Biodegradable Support Device for Dynamic Reference Sensor in Maxillofacial Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dynamic reference frame (DRF) sensors in navigated maxillofacial surgery are limited by lower resolution due to spatial distortion from magnetic fields, making it difficult to access anatomical regions like the frontal sinuses and hard-to-reach areas of the face, such as the upper and middle third of the face.
Innovation Solution
A support device for the DRF sensor is designed with a 3D-printed, biodegradable and biocompatible non-ferromagnetic polylactic acid (PLA) structure, anchored to the upper jaw via a plate and connected by a curved arm, allowing the sensor to be positioned in the oral cavity for improved access and precision, utilizing CAD/CAM technology for customization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the DRF sensor is placed in the center of the forehead (current fixed position), then the sensor can be easily positioned and stabilized, but it is impossible to access anatomical regions that are difficult to reach such as frontal sinuses, pterygoid and infratemporal fossa
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, fixed-position DRF sensor system into a dynamic, repositionable system. The sensor can now be moved to different anatomical locations (forehead, oral cavity, nasal cavity) depending on the surgical requirements, allowing access to previously unreachable regions while maintaining stabilization capabilities through adjustable mounting structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the sensor positioning from a single location (forehead center) to multiple three-dimensional locations within the head and neck region. By introducing the oral cavity and nasal cavity as additional positioning dimensions, the system gains access to deep anatomical structures that were previously inaccessible from the forehead position
2Ease of operation
If magnetic systems are used for neuronavigation, then tight attachment of the head to the patient's bed is not required and pediatric applications are enabled, but the resolution is lower than optical systems due to spatial distortion from the magnetic field
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using non-ferromagnetic materials specifically in the regions where the magnetic field interacts with the sensor and mounting structure. By selecting materials that do not distort the magnetic field locally, the system maintains measurement precision while preserving the overall flexibility advantages of magnetic navigation systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material strategies by combining non-ferromagnetic materials with biocompatible coatings and stabilization components. This composite approach allows the system to maintain magnetic field integrity while providing secure, flexible attachment that works for both adult and pediatric patients without the distortion issues of ferromagnetic materials
3Adaptability or versatility
If a support device with plate anchored to upper jaw and curved arm is used to position sensor in oral cavity, then access to difficult-to-reach anatomical regions is enabled, but device complexity increases compared to simple fixed-position sensor mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the support device into distinct functional segments: a plate for anchoring to the upper jaw, a curved arm for positioning, and a sensor housing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easier manufacturing, assembly, and sterilization while achieving the complex positioning function
Solution Approach 2:
The support device is designed with universal features that allow it to serve multiple functions: the plate can be anchored to different locations on the upper jaw, the curved arm can be adjusted to various angles and positions, and the entire assembly can be removed and repositioned for different anatomical regions, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~2C
AI summary
Support device (100) for the dynamic reference sensor for tracking in navigated maxillofacial surgery comprising: - a maxillary plate (101) configured to be anchored to the upper jaw of a patient; - a support (102) configured to house a tracking sensor (103) and connected to the plate (101) by a curved arm (104); characterized in that it is made of biodegradable thermoplastic polymer material.