Experience with osseous implants for bone and biomaterials research

A Cancellous Access Port (CAP) osseous implant for repeated sampling of cancellous tissue was developed and tested for experimental studies of bone, marrow, and materials biocompatibility. The CAP and associated methods were shown in a series of studies to allow the repeated biopsy of unstrained cancellous tissue with little morbidity and no mortality when used in baboons, rhesus, sheep, and horses. CAP infusion, material testing, and biopsy core assemblies were developed and tested for the administration and assessment of the effects of pharmaceuticals and biologics; the placement and retrieval of a biomaterial with the surrounding tissue; and studies of cancellous bone healing and remodeling.