Genre: Promotion

What 's in a name ? At MedShape , our name conveys our very essence : science driven medical devices that utilize the unique transformational capabilities of a new generation of biomaterials . These shape-changing devices are the perfect fit for the increasing number of minimally invasive procedures performed worldwide each year . Our vision , expertise and passion will continue the evolution of orthopedic surgery . Are you ready to evolve with us ? Interesting Fact Shape memory polymers are finding their way into everyday life . Potential new applications of SMPs in the automotive industry include self-repairing fenders that use heat from a household hairdryer to remove dents . Interesting Fact Nitinol was discovered by accident in 1961 at the Naval Ordnance Laboratory , hence the name Nitinol ( Nickel Titanium Naval Ordnance Laboratory ) . Nitinol has been used extensively in pipe couplers on F-14 fighter jets since the mid-1960s . SHAPE MEMORY POLYMERS ( SMPs ) Shape memory polymers ( SMPs ) are a relatively new class of " smart " materials . Shape memory polymers can " remember " multiple shapes and transition easily between those shapes when triggered to do so . SMPs can deform up to 400 % and still recover their original shape without a loss of mechanical integrity . Appropriate triggers for shape change include : heat ; light and mechanical force . Though researchers have developed numerous formulations of SMPs , MedShape is the only company to have developed and introduced FDA cleared devices manufactured from shape memory polymers based on PEEK ( polyetheretherketone ) and PMMA ( polymethylmethacrylate ) chemistries . Our proprietary PEEK Altera ® biomedical polymer allows devices to enter the target surgical site in a compact geometry and then be triggered to deploy , with minimal mechanical force , into the optimal geometry for fixation . Devices manufactured from PEEK Altera are biocompatible , biostable , radiolucent and MRI safe . SHAPE MEMORY ALLOYS ( SMAs ) Shape memory alloys ( SMAs ) have a history of successful human implantation in biomedical devices such as self-expanding cardiac stents , guide wires and orthopedic staples . Nickel-titanium ( NiTi , Nitinol ) is the most commonly used SMA and is capable of recovering strains up to 10 times more than traditional metals and alloys . SMAs have the ability to change their shape up to 8 % and still fully recover their original geometry . Fixation devices incorporating shape memory alloys can respond to local changes in the site of implantation , such as bone resorption , maintaining apposition of bony fragments and sustaining compression across fractures or fusion zones . We are the first company to clear through the FDA a bone fusion device comprised of both titanium and nickel-titanium , paving the way for a range of devices that are both strong and dynamic .