Osseointegrated Bone Conduction Implant with Removable Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current hearing prostheses for conductive hearing loss, such as bone conduction devices, face challenges in providing a secure and efficient means to implant and maintain components without damaging the existing implant or requiring extensive surgery for module replacement.

Innovation Solution

A transcutaneous bone conduction device with an implantable component configured for osseointegration in a recess of the skull, allowing for the removable retention of modules within a compartment without detaching the implant from the bone, enabling easy access and replacement of components without relocating the implant.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the implant is designed with a secure osseointegrated connection to bone, then the stability and longevity of the implant is improved, but the complexity of surgical procedures for module replacement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplant stabilityVSAvoidsurgical complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into two distinct segments: a permanent osseointegrated implant portion that remains in the bone, and a removable module portion that can be accessed through a minimal incision. This segmentation allows the stable implant to remain in place while enabling easy replacement of the modular component without disturbing the bone integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The module portion is designed to be extractable from the implant through a small incision in the skin, separating the replacement function from the stable implant portion. This extraction approach allows module replacement without requiring removal or disturbance of the osseointegrated implant, thereby reducing surgical complexity while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If the implant structure is made modular and removable, then the ease of component replacement is improved, but the security of implantation may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodule replacement easeVSAvoidimplant security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A soft tissue barrier is introduced as an intermediary between the implant and the skin surface. This barrier allows the module to be accessed and replaced through a minimal incision without directly exposing the implant to the external environment, thereby maintaining implant security while enabling easy module replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the implant requires extensive surgery for module replacement, then the security of implantation is improved, but the loss of time for surgical procedures increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplant securityVSAvoidsurgical time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The module portion is designed to be extractable from the implant through a small incision, separating the replacement function from the stable implant portion. This extraction approach allows module replacement without requiring removal or disturbance of the osseointegrated implant, thereby reducing surgical complexity while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static, monolithic implant to a dynamic modular system where the module can be independently accessed and replaced. This dynamic design allows the implant to maintain its secure bone integration while enabling quick module replacement through minimal surgical intervention, significantly reducing surgical time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution provides a secure and efficient method for implanting and maintaining bone conduction devices, allowing for the easy replacement of modules without disturbing the osseointegrated implant, thus reducing surgical complexity and enhancing the longevity of the hearing prosthesis.

Implementation Method 1

at least a portion of at least a first component of the implant is located in a recess in bone and is osseointegrated to the bone

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOsseointegration:

Implementation Method 2

certain types of hearing prostheses commonly referred to as bone conduction devices, convert a received sound into mechanical vibrations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS11889272B2Implantable medical device

Publication Date: 2024.01.30 COCHLEAR LIMITED

AI summary

An implant configured for secured implantation into a recess formed in a recipient's bone and to removably retain a separate component in a compartment thereof such that the separate component is removable from the implant without removing the implant from the bone.