BioMedical Enterprises of San Antonio, TX, is to gain a patent for its new implant controller devices. The devices are made from the shape memory alloy of nickel and titanium (nitinol) and allow the surgeon to control bone fusion. The implants are inserted in their open state and can be returned to their programmed closed state in situ after the application of electric current which causes them to heat up .

See Biomedical Materials, May 2007. p 5.