Active Implant with Percutaneous Abutment for Bone Conduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional percutaneous bone conduction devices lack active implantable components, leading to larger and heavier external devices, which can be uncomfortable and less discreet, and often require frequent battery changes and microphone replacements.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a bone fixture, percutaneous abutment, and active implant with a vibratory actuator, where the active implant includes a battery and sound processor implanted with the actuator, and an external device with a rechargeable battery and microphones, allowing for reduced external device size and improved comfort by enabling implanted battery-only operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional percutaneous bone conduction devices are used without active implantable components, then the device structure is simpler, but the external device becomes larger and heavier, reducing comfort and discretion
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate components: an active implant with battery and vibratory actuator implanted in the recipient, and a smaller external device with microphones and processing electronics. This segmentation allows the heavy battery to be implanted, reducing external device weight and improving comfort while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The active implant is positioned within the bone conduction pathway, with the percutaneous abutment extending through the skin to connect with the external device. This nested arrangement allows the implanted components to support the external device, enabling a smaller and lighter external configuration.
2Device complexity
If traditional percutaneous bone conduction devices are used without active implantable components, then fewer components are implanted, but battery changes and microphone replacements are required more frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The battery is pre-implanted along with the active implant components, establishing a long-term power source that eliminates the need for frequent battery changes. The permanent implantation of the vibratory actuator and electronics reduces the frequency of maintenance interventions.
Solution Approach 2:
The implanted battery provides continuous power to the active implant components without requiring external replacement. The system is designed to be self-sufficient once implanted, reducing the need for repeated user interventions for battery changes and component replacements.
3Reliability
If the active implant is positioned between the bone fixture and percutaneous abutment, then the implant is securely anchored, but the surgical placement becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring system is segmented into a bone fixture that secures to the skull bone and a percutaneous abutment that extends through the skin. The active implant is positioned between these two segments, allowing each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining secure overall anchoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The percutaneous abutment serves as an intermediary component that connects the implanted active device to the external world. It provides a stable interface for electrical connections and mechanical support, facilitating secure anchoring while enabling external device attachment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration reduces the size and weight of external devices, enhances recipient comfort, and allows for more discreet wear, with reduced external device complexity and cost, while extending battery life and protecting transducers from damage.
Implementation Method 1
an active implant with a vibratory actuator
Data Source
AI summary
An example apparatus includes a bone fixture, an active implant, a percutaneous abutment, and an external device. The percutaneous abutment electrically connects the external device with the active implant, such as for the transmission of power or data. In some examples, the percutaneous abutment itself includes one or more microphones, antennas or other components that provide functionality to the active implant. Data obtained from one or both of the external device and the percutanous abutment can be used to cause the active implant to perform a function, such as actuating a bone conduction vibratory actuator.