New Infection-Protective Hermetically Sealed Neural Interface of Skin and Bone Integrated Pylon for Osseointegrated Lower Limb Powered Prosthesis

We introduce a patented pylon-type implant that is intended to support osseointegration of prostheses with involvement of a neural interface. This conceptual/patent publication details its development and importance. The main objective was to improve the safety of the existing skin and bone integrated pylon (SBIP), developed earlier by the authors, which was achieved with a hermetic seal that prevents infection migration through the interface into the surrounding skin. The neural interface consists of a plurality of wires that conduct signals between the internal nervous system and external robotic/prosthetic mechanisms and controls. Each wire is electrically insulated through the channel of a single-, double- or multi-bore insulator ceramic rod. The wires are extended outside on both ends of the rod, forming leads for further connection with corresponding wires that conduct signals between the body and its external environment. The rod assembly is inserted inside a channel of a solid tubular load bearing titanium frame. The outside surface of the rod is hermetically brazed to the inside of the tubular frame at both ends. The frame is surrounded by a porous silver-coated titanium cladding of the pylon, ensuring safe integration with skin deeply ingrown into the implant.