Resobone custom-fit degradable implants for bone defects: Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT in Aachen, Germany, have developed a custom-fit degradable implant for filling bone defects after craniofacial surgery. Currently defects are filled with filling material or previously removed bone. The new method uses a CT image template and a technique called selective laser melting to create a perfectly fitting implant consisting of a porous material into which adjacent bone can grow. The materials used, synthetic polylactide and tricalcium phosphate, are resorbed as the bone grows, giving rise to the name “Resobone.” The entire process, from obtaining imaging of the patient’s anatomy to having an implant ready can be done in just a few hours. The technique can be used to close defects of up to 25 square centimeters in size. 
Study: Bard’s LifeStent superior to stentless angioplasty: C.R. Bard Inc. (NYSE:BCR) announced the publication of data from its Resilient study in Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions. The results show that Bard’s LifeStent vascular stent, currently the only stent approved by the Food & Drug Administration for use in the femoral and proximal popliteal arteries, can prevent narrowing of these arteries when used during percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA).
Micrus’ DeltaPAQ and DeltaPlush microcoils cleared in Japan: San Jose, Calif.-based Micrus Endovascular (NSDQ:MEND) received Shonin approval in Japan for its novel bare platinum and Cerecyte DeltaPaq filling and DeltaPlush finishing microcoils for the treatment of cerebral aneurysms and treatments in the peripheral vasculature. Based on its Delta Wind technology, the microcoils pack tighter than traditional coils to help reduce the rate of re-canalization and the need for re-treatment. Soft platinum wires provide added flexibility to find and fill gaps, helping to provide superior finishing at the aneurysm neck. The products, already for sale in the U.S. and Europe, will be distributed in Japan by Goodman Co. Ltd.
CorMatrix’s cardiac tissue repair wins CE Mark: Atlanta-based CorMatrix Cardiovascular Inc. received CE Mark approval in the European Union for its CorMatrix ECM for cardiac tissue repair. The product is a cellular bioscaffold made of porcine small intestinal submucosa which is surgically implanted at the site of cardiac tissue injury to provide structural support and allow cardiac tissue to gradually remodel and repair itself.
A weekly roundup of new developments in medical technology, by MedGadget.com.
