A method and an apparatus for welding together a first object and a second object. The method comprises applying a layer of carbon nanotubes onto a surface of the first object and bringing the first object and the second object into contact, such that the layer of carbon nanotubes on the surface of the first object is in contact with a surface of the second object. The method further comprises applying a voltage to the layer of carbon nanotubes, such that an electrical current flows through the layer of carbon nanotubes, wherein material of the first object adjacent to the layer of carbon nanotubes and material of the second object adjacent to the layer of carbon nanotubes is heated and melted by the electrical current and thereby welded together. Further, an apparatus for welding together a first object and a second object is presented.

A device for positioning in the body of an animal, the device comprising a first portion and a second portion that may be positioned in contact with one other, the first portion and the second portion each comprising a biocompatible conductive thermoplastic material, such that when the device is positioned in the body of an animal and electric current flows from the first portion to the second portion, heat is generated by electrical resistance at the point of contact between the first portion and the second portion so as to melt regions of the first portion and the second portion, and when the electric current is thereafter terminated, the melted regions of the first portion and the second portion re-solidify so that a weld is formed between the first portion and the second portion.

An apparatus for forming a weld between a first portion of a biocompatible conductive thermoplastic material and a second portion of a biocompatible conductive thermoplastic material comprises a first electrode, a second electrode, and a structure for holding said first and second electrodes in opposition to one other with a space therebetween for receiving said first portion and said second portion in contact with one another. The structure is electrically non-conductive and an electrical circuit comprising a power source and a switch arranged such that closure of said switch applies a voltage potential across said first electrode and said second electrode so as to generate heat via electrical resistance, the heat being sufficient to melt regions of said first and second portions.