Development of Radioactive Sources on the Basis of Bioinert Ceramic Materials for Medical Applications and their Pre-Clinical Testing

In this article, both the composition and composite properties of radioactive sources for medical applications are worked out and studied. The bases of these sources are bioinert ceramic solids and radionuclides. The active source is constituted from dispersed radioactive yttriа oxide or strontium oxide monolithically encapsulated with bioinert glass flux. The thermal expansion properties of the analyzed composites are highly similar to the ones of both titanium metal and titanum alloys. Therefore, the developed radioactive sources can be mounted on titanium holder. Importantly, all utilized elements and alloys are already applied in medicine. In this article we demonstrate the use of a radioactive β-source placed on a titanium holder. The device is finally applied in a oncological model disease treatment.

Hydroxyapatite-Bond Coat Systems for Improved Mechanical and Biological Performance of HIP Implants

Bond coats based on bioinert ceramic materials such as titania and zirconia were developed to increase the adhesion strength of the coating system hydroxyapatite/bond coat to Ti6A14V alloy surfaces used for hip endoprostheses and dental root implants. The bond coats improved the adhesion strength, measured by a modified ASTM D3167-76 peel test, by 50 to 100% and also the resorption resistance as determined by in vitro leaching in simulated body fluid (Hank's Balanced Salt Solution, HBSS) for up to 28 days.

Bioinert Ceramic Implants in Middle Ear Surgery

The suitability of different ceramic materials for reconstructive middle ear surgery was examined in extensive animal experiments. Since 1978 we have used more than 250 aluminum oxide ceramic implants for ossicular chain reconstruction. The excellent tolerance of this bioinert material was confirmed. The ease and precision with which these implants can be drilled during the operation is especially advantageous. The indications and techniques for the use of the aluminum oxide ceramic implants are described. Our short-term results stimulated the further development of bioinert ceramic implants and our surgical techniques. The special characteristics of bioactive ceramics are such that they can form a tight bond to osseous bone. They are intended for filling bone cavities (porous tricalcium phosphate ceramic) and for reconstruction of the posterior canal wall.