Kyocera's Aquala artificial hip joint surface processing technology earned the "Prize of the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry" during the Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation's 2018 National Invention Awards in Tokyo June 12.
Here are four things to know:
1. In collaboration with the University of Tokyo, electronics company Kyocera developed its Aquala technology to create a low-friction bearing surface on the acetabular side of the hip joint. The technology features diamond-polished ceramic on the femoral side.
2. The technology is designed to reduce the incidence of wear particles produced at the bearing surface of the artificial joint, which can lead to peripheral inflammation, joint loosening and joint failure.
3. The Aquala technology was developed using biomimetic research to create a hydrophilic nanosurface treatment on a biocompatible polymer as the bearing surface of the hip joint.
4. Surgeons have performed about 45,000 total hip replacements using Kyocera's Aquala technology since it was approved by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare in 2011.
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