing arthroplasty

FOUR-YEAR RESULTS OF A PROSPECTIVE LONGITUDINAL STUDY

J. Daniel, FRCS, Director of Research1; H. Ziaee, BSc(Hons), Biomedical Scientist1; C. Pradhan, FRCS, Staff Orthopaedic Surgeon1; P. B. Pynsent, PhD, Director2; and D. J. W. McMinn, FRCS, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon1 1 The McMinn Centre, 25 Highfield Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 3DP, UK. 2 Research and Teaching Centre, Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Northfield, Birmingham B31 2AP, UK.

READ COMPLETE STUDY

This is a longitudinal study of the daily urinary output and the concentrations in whole blood of cobalt and chromium in patients with metal-on-metal resurfacings over a period of four years.

Twelve-hour urine collections and whole blood specimens were collected before and periodically after a Birmingham hip resurfacing in 26 patients. All ion analyses were carried out using a high-resolution inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometer. Clinical and radiological assessment, hip function scoring and activity level assessment revealed excellent hip function.

There was a significant early increase in urinary metal output, reaching a peak at six months for cobalt and one year for chromium post-operatively. There was thereafter a steady decrease in the median urinary output of cobalt over the following three years, although the differences are not statistically significant. The mean whole blood levels of cobalt and chromium also showed a significant increase between the pre-operative and one-year post-operative periods. The blood levels then decreased to a lower level at four years, compared with the one-year levels. This late reduction was statistically significant for chromium but not for cobalt.

The effects of systemic metal ion exposure in patients with metal-on-metal resurfacing arthroplasties continue to be a matter of concern. The levels in this study provide a baseline against which the in vivo wear performance of newer bearings can be compared.

Hip Resurfacing News - Metal Ion Issues

Active Implants Corporation Announces CE Mark Approval for Novel Low Wear,

Metal Ion Study Four Year Results