MedShape, Inc. Awarded U.S. Patent for Deploying Shape Memory Polymer Devices in Medical Applications
ATLANTA, Dec. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — MedShape, Inc., the industry leader in innovative shape memory orthopedic devices, today announced that it has been granted a patent from the United States Copyright and Patent Office for its innovative shape memory polymer based technology. The patent, U.S. Patent No. 8,069,858, was granted December 6, 2011 for a “Method and Apparatus for Deploying a Shape Memory Polymer.”
Shape memory polymers are advanced materials that can “remember” more than one shape and transition easily between those shapes with minimal force and without loss of mechanical integrity. Shape-changing polymer medical devices offer advantages over traditional medical devices. They can be inserted into the surgical site in a temporary, compact geometry and then be triggered to deploy into a different, permanent geometry to achieve a specific surgical goal, such as fixation of suture or soft tissue to bone. Unlike traditional static implants, shape memory devices can adapt to changes in the site of implantation, such as local bone resorption, and can respond positively to implant loading to maintain secure fixation even under challenging conditions.
Devices manufactured from MedShape’s primary shape memory biopolymer, PEEK Altera®, have already been cleared by the United States Food and Drug Administration for human use. These devices include the Morphix® Suture Anchor and the ExoShape® Soft Tissue Fastener. PEEK Altera was developed by MedShape to allow the design and manufacture of unique shape-changing medical devices with excellent biocompatibility, long-term biostability and uncompromised postoperative imaging options.
“This latest issued patent is a key addition to our intellectual property portfolio and serves to consolidate the leadership position created by MedShape in the field of shape memory biopolymer medical devices,” stated Ken Gall, Ph.D., chief technology officer. “MedShape has successfully introduced new shape memory biopolymer devices that deliver tangible benefits to surgeons and patients. This patent recognizes the proprietary nature of our platform technology and is a testament to MedShape’s world class research and development team.”
About MedShape, Inc.:
MedShape, Inc. is a privately held medical device company working to develop and commercialize a portfolio of surgical solutions that use its patented shape memory technologies to address the increasing demand for improved sports medicine, joint fusion and musculoskeletal trauma products. For more information visit www.medshape.com .
ExoShape, PEEK Altera, MORPHIX are registered trademarks of MedShape, Inc.
Media Contact:Jenn HarrisonCarabiner Communications 678.313.3438jharrison@carabinerpr.com
SOURCE MedShape, Inc.
