Patent ID: 8361381
Filing Date: 2013-01-29
Classification: B22F

Abstract:
1. A method of making a medical implant having a porous surface and a blue, blue-black, or black oxidized zirconium, said method comprising: forming a medical implant from a zirconium or zirconium alloy material; applying a HIP sintering material to at least one surface of said implant; attaching an enclosure around a surface of said implant such that the attached enclosure contains said HIP sintering material, said enclosure having an inner surface which is proximal to said implant surface and an outer surface which is distal to said implant surface and wherein the enclosure is formed of a collapsible material; evacuating substantially all air from said enclosure; sealing the evacuated enclosure; placing said implant, said HIP sintering material, and said enclosure in a HIP furnace; pressurizing the inside of said HIP furnace to an elevated pressure in an atmosphere comprising an inert gas and oxygen, said step of pressurizing comprising pressurizing to a total pressure of from about 20 to about 4000 bar and a partial pressure of oxygen of from about 0.1 to about 21 mbar; adjusting the temperature in said furnace to a temperature of from 500° C. to 1000° C.; and, causing said implant, said HIP sintering material, and said enclosure in said HIP furnace to remain exposed to said temperatures and pressures for a time sufficient to fuse said HIP sintering material together and to said surface of said implant; and oxidize at least a portion of the surface of said implant to blue, blue-black, or black oxidized zirconium, said time ranging from about 30 minutes to about 10 hours; and thereafter, cooling said implant, said HIP sintering material, and said enclosure; and, removing said enclosure.