Mechanical and in vitro investigation of a porous PEEK foam for medical device implants.

Purpose: Implantable-grade polyetheretherketone (PEEK-OPTIMA®) is a high-performance thermoplastic that has been used in implant devices such as spinal-fusion cages since its introduction in 1999. Here, a new porous PEEK version was investigated.

Methods: Porous PEEK was fabricated using industrial scale relevant methods of compounding with porogen filler, extrusion, and subsequent extraction with water at supercritical temperatures and pressures.