In 2000, Sulzer Orthopedics noticed higher than normal revision surgeries on their InterOpAcetabular Shell. The shell was held to the pelvis with screws, yet these sockets started to loosen. Patients experienced persistent and sharp groin pain due to this loosening and were unable to bear their weight on the leg that had the implant. Approximately 25,000 shells were affected. 17,500 of these were already implanted in patients. Following weeks of investigation of patients record, surgical techniques, and the product itself, the company ordered a recall. Sulzer eventually agreed to $1 billion settlement with affected patients.
Month: October 2017
Pressure Cookers for Composites
As I mentioned in my last blog, curing in the simplest case, happens under standard atmospheric conditions. However, one can accelerate the curing process by applying pressure. Vacuum bag autoclaving is one of the common processes for curing prepreg plies. Dry or wet layup typically precedes vacuum bag autoclaving.
Baking Composites: Layup and Curing
Variety of methods are employed to manufacture biomedical composite components. Most of the methods have been adapted from those available for manufacturing composites for non-biomedical applications (e.g., aerospace applications)., and tweaked as required to meet design, regulatory and manufacturing requirements unique to biomedical applications. Method selection for a particular component depends on the biomaterials, design requirement and application.