Publication

Photopolymerization device for minimally invasive implants: application to nucleus pulposus replacement

Dominique Pioletti, Pierre-Etienne Bourban, Christophe Moser, Andreas Schmocker, Azadeh Khoushabi
2015
Conference Papers

Abstract

Photopolymerization is a common tool to harden materials initially in a liquid state. A surgeon can directly trigger the solidification of a dental implant or a bone or tissue filler. Traditionally, photopolymerization has been used mainly in dentistry. Over the last decade advances in material development including a wide range of biocompatible gel- and cement-systems open up a new avenue for in-situ photopolymerization for musculoskeletal, cardiovascular or neurosurgical applications. However, at the device level, surgical and endoscopic probes need to be developed to deliver the liquid photopolymer, harden it by light and to monitor that the hardened material has the appropriate property. Here we present a miniaturized light probe where a photoactive material can be 1) mixed, pressurized and injected 2) photopolymerized or photoactivated and 3) monitored during the chemical reaction. The device enables surgeries to be conducted through a hole smaller than 1 mm in diameter. Beside basic injection mechanics, the tool consists of an optical fiber guiding the light required for photopolymerization and also for chemical analysis. Using fluorescence spectroscopy, the current state of the photopolymerization is inferred and monitored in real time. Biocompatible and highly tunable Poly-Ethylene-Glycol (PEG) based hydrogels were used as injected material. The device was tested on a model for intervertebral disc replacement and hydrogels were successfully implanted into a bovine caudal model. These in-situ photopolymerized implants were evaluated at the tissue level (tissue integration and mechanical properties), at the cellular level (biocompatibility and cytotoxicity) and ergonomic level (sterilization procedure and feasibility study) and thus seem to be a promising alternative to traditionally used tissue and bone fillers. Currently further promising applications are under investigation. The results will be presented at WC2015.

Official source

Dominique Pioletti, Pierre-Etienne Bourban, Christophe Moser, Andreas Schmocker, Azadeh Khoushabi
2015
Conference Papers

Abstract

Official source

Related concepts (32)

Hydrogel

A hydrogel is a biphasic material, a mixture of porous, permeable solids and at least 10% by weight or volume of interstitial fluid composed completely or mainly by water. In hydrogels the porous permeable solid is a water insoluble three dimensional network of natural or synthetic polymers and a fluid, having absorbed a large amount of water or biological fluids. These properties underpin several applications, especially in the biomedical area. Many hydrogels are synthetic, but some are derived from nature.

Dental implant

A dental implant (also known as an endosseous implant or fixture) is a prosthesis that interfaces with the bone of the jaw or skull to support a dental prosthesis such as a crown, bridge, denture, or facial prosthesis or to act as an orthodontic anchor. The basis for modern dental implants is a biological process called osseointegration, in which materials such as titanium or zirconia form an intimate bond to the bone. The implant fixture is first placed so that it is likely to osseointegrate, then a dental prosthetic is added.

Dental material

Dental products are specially fabricated materials, designed for use in dentistry. There are many different types of dental products, and their characteristics vary according to their intended purpose. A temporary dressing is a dental filling which is not intended to last in the long term. They are interim materials which may have therapeutic properties. A common use of temporary dressing occurs if root canal therapy is carried out over more than one appointment.

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