Implantable Bone Growth Stimulator With Dynamic Voltage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bone growth stimulators are not effective in promoting sufficient bone fusion between artificial implants and natural bone, leading to a high percentage of fibrous membrane integration rather than bone integration, which increases the risk of implant loosening and revision surgery in total joint replacement surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A bone growth stimulator system comprising a plurality of electrical conductors arranged in a preformed geometry, integrated with a malleable sheath for engaging both orthopaedic devices and bones, providing electrical stimulation to enhance bone growth, with the ability to vary voltage levels to promote fusion and integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional bone growth stimulators are used, then some electrical stimulation is provided to the bone, but the stimulation is insufficient to achieve adequate bone fusion, resulting in high percentage of fibrous membrane integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying voltage levels over time to optimize bone growth stimulation. The system transitions from higher initial voltage levels to lower maintenance levels, matching the bone healing progression. This dynamic parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by providing sufficient stimulation to achieve reliable bone fusion while maintaining efficient implant incorporation throughout the healing process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuity of useful action through prolonged electrical stimulation lasting 2-4 weeks or longer. The stimulator maintains continuous or periodic stimulation during the critical bone healing period, ensuring uninterrupted osteogenic activity. This continuous action resolves the contradiction by sustaining adequate bone fusion development over the entire critical period rather than providing brief or intermittent stimulation
2Reliability
If electrical conductors are placed directly on bone, then electrical stimulation is provided, but the conductors may shift position causing inconsistent stimulation and reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible membrane or thin film substrate to mount the electrical conductors. This flexible support structure conforms to the bone surface and maintains fixed conductor positions relative to the bone. The flexible film resolves the contradiction by providing stable, reproducible conductor positioning without requiring complex positioning mechanisms, ensuring consistent stimulation patterns across multiple applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a flexible membrane as an intermediary between the electrical conductors and the bone. This membrane serves as a stable mounting substrate that maintains fixed conductor geometry while allowing easy application and removal. The intermediary resolves the contradiction by decoupling the conductor positioning function from direct bone contact, enabling reliable position maintenance without complex mechanical fixation systems
3Reliability
If voltage levels are kept high continuously, then bone growth stimulation is maximized, but tissue damage and overheating may occur reducing overall effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using pulsed or intermittent electrical stimulation rather than continuous high voltage. The system applies voltage in controlled pulses with appropriate duty cycles, allowing tissue recovery between pulses. This periodic approach resolves the contradiction by delivering sufficient cumulative stimulation to promote bone growth while preventing thermal accumulation and tissue damage that would occur with continuous high voltage application
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by varying voltage levels over time according to the bone healing stage. Higher voltage levels are used initially when bone growth is most active, then voltage is reduced as healing progresses. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by providing maximum stimulation effectiveness when needed while minimizing harmful effects during later healing stages when less intensive stimulation is sufficient
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 system effectively increases bone fusion between implants and natural bone, reducing the likelihood of implant loosening and revision surgeries by stimulating bone growth through controlled electrical stimulation, thereby improving implant incorporation and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
bone growth stimulators are often used to promote bone growth by subjecting the bone to an electric field to create a negative charge in the area where bone growth is sought
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable tissue growth stimulator is disclosed. The implantable tissue growth stimulator includes electronic circuitry to alter the voltage output by the stimulator. The implantable tissue growth stimulator may be controlled from an external device via wireless communication. The implantable tissue growth stimulator may be configured for use with an implant. In particular, the implantable tissue growth stimulator may be incorporated into an orthopaedic device such as a hip prosthesis. The implantable tissue growth stimulator may be used to stimulate bone growth.