Seminar Report

Medical Plastics : Materials, Applications And Processing

For Medical Devices And Pharmaceuticals Industries

LUMBAR FUSION CAGE from PEEK

• The new Lumbar Fusion cage is manufactured from PEEK- Medical grade and offers the surgeon the following benefits:

• Reduced operating time through anterior only approach. 

• PEEK is Radio lucent, for an easier and improved view of the fusion mass. 

• Improved loading between the implant / bone interface. 

• PEEK- has an elasticity modulus of 3.6GPa, which is very close to that of cortical bone, making ready load transfer between the cage and the adjacent vertebral bodies. Also, similar a modulus of elasticity reducing the affects of stress shielding on the graft material, which promotes better bone fusion. 

• PEEK, unlike some plastics like PTFE, does not hinder bone growth.

• The LUMBAR FUSION cage is the next generation in stand-alone fusion technology. 

PEEK in CARDIOVASCULAR APPLICATION

• Peek reinforced with 30 % Carbon Fibre can be used in a heart valve equipment. 

• It has a modulus of elasticity that is virtually identical to cortical bone and is being evaluated for use in a spinal fusion cage to promote graft bone stimulus and fusion. 

• In Cardiovascular applications Peek finds application in following components  

• components of a ventricular-assist device, 

• Intra cardiac pump, 

• pacemaker leads 

• header system. 

• as a dental abutment healing cap.