Self Powered Ostogenesis and Osseointegration Promotion and Maintenance Device for Endosseous Implant

Abstract

Osteogenesis and osseointegration promotion and maintenance devices for osseous implants include an implant member having a first electrode, an inlaid second electrode positioned on the member so that it is electrically isolated from and substantially flush with the member surface, and an electrical stimulation mechanism preferably located at the member and operative to provide electrical stimulation signals to endosseous tissue surrounding the implant through the first and second electrodes. The first electrode may be the member itself or a second inlaid electrode. The implant is thus electrically functionalized for osteogenesis and osseointgration acceleration. The device is applicable to both non-dental and dental implants. In all embodiments, the use of inlaid electrode(s) enables the general appearance, external surface and mechanical integrity of the implant to be left essentially unchanged.

1 - 92 . (canceled) 
     
     
         93 . A device comprising:
 an implant arranged for implantation within a bone structure, said implant comprising a first section and a second section, wherein said second section comprises a hollow inner space and wherein said first section and said second section cooperate such that the hollow inner space is sealed, said implant exhibiting a substantially smooth solid outer surface;   a first groove extending through said outer surface of said implant;   an electrical stimulation mechanism constituted of a power source and an electronic device in communication with the power source, said electrical stimulation mechanism exhibiting a first and a second electrical contact of opposing polarity, said electrical stimulation mechanism ensconced within said sealed hollow inner space;   a first conductor inlaid in said first groove and electrically connected to said first electrical contact, said inlaid first conductor substantially externally flush with said outer surface of said implant; and   a second conductor connected to said second electrical contact and in electrical contact with a portion of the bone structure, said second conductor not substantially extending past said outer surface of said implant,   wherein said electronic device is arranged to provide controlled stimulation signals to the bone structure via said first and second electrical conductors.   
     
     
         94 . The device according to  claim 93 , wherein said implant is elongated and said second section forms an end of said elongated implant. 
     
     
         95 . The device according to  claim 94 , wherein said second section exhibits a non-conducting envelope and a feedthrough, the non-conducting envelope forming the outer surface of said second section, said first conductor passing through the feedthrough of the non-conducting envelope. 
     
     
         96 . The device according to  claim 93 , wherein said outer surface of at least one of said first section and said second section is electrically conductive, said second conductor constituted of said electrically conductive outer surface,
 and wherein the inner walls of said first groove are coated with an electrical insulated separator, such that said inlaid first conductor is electrically insulated from said second conductor.   
     
     
         97 . The device according to  claim 96 , wherein said electrically conductive outer surface comprises titanium. 
     
     
         98 . The device according to  claim 96 , wherein said electrical insulating separator comprises one of: a deposited thin film; an anodically grown thin film; and an inlaid biocompatible non-conductor. 
     
     
         99 . The device according to  claim 93 , further comprising a second groove extending through said outer surface of said implant, said second conductor inlaid in said second groove and electrically insulated from said first conductor inlaid in said first groove. 
     
     
         100 . The device according to  claim 93 , wherein said first groove is substantially ring shaped and at least partially encircles said substrate. 
     
     
         101 . The device according to  claim 93 , wherein said first groove is substantially a straight line extending at least partially along the length of said substrate. 
     
     
         102 . The device according to  claim 93 , wherein said first groove is substantially tubular and extends longitudinally from inside said substrate through said outer surface. 
     
     
         103 . The device according to  claim 93 , wherein said first groove is spiral shaped. 
     
     
         104 . The device according to  claim 93 , wherein said first groove comprises a plurality of first grooves substantially uniformly distributed about said substrate. 
     
     
         105 . The device according to  claim 93 , wherein said stimulation signals include voltage signals selected from the group consisting of alternating current voltages, direct current voltages and pulsed voltages. 
     
     
         106 . The device according to  claim 105 , wherein said voltage signals are in the range of 100 μV to 1V. 
     
     
         107 . The device according to  claim 105 , wherein said voltage signals produce alternating currents with a frequency in the range of 1 Hz to 100 KHz. 
     
     
         108 . The device according to  claim 105 , wherein said voltage signals produce alternating currents with a frequency in the range of 10 Hz to 20 Hz. 
     
     
         109 . The device according to  claim 93 , wherein said electronic device is in communication with a control means and responsive to the control means to adjust parameters of the provided stimulation signals responsive to said control means. 
     
     
         110 . The device according to  claim 109 , wherein said parameters comprise pulse amplitude and pulse duration. 
     
     
         111 . The device according to  claim 110 , wherein said electronic device is further responsive to the control means to alternately active the stimulation signals, and cease the stimulation signals. 
     
     
         112 . The device according to  claim 93 , wherein the power source comprises an energy storage means.