What’s in a name? At MedShape, our name conveys our very essence: science driven medical devices that utilize the unique transformational capabilities of a new generation of biomaterials. These shape-changing devices are the perfect fit for the increasing number of minimally invasive procedures performed worldwide each year. Our vision, expertise and passion will continue the evolution of orthopedic surgery. Are you ready to evolve with us?
Interesting Fact
Shape memory polymers are finding their way into everyday life. Potential new applications of SMPs in the automotive industry include
self-repairing fenders that use heat from a household hairdryer to remove dents.
Interesting Fact
Nitinol was discovered by accident in 1961 at the Naval Ordnance Laboratory, hence the name Nitinol (Nickel Titanium Naval Ordnance Laboratory). Nitinol has been used extensively in pipe couplers on F-14 fighter jets since the mid-1960s.
SHAPE MEMORY POLYMERS (SMPs)
Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are a relatively new class of "smart" materials. Shape memory polymers can "remember" multiple shapes and transition easily between those shapes when triggered to do so. SMPs can deform up to 400% and still recover their original shape without a loss of mechanical integrity. Appropriate triggers for shape change include: heat; light and mechanical force.
Though researchers have developed numerous formulations of SMPs, MedShape is the only company to have developed and introduced FDA cleared devices manufactured from shape memory polymers based on PEEK (polyetheretherketone) and PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate) chemistries. Our proprietary PEEK Altera® biomedical polymer allows devices to enter the target surgical site in a compact geometry and then be triggered to deploy, with minimal mechanical force, into the optimal geometry for fixation. Devices manufactured from PEEK Altera are biocompatible, biostable, radiolucent and MRI safe.
SHAPE MEMORY ALLOYS (SMAs)
Shape memory alloys (SMAs) have a history of successful human implantation in biomedical devices such as self-expanding cardiac stents, guide wires and orthopedic staples. Nickel-titanium (NiTi, Nitinol) is the most commonly used SMA and is capable of recovering strains up to 10 times more than traditional metals and alloys. SMAs have the ability to change their shape up to 8% and still fully recover their original geometry.
Fixation devices incorporating shape memory alloys can respond to local changes in the site of implantation, such as bone resorption, maintaining apposition of bony fragments and sustaining compression across fractures or fusion zones. We are the first company to clear through the FDA a bone fusion device comprised of both titanium and nickel-titanium, paving the way for a range of devices that are both strong and dynamic.
