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Regulated power supplies designed to deliver a heat-controlled current through a special shape-memory metal-alloy (e.g., nitinol) bone staple to reconform it to its original shape, producing a compression force. The current is delivered after the staple has been placed into the bones. These units consist of an electronic-current source with controls and a cable with an appropriate connector to match the staples. Orthopedic procedures using heat-reshaped staples are intended to accelerate the healing response of bones; the procedures include general fracture fixation; skull, maxillofacial, and other oral fractures; and ligament reattachment. These procedures are typically performed using a set of manual instruments (e.g., holders, burs) in addition to the staple and power supply unit.
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