Patent ID: 9155543
Filing Date: 2015-10-13
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A hydrogel implant configured for implantation within a joint of a patient, comprising: a top end configured to form an articulation surface when properly implanted within a joint; a bottom end generally opposite of the top end; a main hydrogel body extending between the top end and the bottom end, said main hydrogel body comprising a longitudinal centerline; wherein a diameter or other cross-section dimension of the bottom end is greater than a diameter or other cross-sectional dimension of the top end; and side walls generally extending between the top end and the bottom end, said side walls being generally sloped relative to the longitudinal centerline; wherein the implant comprises a tapered shape due to, at least in part, to a difference between the diameters or other cross-sectional dimensions of the top end and the bottom end; wherein the implant consists essentially of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and saline, and wherein the implant is configured for placement within an implant site having a similar reverse tapered shape, thereby reducing the likelihood of unintentional removal of the implant from the implant site following implantation; wherein the implant is non-biodegradable and non-erodable so that the hydrogel is configured for long term implantation within a patient, wherein the implant is configured to maintain its original physical and chemical characteristics present in the implant at the time of implantation during said long term implantation; and wherein the hydrogel implant is configured to be secured within a target site of a patient as a result of the implant shape without the need for an anchoring or other fixation methods or features, including coatings and other additives.