Patent for Smith and Nephew Richards (US) passivation technique:
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
Smith & Nephew Richards (US) is looking to license a newly- patented, 510(k)-cleared passivation process for use in non- orthopaedic implants. The safe, non-EPA regulated solution used in the technique is said to offer passive corrosion resistance on implant metals superior to that achieved with standard nitric acid passivation. Although evident in titanium alloys, the improvement is particularly marked in chromium-containing metals such as stainless steel and cobalt-chrome alloys, says the Memphis-based company.