Claims
- 1. A method of preparing a prosthetic orthopedic medical device, comprising the steps of:
a) providing a preformed polyethylene orthopedic device; and b) enclosing the device in a package to provide a low oxygen content environment; and c) positioning an irradiation source adjacent to the packaged device so that the packaged device may be exposed to irradiation from the irradiation source; and d) interrupting the irradiation source so that only portions of the packaged device are exposed to irradiation.
- 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of translating the packaged device.
- 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of arranging a perforated mask between the irradiation source and the packaged device.
- 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of arranging a wire mesh between the irradiation source and the packaged device.
- 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the perforated mask is curved.
- 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the wire mesh is curved.
- 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising a rotatably mounted chopper wheel between the irradiation source and the packaged device.
- 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of pulsing the irradiation source.
- 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the irradiation step is controlled to deliver a dose of irradiation between 2.5 and 100 Mrads.
- 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition of the workpiece is selected from the group consisting of high molecular weight polyethylene, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, high density polyethylene, ultra high density polyethylene, cross-linked polyethylene and non-cross-linked polyethylene.
CROSS REFERENCE
[0001] This is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/553,503, filed Apr. 20, 2000, entitled SELECTIVELY CROSS-LINKED POLYETHYLENE ORTHOPEDIC DEVICES, which claims the benefit of Provisional Application 60/130,322, filed Apr. 21, 1999. The contents of these applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
Provisional Applications (1)
|
Number |
Date |
Country |
|
60130322 |
Apr 1999 |
US |
Divisions (1)
|
Number |
Date |
Country |
Parent |
09553503 |
Apr 2000 |
US |
Child |
10094789 |
Mar 2002 |
US |