Bactericidal coatings for implants

Abstract

Abstract Metallic and ceramic implants provided with thin films of infection resistant coatings, such as external fixation devices, pins, metallic urological catheters, ceramic counterfaces in joint replacements, connectors and the like, a dry coating method therefor and apparatus to accomplish the same are disclosed. The thin films of bacteriostatic and/or fungistatic compounds on the implants are intended to further improve their biocompatibility by reducing infections, whether hospital induced or brought about by the indwelling nature of these devices. The method essentially includes the dry caoting of the outside surfaces of the metallic and ceramic implants with a thin film of bacteriostatic and/or fungistatic compounds. The apparatus to effect the method essentially includs a vacuum chamber, an evaporator and an ion source mounted in oeprative association within the chamber, and means for rotatably mounting a plurality of implants for exposure to the evaporator and the ion source.

Inventors

• 👤 Piran Sioshansi
• 👤 Eric J. Tobin
• 👤 John E. Barry
• 👤 Robert S. Farivar

Bibliographic Details