Development and Testing of Manufacturing Methods for a Piezoelectric Composite Stacked Generator to Improve the Success Rate of Interbody Spinal Fusion

Abstract

A piezoelectric composite stacked generator was developed to promote bone growth in spinal fusion surgeries. The objective of this study is to examine a method of manufacturing using conductive adhesive copper tape and compare to an alternative method using silver epoxy. Furthermore, this work investigates potential modes of failure and the ability of the specimen to provide an adequate amount of power for electrical stimulation. Three testing stages were conducted to determine potential failure mechanisms. It was determined that the silver epoxy method improved one failure mode but decreased power output and introduced detrimental silver ion migration.