Metal alloy for medical devices and implants

Abstract

The present invention relates to a medical device or implant made at least in part of a high strength, low modulus metal alloy comprising Niobium, Tantalum, and at least one element selected from the group consisting of Zirconium, Tungsten and Molybdenum. The medical devices according to the present invention provide superior characteristics with regard to biocompatibility, radio-opacity and MRI compatibility.

1 . A metal alloy for use in medical implants or devices, said alloy consisting essentially of: 
 between about 5 and 25 weight percent Niobium;    between about 0.1 and 30 weight percent Zirconium;    up to 5 weight percent in total of at least one element selected from the group consisting of Hafnium, Rhenium and Lanthanides; and    balance of Tantalum.    
     
     
         2 . A metal alloy for use in medical implants or devices, said alloy consisting essentially of: 
 between about 0.1 and 70 weight percent Niobium;    between about 0.1 and 30 weight percent in total of at least one element selected from the group consisting of Tungsten and Molybdenum;    up to 5 weight percent in total of at least one element selected from the group consisting of Hafnium, Rhenium and Lanthanides; and    a balance of Tantalum.    
     
     
         3 . A metal alloy for use in medical implants or devices, said alloy consisting essentially of: 
 between about 0.1 and 70 weight percent Niobium;    between about 0.1 and 30 weight percent in total of at least two elements selected from the group consisting of Tungsten, Zirconium and Molybdenum;    up to 5 weight percent in total of at least one element selected from the group consisting of Hafnium, Rhenium and Lanthanides; and    a balance of Tantalum.    
     
     
         4 . A metal alloy according to  claim 1 , wherein the Lanthanide is Cerium.  
     
     
         5 . A metal alloy according to  claim 2 , wherein the Lanthanide is Cerium.  
     
     
         6 . A metal alloy according to  claim 3 , wherein the Lanthanide is Cerium.  
     
     
         7 . A metal alloy according to  claim 2 , wherein the alloy comprises between 0.1 and 15 weight percent Tungsten.  
     
     
         8 . A metal alloy according to  claim 3 , wherein the alloy comprises between 0.1 and 15 weight percent Tungsten.  
     
     
         9 . A metal alloy according to  claim 1 , wherein the alloy comprises between 0.1 and 10 weight percent Zirconium.  
     
     
         10 . A metal alloy according to  claim 3 , wherein the alloy comprises between 0.1 and 10 weight percent Zirconium.  
     
     
         11 . A metal alloy according to  claim 2 , wherein the alloy comprises between 0.1 and 20 weight percent Molybdenum.  
     
     
         12 . A metal alloy according to  claim 3 , wherein the alloy comprises between .0.1 and 20 weight percent Molybdenum.  
     
     
         13 . A metal alloy according to  claim 2 , wherein the alloy comprises between 5 and 25 weight percent Niobium.  
     
     
         14 . A metal alloy according to  claim 3 , wherein the alloy comprises between 5 and 25 weight percent Niobium.  
     
     
         15 . A metal alloy according to  claim 7 , wherein the alloy comprises about 10 weight percent Niobium and about 2.5 weight percent Tungsten.  
     
     
         16 . A metal alloy according to  claim 8 , wherein the alloy comprises about 10 weight percent Niobium and about 2.5 weight percent Tungsten.  
     
     
         17 . A metal alloy according to  claim 7 , wherein the alloy comprises about 10 weight percent Niobium and about 7.5 weight percent Tungsten.  
     
     
         18 . A metal alloy according to  claim 8 , wherein the alloy comprises about 10 weight percent Niobium and about 7.5 weight percent Tungsten.  
     
     
         19 . A metal alloy according to  claim 9 , wherein the alloy comprises about 10 weight percent Niobium and about 1 weight percent Zirconium.  
     
     
         20 . A metal alloy according to  claim 10 , wherein the alloy comprises about 10 weight percent Niobium and about 1 weight percent Zirconium.  
     
     
         21 . A metal alloy according to  claim 9 , wherein the alloy comprises about 10 weight percent Niobium and about 3 weight percent Zirconium.  
     
     
         22 . A metal alloy according to  claim 10 , wherein the alloy comprises about 10 weight percent Niobium and about 3 weight percent Zirconium.  
     
     
         23 . A metal alloy according to  claim 1 , wherein the alloy provides for a uniform beta structure, which is uniform and corrosion resistant, and has the ability for conversion oxidation or nitridization surface hardening of the medical implant or device.  
     
     
         24 . A metal alloy according to  claim 2 , wherein the alloy provides for a uniform beta structure, which is uniform and corrosion resistant, and has the ability for conversion oxidation or nitridization surface hardening of the medical implant or device.  
     
     
         25 . A metal alloy according to  claim 3 , wherein the alloy provides for a uniform beta structure, which is uniform and corrosion resistant, and has the ability for conversion oxidation or nitridization surface hardening of the medical implant or device.  
     
     
         26 . A metal alloy according to  claim 1 , wherein the metal alloy has a surface that is passivated by oxidation or nitridization.  
     
     
         27 . A metal alloy according to  claim 2 , wherein the metal alloy has a surface, that is passivated by oxidation or nitridization.  
     
     
         28 . A metal alloy according to  claim 3 , wherein the metal alloy has a surface that is passivated by oxidation or nitridization.  
     
     
         29 . A metal alloy according to  claim 1 , wherein the metal alloy has a surface that is one of the electropolished, mechanically polished, micro blasted, roughened and sintered.  
     
     
         30 . A metal alloy according to  claim 2 , wherein the metal alloy has a surface that is one of the electropolished, mechanically polished, micro blasted, roughened and sintered.  
     
     
         31 . A metal alloy according to  claim 3 , wherein the metal alloy has a surface that is one of the electropolished, mechanically polished, micro blasted, roughened and sintered.  
     
     
         32 . A metal alloy according to  claim 1 , wherein the metal alloy has a surface coated with at least one of the group consisting of a metal, a blend of metals and a ceramic.  
     
     
         33 . A metal alloy according to  claim 2 , wherein the metal alloy has a surface coated with at least one of the group consisting of a metal, a blend of metals and a ceramic.  
     
     
         34 . A metal alloy according to  claim 3 , wherein the metal alloy has a surface coated with at least one of the group consisting of a metal, a blend of metals and a ceramic.  
     
     
         35 . A metal alloy for use in medical implants or devices according to  claim 1 , wherein the medical device is a stimulation device, stimulation leads or a dental device.  
     
     
         36 . A metal alloy for use in medical implants or devices according to  claim 2 , wherein the medical device is a stimulation device, stimulation leads or a dental device.  
     
     
         37 . A metal alloy for use in medical implants or devices according to  claim 3 , wherein the medical device is a stimulation device, stimulation leads or a dental device.