Prophylactic bactericidal medical device

Abstract

A medical implant system is described for inhibiting infection associated with a joint prosthesis implant. An inventive system includes an implant body made of a biocompatible material which has a metal component disposed on an external surface of the implant body. A current is allowed to flow to the metal component, stimulating release of metal ions toxic to microbes, such as bacteria, protozoa, fungi, and viruses. One detailed system is completely surgically implantable in the patient such that no part of the system is external to the patient while the system is in use. In addition, externally controlled devices are provided which allow for modulation of implanted components.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A medical device adapted to be in contact with body tissue during normal use, comprising:
 a component that comes into contact with the body tissue;   an antimicrobial material associated with said component; and   a current generator that creates a flow of antimicrobial ions from said antimicrobial material through material adjacent said component.