Bone-Mounted Robot for In-Situ 3D Bioprinting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current joint arthroplasty procedures, such as hip and knee replacements, do not fully restore biomechanical functionality and often require subsequent surgeries due to the limited lifespan of metal implants, which can lead to increased tissue damage and surgical complexity.
Innovation Solution
A miniature bone-mounted robot system that integrates minimally invasive orthopedic surgery with regenerative three-dimensional bioprinting technology, allowing for precise mapping and shaping of bone surfaces and the deposition of bio-ink implants to restore cartilage and affected bone, tailored to individual patient anatomy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If traditional metal implants are used for joint replacement, then the joint can be replaced, but the implant has limited lifespan (about 10 years) and does not restore full biomechanical functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter from traditional metal to bio-resorbable materials that can be customized in composition and degradation rate, allowing the implant to provide mechanical support during healing then gradually transfer load to regenerated tissue, potentially eliminating the need for revision surgery
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite materials combining bio-resorbable polymers with bone marrow-derived cells and growth factors, creating a material that provides both mechanical support and biological stimulation for tissue regeneration, addressing both lifespan and functionality limitations
2Ease of manufacture
If surgical cutting guides are used for traditional metal implants, then the bone can be shaped to accept the implant, but the procedure requires more extensive bone shaping and tissue exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary 3D imaging and digital planning before surgery to create patient-specific templates and guides, allowing minimal bone shaping and precise implant placement, reducing surgical trauma while maintaining ease of manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates digital 3D copies of the patient's anatomy from imaging data, allowing virtual surgical planning and patient-specific template design that guides minimal bone preparation, reducing the need for extensive bone shaping
3Adaptability or versatility
If bioprinting technology is used to create personalized tissue implants, then the implant can be tailored to patient anatomy, but the technology requires complex 3D mapping and robotic surgical systems
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a modular robotic surgical system that can perform multiple functions including 3D surface mapping, bone preparation, and bioprinting deposition through a single integrated platform, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining patient-specific customization capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex manual surgical techniques with robotic automation for 3D mapping and bioprinting deposition, simplifying the surgical process while enabling precise patient-specific implant fabrication
Data Source
AI summary
A miniature bone mounted robot configured to perform minimally invasive orthopedic surgery coupled with regenerative three-dimensional bio-printing technology to restore cartilage and affected bone. The robot uses a sensor device attached to a holder affixed to the robot activated arm, to map the three-dimensional surface of the bone surface to be treated. The sensor may be a touch sensor, an optical imaging device, or another tool for mapping the bone surface. The robot shapes and prepares the bone surface and subsequently deposits a bio-ink implant in a three-dimensional pattern mimicking the original shape and depth of the articular cartilage. Because the entire procedure is conducted through the robotic platform rigidly mounted on the patients bone, there is no need for registration to preoperative three dimensional images, or for intraoperative tracking. Cell deposition based on mapping of the actual three dimensional anatomy, ensures an optimal outcome.