Safety of tin‑silver metal used in implants
Tin-Silver Alloy as a Degradable Biomaterial: Biocompatibility Assessment
This project is checking whether the tin‑silver metal used in some implants like Essure breaks down in the body and could harm people who have those devices.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Clemson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Clemson, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11292411 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will examine removed Essure devices and recreate body‑like conditions in the lab to see how the tin‑silver solder corrodes. They will analyze metal fragments and corrosion products and run cell and tissue tests to measure inflammation and toxicity, and may use animal models to study longer‑term tissue responses. The team aims to link corrosion patterns to the adverse effects reported by patients and to identify what materials or reactions caused harm. If you have an implanted device or had one removed, the group may use your removed device or tissue samples to learn more.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people who have or previously had Essure or similar metal‑containing implants, especially those undergoing device removal.
Not a fit: People without metal implants or whose symptoms stem from unrelated conditions are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could clarify whether tin‑silver corrosion caused harm and help doctors choose safer implant materials or recommend removals when needed.
How similar studies have performed: Previous device retrieval analyses and case reports have linked Essure to corrosion and adverse events, but formal testing of the tin‑silver solder’s biocompatibility is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Clemson, United States
- Clemson University — Clemson, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gilbert, Jeremy L. — Clemson University
- Study coordinator: Gilbert, Jeremy L.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.