A medical implant system is described for inhibiting infection associated
with a joint prosthesis implant. An inventive system includes an implant
body made of a biocompatible material which has a metal component
disposed on an external surface of the implant body. A current is allowed
to flow to the metal component, stimulating release of metal ions toxic
to microbes, such as bacteria, protozoa, fungi, and viruses. One detailed
system is completely surgically implantable in the patient such that no
part of the system is external to the patient while the system is in use.
In addition, externally controlled devices are provided which allow for
modulation of implanted components.