Yoshiharu Shin

Sintered hydroxyapatite for a percutaneous device and its clinical application

The sintered hydroxyapatite was designed to be utilized as a percutaneous device. The device was percutaneously fixed through the back skin of mongrel dogs. The tissue reaction around the implants was examined histologically. At 1 month the sintered hydroxyapatite was closely contacted with the skin tissue and downgrowth of epidermis was not observed. The long-term implantation ranging from 3 to 17 months showed that the depth of epidermis downgrowth was limited to only 1 mm. The amino acid composition of fibrous capsule formed around the hydroxyapatite showed close resemblance to vertebrate periosteum. It was confirmed that the sintered hydroxyapatite had good compatibility and long-term stability with skin tissue.

THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES AND SOLUBILITY OF STRONTIUM-SUBSTITUTED HYDROXYAPATITE

The mechanical properties and solubility of sintered Sr-substituted hydroxyapatites were examined in order to investigate the influences of Sr incorporation into hydroxyapatite in bones and teeth on them. Hydroxyapatite (HAp), Sr-substituted hydroxyapatite (Ca.SrAp), and strontium-hydroxyapatite (SrAp) were synthesized and sintered. The bending strength and Youngs modulus were measured. Also, solubility in isotonic NaCl solution was examined. The Youngs modulus of Sr-substituted hydroxyapatite (Sr wt% = 1.0) and hydroxyapatite surface treated with Sr ion were greater than that of hydroxyapatite. The bending strengths of Sr-substituted hydroxyapatites (Sr/Ca = 4/6 and less) were reduced slightly compared to that of hydroxyapatite. The bending strength of hydroxyapatite surface treated with Sr ion was increased compared to that of hydroxyapatite. The solubility in isotonic NaCl solution at 37 degrees C was increased with an increase in Sr content. The effects of Sr on the mechanical properties and solubility of bones and/or teeth are discussed.

Surface properties of hydroxyapatite ceramic as new percutaneous material in skin tissue

Hydroxyapatite ceramic (HAC) was studied for utilization as a percutaneous device to prevent exit-site and tunnel infection along peritoneal dialysis catheters. As a result, it was found that HAC had good compatibility with skin tissue compared with silicone rubber and glassy carbon. In the present study, the surface properties of HAC after long-term implantation in skin of dogs was evaluated by scanning electron microscopic observation, solubility and bending tests. At 12 weeks after implantation, the surface of HAC was eroded severely by body fluid or cells, and the grain boundaries were clearly relieved. Ingrowth and adhesion of collagen into the etched ditch of HAC were observed. At 12 months, the eroded surface had been tightly covered and adhered to by a collagenous layer in spite of ripping off the surrounding fibrous capsule. In solubility tests, HAC dissolved at the rate of 0.23 mg cm−2 HAC surface area per year. On the other hand, the bending strength decreased by about 10% at 4 weeks and scarcely decreased after that time. From these results, it was confirmed that the solubility of HAC produced tight contact and strong adhesion with skin tissue to prevent bacterial infection, and HAC was practical for a permanent percutaneous device.