Devices for the occlusion of body cavities, such as the embolization of vascular aneurysms and the like, and methods for making and using such devices are described.

Provided is a super elastic alloy for biological use having a high biocompatibility, good processability and super elasticity, said super elastic alloy being a super elastic zirconium alloy for biological use comprising 27-54 mol % inclusive of titanium, 5-9 mol % inclusive of niobium which is a β phase-stabilizing element capable of stabilizing the β phase of zirconium, and 1-4 mol % inclusive in total of tin and/or aluminum which are ω phase-suppressing elements capable of suppressing the ω phase of zirconium, with the balance consisting of zirconium and inevitable impurities.

An embodiment of the invention relates to a cobalt-based alloy, which due to the composition exhibits twinning as the dominating deformation mechanism: Cr: 13.0 to 30.0% by weight Mn: 2.0 to 10.0% by weight W: 2.0 to 18.0% by weight Fe: 5.0 to 15.0% by weight C: 0.002 to 0.5% by weight N: 0 to 0.2% by weight Si: 0 to 2.0% by weight Ni: 0 to 5.0% by weight
wherein the aforementioned alloying components and manufacturing-related impurities add up to 100% by weight, and the following restrictions according to formulas (1) and (2) apply to the contents of nitrogen and carbon, and the following restrictions according to formula (3) apply to the contents of oxygen, phosphorus and sulfur:
0.003%≦C+N≦0.5% weight  (1)
N/C(wt. %)≦1.00 for 0.07%<C<0.15% (weight)  (2)
O+P+S<0.10% weight  (3).

An implant, a method for production thereof, and use thereof for growing patients are disclosed, containing a Mg—Zn—Ca-based alloy. In order to meet extremely strict requirements with regard to compatibility, chemical resistance, and mechanical strength, it is proposed that the alloy contain 0.1 to 0.6 wt % zinc (Zn), 0.2 to 0.6 wt % calcium (Ca), and a remainder of magnesium (Mg), as well as impurities that are an inevitable part of the manufacturing process, which each total no more than 0.01 wt % and altogether total at most 0.1 wt %, with the quotient of the percentages by weight of Zn and Ca being less than or equal to 1.

A method for manufacturing an alumina-based layer structure having transition regions between layers is disclosed. The method may include ion milling a stainless steel structure surface to partially reduce a metal oxide layer from, and create an exposed portion of, the surface. The method may include oxidizing the exposed portion of the surface to form a crystallized metal oxide bonding layer, growing a crystallized alumina layer onto the metal oxide bonding layer, and diffusing metal from the surface into the crystallized alumina layer, to form a graded aluminate spinel layer. The method may include forming a first transition region from the graded aluminate spinel layer to a crystalline alumina layer, growing the crystalline alumina layer from the first transition region, forming a second transition region from the crystalline alumina layer to an amorphous alumina layer, and growing the amorphous alumina layer from the second transition region.

A guidewire comprises an elongate metal core, an inner layer, an optical core, and an outer layer. The metal core is configured to communicate torsional motion from a proximal end of the metal core to the distal end of the metal core. The inner layer extends about the metal core and has a first index of refraction. The optical core is disposed about the inner layer, wherein the optical core is configured to transmit light along the length of the guidewire. The optical core has a second index of refraction, which is greater than the first index of refraction. The outer layer is disposed about the optical core and has a third index of refraction. The third index of refraction is less than the second index of refraction.

A method of providing a channel in nervous tissue filled with an aqueous gel for implantation of a microelectrode or other medical device lacking sufficient physical stability for direct implantation by insertion, comprises providing an apparatus comprising an oblong rigid pin covered by a dry gel forming agent; locating a target in the tissue; defining a straight insertion path a desired tissue insertion point and the target; aligning the pin with its end foremost with the insertion path; inserting the pin into the tissue to a position near or at the target; allowing sufficient time to pass for a gel to be formed around the pin, withdrawing the pin. Also disclosed is a corresponding channel; a method of implantation of a microelectrode or microprobe into nervous tissue via the channel; a corresponding method of implantation of living cells; a corresponding apparatus for forming the channel.

A method of modifying a surface of a medical device for implantation or disposition inside a patient is described. The medical device comprises a structure having at least one surface. The method includes the steps of: placing the medical device into a plasma chamber substantially free from contaminants and substantially sealing the plasma chamber from the atmosphere; removing at least an outermost layer of any oxide layer from the at least one surface of the structure by a plasma oxide-removal process, whilst maintaining the plasma chamber under seal from the atmosphere; and subsequently forming a new oxide layer at the least one surface of the structure by introducing at least one gas into the plasma chamber, whilst maintaining the plasma chamber under seal from the atmosphere. A medical device including a bulk material and an oxide layer disposed over at least one surface of the medical device. The oxide layer is substantially pure and free from contaminants.

Bacteria, cancer cells, fungus and other harmful cells located beneath the surface of a mammal body can be effectively destroyed by passing an electrical current through the area to be treated. Electrodes are positioned on either side of the area to be treated, for example, gums, fingers, arms, legs, feet and torso, and an electric current is caused to flow between the electrodes and through the area to be treated. The electric current will destroy the bacteria, cancer cells, fungus or other harmful cells.

Aspects of the invention relate to a metal material and product made from the metal material having biological properties, such as antibiotic properties.