Heat Deformable Bone Fixation Kit with Laser Energy Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bone fixation elements made of thermoplastic materials rely on subjective estimates for energy application, leading to inadequate softening or excessive liquefaction, which can result in poor anchorage and mechanical instability due to inconsistent irradiation durations.
Innovation Solution
A kit with a handpiece and light guiding tips that automatically control the radiant energy delivered to heat deformable fixation elements, ensuring optimal energy duration based on the size and surface area of the fixation element, reducing the risk of overheating and contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If subjective estimation is used to determine irradiation duration, then the operation is simple, but the anchorage efficacy is poor due to inconsistent energy application
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines the optimal irradiation duration based on the fixation element's properties (volume, material, chromophore content) without requiring subjective estimation by the operator. The control unit calculates and executes the precise energy application, making the system self-regulating and eliminating human judgment variability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the control unit receives information about the fixation element characteristics and adjusts the irradiation parameters accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that the energy application is optimized for each specific element, improving reliability while maintaining ease of use.
2Reliability
If irradiation duration is extended to ensure sufficient softening, then the anchorage improves, but excessive liquefaction occurs damaging mechanical stability
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts irradiation parameters (duration, power, wavelength) based on the specific properties of the fixation element such as volume, material composition, and chromophore content. This parameter optimization ensures sufficient softening for anchorage while preventing excessive liquefaction that would compromise mechanical stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies precisely the right amount of energy needed for optimal softening without over-irradiation. By calculating the exact energy requirement based on element properties, it avoids both insufficient softening and excessive liquefaction, achieving the sweet spot for anchorage strength while preserving mechanical integrity.
3Device complexity
If reusable optical components are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable optical tips that are discarded after single use, eliminating cross-contamination risks between procedures. While this increases device complexity slightly, it dramatically reduces contamination risk and ensures sterile conditions for each patient procedure.
4Ease of operation
If fixed energy duration is applied to all fixation elements, then the operation is simplified, but the anchorage efficacy varies due to different element sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static fixed-duration irradiation to dynamic adaptive irradiation. The control unit adjusts energy application parameters in real-time based on the specific fixation element properties, ensuring consistent anchorage efficacy across elements of different sizes while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.
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
The kit provides secure and efficient bone fixation by ensuring the appropriate amount of energy is applied to each fixation element, minimizing the risk of poor anchorage and mechanical instability, while reducing contamination risks through disposable tips.
Implementation Method 1
a hand piece having a laser source able to emit a radiant flux Φ and an internal optical waveguide connected to the laser source
Implementation Method 2
an internal optical waveguide connected to the laser source and leading to a distal end of the hand piece
Implementation Method 3
thermoplastic materials which can be softened or melted completely or preferably at their surface by application of electromagnetic radiation (e.g., laser light) thereto
Data Source
AI summary
A device for implanting heat deformable fixation elements of different sizes in a bone, comprises a hand piece extending from a proximal end to a distal end and including an internal optical waveguide connected to a laser source and open to the distal end of the hand piece and a light guiding tip extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the proximal end of the light guiding tip being removably mechanically and optically connectable to the distal end of the hand piece and the distal end of the light guiding tip being configured to permit removable attachment of a bone fixation element, the light guiding tip including an optical waveguide, wherein the light guiding tip is configured to control a total radiant energy Q transmitted from the laser source to the bone fixation element.