DE102006055432A1 - Component made of braid elements - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a component with a mesh of a plurality of interlocking, closed mesh elements. According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a method for producing a component. The object of the invention is to overcome disadvantages in the prior art. This object is achieved in that individual mesh elements are connected so that the mesh is shear stable in at least one spatial direction.

Description

The Invention relates to a component with a mesh of several, interlocking, closed mesh elements. According to a second Aspect, the invention relates to a method for producing a Component.

Components with braids are for example from the JP 2004 347 294 A known. The braids serve in the components for absorbing tensile forces, in particular local tensile forces. For example, such braids are used in protective gloves and protective vests for cutting and puncture protection. Another application for such braids are fishing nets, for example, in alpine winter sports, as they can absorb large tractive forces and at the same time are sufficiently flexible to avoid injuries in athletes who drive at high speed in such a safety net.

adversely on such components is that they always have a suspension or a support matrix for the Need to include braid. Such braids can namely are loaded only on train and fall without suspension or support matrix in itself.

Of the Invention is based on the object, said disadvantages in the state overcome the technique.

The Invention solves the problem of a generic component in which individual Braid elements are connected so that the braid in at least a space direction is shear stable. According to a second aspect, the invention solves the problem by a method of manufacturing a component with the steps: a) providing one of several, interlocking, built closed mesh elements, in no spatial direction shear stable braid and b) connection of braid elements so that the mesh in at least one spatial direction shear stable is.

Advantageous It is an object of the invention to provide components which are completely made Braid can exist and still without suspension or support matrix get along. Such components can due to the ductility of a braid whose braid elements are not connected, brought into almost any shape become. By a suitable connection so components in almost everyone geometric shape are produced. In particular, free-form surfaces can be produced, those on their surface have very small curve radii.

Advantageous on a component according to the invention is also that an open porosity is adjustable. This is especially in the cases Cheap, in which the component, for example, as human or veterinary Implant is inserted into the body's own cells should. By choosing the geometric shape and spatial Arrangement of the braid elements can also increase the porosity of the component be varied in a simple way.

One Another advantage is that components according to the invention can be produced very quickly are. Braids used as base material for components according to the invention Serve, are also mechanically fast and inexpensive too get and can therefore easily in stock be kept what the production time of inventive components further shortened.

One Another advantage of the invention is that components according to the invention are producible so that they have a predetermined modulus of elasticity exhibit. That makes them for use as medical implants particularly suitable. Namely a conventional one Implant implanted in a bone, for example, by surgery, This is how mechanical stress on the bone and implant occurs to a relative shift between the two. This can be loosen the implant, which requires a new operation. On the other hand, a component according to the invention used as an implant can do so be made that its modulus of elasticity of the bone very much comes close so that it deforms under load similar to the surrounding him Bone. The above-described disadvantages of known implants become so reduced. If desired, can The braid elements are also connected so that the component one dependent on the spatial direction (anisotropic) electricity module having.

One Another advantage of the invention is that components according to the invention easily retrofitted are deformable. So it is easily possible, any manufacturing errors later to correct.

in the Within the scope of the present description is under a braid in particular a flat or macroscopically two-dimensional structure understood in each Direction of their area extent is stable against train. However, it is not necessary that the braid flat is. It is possible, to fabricate the mesh three-dimensionally and then single Braid elements connect so that the three-dimensional shape preserved and consolidated.

Under a braid in particular no knit is understood. In a knitted fabric, a continuous, long thread is placed in loops and the loops entwined with each other so that a flat object, namely the knitted fabric arises. Under In particular, a braiding is also understood to mean no braiding, in which several wires are intertwined with one another.

The Component may, but not necessarily, next to the braid include other components, such as fasteners for attaching the component to a bone.

Under the feature that individual mesh elements are connected is in the context of the present description in particular to be understood that the braid elements in pairs to each other or with each other rigid coupled or that they are connected to a common, rigid or fixed rigid body are.

In a particularly preferred embodiment the braid is unstable in two spatial directions, in particular it is dimensionally stable. The braid is then dimensionally stable, in particular if it is by applying an external force to any Place first exclusively elastically deformed and then, when the external force is no longer applied, again takes the previous form.

In a preferred embodiment the mesh elements are joined together by joining. Under joining is to be understood in particular the joining designated in DIN 8593, for example Soldering, Gluing or welding. Preference is given to laser welding or inductive welding. Alternatively or additively the braid elements also by separate fasteners such Be connected to clips, clips, or clamps.

Prefers are braid elements over at least one connecting element connected to each other, the no Braid element is. Such connecting elements are preferably Rods, wires, Plates and / or three-dimensional rigid bodies. The connecting elements can forming a net arranged on the mesh. The mesh elements are with the fasteners, such as by welding, plugging or mechanical fasteners connected. According to the invention that individual mesh elements are exclusively joined together, that individual mesh elements connected to other mesh elements exclusively via fasteners are and that individual braid elements both by joining as also over Connecting elements are connected.

at a preferred component, the mesh elements are formed so that the braid or the material from which the braid is created is, has osteoconductive properties. This is to be understood that the braid then when it is living with a human or animal bone, bone cells is stimulated in the Braid. The braid is preferred for humane Bone cells osteoconductive. This has the advantage that the component especially good as a permanent implant to replace lost bone can be used. It can then be particularly good as an individual implant as a bone substitute for large-scale destructions are used, for example due to tumors, infections, aseptic loosening of joint implants etc. arise. Such as implant serving components are special suitable for the skullcap, for the Scapula, for the pelvis, the lower jaw, the zygomatic bone and the kneecap.

In a particularly preferred embodiment are the mesh elements rings. Such braids are special easy and therefore inexpensive produce and process. Alternatively, the mesh elements oval or angular. The braid elements are for example by Forming and welding made of wires.

Prefers is a mesh element with four other mesh elements each connected. Such braids are referred to as 1: 4 braids. alternative is a mesh element with six or eight mesh elements each connected or there are two braid elements with six or connected to eight other mesh elements. Such braids will be also referred to as 1: 6, 1: 8, 2: 6 or 2: 8 braids.

In a preferred embodiment the mesh elements are at least partially absorbable. this includes is to be understood that the braid elements then, if a component implanted in a human or animal body, from the body be at least partially reduced. Corresponding braid elements include, for example, magnesium or absorbable polymers or exist it.

alternative or additively, the braid elements are at least partially not absorbable. In this case, the parts of the mesh elements, which should not be absorbable, preferably from a material prepared from the group comprising: titanium, Cobalt, iron, alloys of the above metals, tantalum, shape memory alloys and biocompatible polymers.

Prefers In addition, individual parts of the mesh are absorbable, whereas other parts of the mesh are not absorbable.

In a preferred embodiment, at least a part of the mesh elements is at least partially as coated with titanium, tantalum and / or hydroxyapatite.

Especially it is preferred that the component be implanted in an animal or human body is trained. This is especially with bone replacement and / or provided or coated pharmacologically active substances. this includes For example, pluripotent cells, bone marrow cells or bone chips to understand that promote the sprouting of bone into the component.

Especially Preferably, the braid is at least partially with growth factors coated, which promote bone ingrowth.

alternative the braid is at least partially coated with active substances, reduce and suppress bone ingrowth. To this Way is achieved that implanted as an implant according to the invention component simply removed surgically after a predetermined service life can be removed without being removed from a bone composite would.

One inventive method is preferably done so that prior to joining braid elements, the braid is arranged so becomes that it assumes a three-dimensional shape. For example The braid can be made on one by rapid prototyping three-dimensional model can be arranged. Possibilities of arranging are a hanging up or a stretching. Alternatively, the braid is in a frame so stretched that it takes on the desired shape.

The so arranged braid can then be processed for example by laser welding so that it permanently assumes a predetermined three-dimensional shape. Thus, according to the invention from the two-dimensional mesh formed a three-dimensional body.

in the Below are embodiments of Invention explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. It shows

1 a mesh of rings (ring mesh) for producing a component according to the invention,

2 the ring mesh after 1 which has been locally compressed

3 the ring mesh after 1 in which braid elements are connected by means of connecting elements which are not braided elements,

4 the ring mesh after 1 , which has been placed on a model of a hip joint nearer portion of a thigh to carry out a method according to the invention

5 2 is a sketch of a human pelvis into which a component according to the invention is to be implanted as part of a method according to the invention;

6a an exploded view of a component according to the invention in the form of an implant,

6b the component according to 6a in an assembled arrangement and

6c the component according to 6a and 6b in the state in which it is connected to the remaining pelvis.

1 shows a mesh 10 , consisting of several, interlocking, closed mesh elements 12a . 12b ,... is constructed. In the braid 10 In each case, a mesh element is connected to four other mesh elements. So is in 1 the mesh element 12a with the four mesh elements 12b . 12c . 12d and 12e connected.

The individual mesh elements 12a . 12b , ... are connected to each other only by their interlocking, so that two mesh elements are to some extent slidable against each other. For example, the braid element 12a on the mesh element 12b to be moved without the braid element 12b would have to deform or move. The braid 10 is therefore not stable in any spatial direction x or y.

This in 1 shown braid 10 is flat or macroscopically two-dimensional. By macroscopic two-dimensional is meant that the mesh 10 Although it has a three-dimensional structure in the strict mathematical sense, the relevant properties only refer to two dimensions. This is how the braid stretches 10 both in the two spatial directions x and y, in 1 are predetermined by the paper plane, as well as in the outstanding from the paper plane third spatial direction z. The following are exclusively braids 10 described, which are two-dimensional or macroscopic in this sense. In alternative embodiments of the invention, however, the use of three-dimensional braids is possible. In this case, individual areas of the mesh are 10 with other, spatially spaced or removed areas of the braid interconnected via additional braid elements.

2 shows the mesh 10 to 1 in the state where it is local in two spatial directions has been compressed. The upsetting results in the formation of two overlapping areas of increased wicking element density 14a and 14b in which the mesh is compressed one-dimensionally. In the two areas 14a . 14b the mesh elements are closer together than in the 1 shown arrangement. In the in 3 In the middle shown area, the mesh is compressed two-dimensionally.

3 shows a mesh 10 in which individual mesh elements with each other by connecting elements 16a . 16b ,... and 18a . 18b , ... are connected with each other. The connecting elements 16a . 16b , ... are perpendicular to the connecting elements 18a . 18b , .... For example, these fasteners can be made of welded additive and then follow the points of contact of the mesh elements of a deliberately deformed braid. According to the invention, the arrangement of the connecting elements can be made according to the mechanical requirements.

As an example, the mesh element 12a both with the connecting element 16b as well as the connecting element 18b connected by joints in the form of laser welding points. The mesh element 12c is, however, exclusively with the connecting element 18b connected, the mesh element 12d is exclusively with the connecting element 16b connected and the two mesh elements 12b and 12e are both with the fasteners 16b and 18b connected. In that the braid elements 12a to 12e over the fasteners 16b and 18b are connected, they can only in the context of mechanical strength of the fasteners 16b and 18b be moved against each other.

A mesh element 12f is not with any of the fasteners 16 . 18 but exclusively with the adjacent mesh elements, for example 12c and 12d connected. In the present embodiment, each mesh element is connected to at least one other mesh element.

In an alternative embodiment, braid elements are provided which are not connected to any of the other braid elements, for example a braid element 12g , The mesh element 12g is rotatable about its axis of rotation and entwined with the surrounding braid elements. Also the mesh element 12f may be unconnected in this embodiment, while being further entwined with its neighbors.

The mesh elements 12 are rings made of wire of a given wire diameter by welding the two free ends.

The mesh elements exist for. As titanium and z. B. with an in 3 Not shown hydroxyapatite coated layer. The layer thickness of the hydroxyapatite layer may be, for example, 50 μm.

4 shows a component according to the invention 20 that made a braid 10 consists. The braid 10 is made of mesh elements 12a . 12b , ..., which are so interconnected by joining, that the braid 10 in the in 4 shape shown is dimensionally stable.

This in 4 shown component is prepared as described below by a method according to the invention. First, a braid 10 provided as it is in 1 is shown. In a second step, a three-dimensional model is created by means of a rapid prototyping method 22 manufactured, which is smaller by a predetermined amount than the component to be manufactured. The predetermined amount is chosen so that the out of the network 10 manufactured component 20 has exactly the desired geometric dimensions. The model 22 is in 4 schematically below the mesh 10 drawn.

In a subsequent step, the braid becomes 10 on the model 22 so hung up that it is at least partially complete and wrinkle free on the model 22 rests. In a subsequent step, in the area in which the braid rests on the model, individual braid elements 12a . 12b , ... by laser beam welding by means of a computer-controlled laser welding robot so that the contours of the model 22 is recorded. In this way, all the braid elements that lie in the area in which the braid 10 completely on the model 22 rests with their respective neighbors.

If necessary, the model becomes 22 after that turned, leaving further mesh elements in direct contact with the model 22 reach. Subsequently, these braid elements are connected to their respective neighbors. This results in a dimensionally stable component 20 that completely on the model 22 rests.

Subsequently, the model 22 away. If possible, the model will 22 simply taken from it. If it is, as in 4 shown, not possible, the model 22 from the component 20 to remove without the component 20 to destroy, becomes the model 22 melted out, burned out or fired. In this case, the model becomes 22 for example, made of a plastic or a wax.

In an alternative invention Procedure becomes the braid 10 initially braced in a framework so that it assumes the desired geometric shape. In a subsequent step, the individual braid elements are then joined together. This workbook of bracing can also be combined with the above described operations of laying on a model.

in the The following is the preparation of a component in the form of an implant for the reconstruction of a half basin. The reconstruction of a half pelvis can be caused by tumors, infections or Bone resorptions due to foreign body reactions to be necessary. For example, in rapidly progressive tumors a early Operation and thus the lowest possible To achieve loss of bone material, it is necessary to have an implant preferably to produce quickly. The method according to the invention fulfills these requirements Requirement.

5 shows a sketch of a human pelvis 24 with a left half of the pelvis 26a and a right half of the pelvis 26b , To the left half of the pelvis 26a By replacing a component according to the invention in the form of an implant, a computed tomography or magnetic resonance tomography image of the pelvis is first of all taken 24 prepared. It becomes a spatial representation of the right half of the pelvis 26b receive. Reflection turns this graphic representation into a mathematical model for the left half of the pelvis 26a calculated. This mathematical model is then decomposed into mathematical sub-models, the individual sub-components 28 . 30 . 32 . 34 . 36 describe. These parts are in 6a shown.

Based on the mathematical models are used for the component parts 30 to 36 Models are made, with the help of which the braid elements of an applied braid 10 be joined together as described above, so that the corresponding part-components 30 to 36 arise. The part component 28 is made by milling from a solid block of titanium using a prior art method. Alternatively, the component becomes 28 prefabricated as semi-finished products and is deformed into the correct shape.

The parts components 30 to 36 are then coated with hydroxyapatite. Subsequently, bone growth and bone-cell promoting substances are carried on these mesh elements 12a . 12b , ... upset. Alternatively, the entire mesh is coated. If necessary, interstices between individual mesh elements are filled up with bone chips or pluripotent cells, so that a bone chips sprouting is further promoted.

Subsequently, all components become part 28 to 36 for example, interconnected intraoperatively, as in 6b is shown. The connection of the individual component parts with each other is done by welding, clamping, by Steckkoni or by gluing. The component thus obtained 20 is then connected in the context of an operation with the remaining right pelvis (cf. 6c ), wherein the component 20 the removed left half of the pelvis 26a replaced.

On the manner described above can be both short-term and Design long-term implants. Short term implants in the field of Bones are equipped that the predominantly connective tissue be segregated. A subsequent surgical removal will not be hampered by bone ingrowth. When Long-term implant used components of the invention are equipped so that promoted a ingrowth in the bone becomes. For Long-term applications, an inventive component, for example biocompatible polymers designed so that a connective tissue deposition takes place. In this way, implants are used in the abdominal cavity realized.

Around a particularly good strength of the component and a particularly good compatibility It is intended to realize the mechanical and / or chemical Properties of a component to be produced in advance mathematically to model and iteratively change the mathematical model so that a for the selected boundary conditions optimal component is obtained. In such an iterative improvement process the emphasis is on the power flow and one as possible physiological connection of the component (implant) to the remaining ones Skeletal sections.

In an alternative method according to the invention Individual braid elements are initially connected so that the Braid is dimensionally stable. Subsequently, the thus obtained dimensionally stable braid brought by forming in the desired shape. That so resulting braid can also purposefully braced or relieved become.

In all of the above-described methods and clinical applications of components, temperature sensitive materials such as shape memory alloys can be used. In this case, first, at a first temperature, which is preferably body temperature (36 ° C), a component according to the invention is produced. Subsequently, this component is deformed at a second, for example, lower temperature and introduced by means of an operation in the human or animal body. Due to the prevailing body temperature, the component takes the desired first form.

According to the invention can following variations are made: At one edge of the mesh can be provided specially shaped wire elements, the attachment serve the component, for example, to bones. In addition, the braid can from changing numbers, sizes and different Designing the braid elements be constructed.

It is also not necessary that the mesh elements with each other have the same geometric shape. It is rather possible that made the individual mesh elements with alternating mesh size become. The mesh elements can also made of wires be constructed of different thickness. Another possibility is that components according to the invention by braided or inserted objects made of metal, polymers or Stabilized, reinforced, molded or functionalised other materials are. In particular, you can Durchleitun conditions or motor elements may be provided. It is also possible that two or more braids through cross connector to three-dimensional Objects are connected.

Separate Wicker elements can also be provided with substances that reject a reaction to prevent sprouting of unwanted tissue. It is also possible that the mesh is obtained by mechanical and / or chemical treatment, for example, by coatings with organic and / or inorganic Fabrics, surface activated are.

Provided desired For example, the component may comprise a braid, for example, through Coating, potting or gluing partially, one or two-sided or completely closed is.

Inventive components can the shape of cuffs made of several stiff ring mesh elements have, with each other with links of a shape memory alloy and in long splinter fractures of the long bones or for support multisegment correction tomotomies are used. Another Use is the replacement of a diaphragm by a polymeric, not resorbable ring mesh with unilaterally applied biotolerant Membrane for unilateral connective tissue and / or muscular adhesions and for differentiation by displaceable epithelial tissue, In addition, the ring mesh through a system artificial Vessels for forwarding of liquids is trained. Possible is also the replacement of a segment of the mandible using several welded, concavely curved and burr-shaped ring mesh with the Aim, an intraoperative adaptation of the implant dimensions To maintain healthy bone sections.

A further application are temporary Implants for the formation of an artificial body cavity or implants with surfaces for Connective tissue delimitation. Possible is also the replacement of plate bones, for example in the field of the skull, of the scapula and pelvis closed by one or two sides Ring mesh structures. Another application is a joint endoprosthesis or a total thigh bone replacement with additional attached Ring mesh for refixation and biological ingrowth of bone fragments, Tendon plates and musculature.

In all the above cases can in an inventive component z. B. drug dosing, telemetry facilities as well as measuring and control units are integrated.

Becomes an inventive component used in a protective vest, so it is possible to use composite, small area To attach armor shed to webs of stiffened braid elements.

10

weave

12a, b, ...

braid member

14a, b, ...

Area increased Braid element density

16a, b ..

connecting element

18a, b, ...

connecting element

20

component

22

model

24

pool

26b

right hemipelvis

26a

left hemipelvis

28

Partial component

30

Partial component

32

Partial component

34

Partial component

36

Partial component

Claims (24)

Component with a braid ( 10 ) of a plurality of interlocking, closed mesh elements ( 12 ), characterized in that individual braid elements are connected so that the braid ( 10 ) is shear stable in at least one spatial direction. Component according to claim 1, characterized in that the braid ( 10 ) is shear stable in two spatial directions, in particular that it is dimensionally stable. Component according to one of the preceding An claims, characterized in that braid elements ( 12 ) are joined together by joining. Component according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that braid elements ( 12 ) via at least one connecting element ( 16 . 18 ), which is not a braid member. Component according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the braid elements ( 12 ) are formed so that the mesh ( 10 ) is osteoconductive. Component according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the braid elements ( 12 ) Are rings. Component according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a mesh element ( 12 ) each having four or more other mesh elements ( 12 ) connected is. Component according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the braid elements ( 12 ) are at least partially absorbable. Component according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least a part of the mesh elements ( 12 ) at least partially with z. As titanium, tantalum and / or hydroxyapatite is coated. Component according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that it is to be implanted in an animal or human body is trained. Component according to claim 10, characterized in that the braid ( 10 ) is provided or coated with bone substitute and / or pharmacologically active substances. Component according to claim 11, characterized in that the braid ( 10 ) is at least partially coated with growth factors that promote bone ingrowth. Component according to one of claims 11 or 12, characterized in that the braid ( 10 ) is at least partially coated with active substances that reduce or suppress bone ingrowth. Component according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that it has a three-dimensional shape. Component according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that at least two braids superimposed and each other by Braided elements or connecting elements are connected. Method for producing a component ( 20 comprising the steps of: (a) providing one of a plurality of interlocking closed mesh elements ( 12 ) constructed, in any direction of space unstable braid ( 10 ) and (b) joining braid elements ( 12 ) so that the mesh ( 10 ) is shear stable in at least one spatial direction. The method of claim 16, wherein the bonding is performed so that the braid ( 10 ) is shear stable in two spatial directions. The method of claim 17, wherein the bonding is performed so that the braid ( 10 ) has a dimensionally stable three-dimensional shape. Method according to one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that the joining a joining of braid elements ( 12 ), in particular a welding or soldering. Method according to one of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that the connecting a connection by means of at least one connecting element ( 16 . 18 ). Method according to one of claims 16 to 20, characterized by the additional step: (c) after step (b) deforming the component ( 20 ) in particular deformation of braid and / or fasteners. Method according to one of Claims 16 to 21, characterized by the additional step: (a2) Before step (b) arranging the mesh ( 10 ) so that it assumes a three-dimensional shape. Method according to one of Claims 16 to 22, characterized by the additional step: (a2) Before step (b) arranging the mesh ( 10 ) so that it assumes a stretched or compressed form. A method according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that the joining is carried out so that the braid ( 10 ) retains the three-dimensional shape.