HAV Implantat

Modern implants for use in humans make an important contribution to a trouble-free life and show a high level of quality development. Nevertheless, enormous potential for improvement still exists:

• The current materials, such as modern metal alloys, technical ceramics and high-performance plastics also show material fatigue. Processes such as corrosion, embrittlement or oxidation are typical reasons for implant failure.
• High loads on the materials used due to permanent stress lead to the formation of abrasion. The implants wear by release of metal ions and polyethylene particles which can cause inflammation and allergic reaction.
• Another challenge is avoiding the colonization of implant surfaces with bacteria. Bacterial biofilms are difficult to treat and inevitably result in an explantation of the implant.

All named events lead to local and systemic reactions of the immune system, associated with local loosening of the implants in the patient.

The reasons for the problems are technically and biologically very complex. With the existing technical possibilities, new approaches can be initiated and developments to hypoallergenic, antibacterial and wear-free implants can be pursued. The enormous potential for innovation is to be found in the network H.A.V. be implemented by closer integration of the various sub-areas in better solutions.

Further information about the network can be found at http://www.hav-implantat.de (only in German.)