Patent ID: 8100971
Filing Date: 2012-01-24
Classification: A61B,A61F,A61L

Abstract:
1. A method for making a spinal implant device having at least one soft tissue-contacting surface, comprising: providing a load-bearing spinal implant device having at least one soft tissue-facing surface; and applying to the soft tissue-facing surface a coating operable for extended contact with soft tissue in vivo; wherein the coating is operable to define an interface with the soft tissue that exhibits a feature selected from the group consisting of reduced friction, reduced tissue irritation, reduced adhesion, reduced inflammation, reduced incidence of infection and reduced pain, relative to the soft tissue-facing surface of the load-bearing device in the absence of the coating, and wherein the coating comprises a xerogel or a hydrogel; and surgically affixing the device to the spinal column: and wherein, after said affixing, the coating absorbs water to become hydrated or more fully hydrated.