Breast Implant RFID Integration for Post-Implant Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is no accurate, economical, or practical way to identify breast implants already implanted in a patient, complicating recalls and control measures due to lack of identification information.
Innovation Solution
A breast implant with an embedded passive RFID transponder, providing a unique device identifier, allowing for post-implantation identification and traceability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If breast implants are made without integrated identification devices, then manufacturing is simpler and cost is lower, but there is no way to accurately identify implants after they are implanted in patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the identification function with the existing implant structure by integrating an RFID transponder into the implant filling. This merging approach allows the implant to serve dual purposes: providing breast volume enhancement and containing identification information, thereby resolving the contradiction between adding identification capability and maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an RFID transponder as an intermediary element within the implant filling. This intermediary component enables non-invasive identification of the implant after surgery without requiring additional external devices or complex modification of the implant structure itself, thus addressing the information loss problem while minimizing added complexity.
2Loss of information
If breast implants are made with integrated RFID transponders, then post-implantation identification is enabled, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by placing the RFID transponder into the implant filling during the manufacturing process, specifically during the filling stage. This preliminary placement ensures the transponder is properly positioned and secured before the implant is assembled and sterilized, simplifying the overall manufacturing process by avoiding post-assembly operations and ensuring consistent integration.
3Loss of information
If breast implants are made with integrated transponders, then accurate identification is achieved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by making the implant filling material itself serve the dual function of both providing breast volume and containing the identification transponder. The transponder is integrated into the filling during the standard filling process, allowing the filling to serve multiple purposes without requiring separate components or additional manufacturing steps, thereby minimizing cost increases.
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
Enables convenient and accurate identification of breast implants within the body, facilitating effective recalls and control measures through an external scanner accessing implant-specific information.
Implementation Method 1
the UDI is a passive RFID (radio frequency identification) transponder
Implementation Method 2
curing the silicone gel, wherein said gel curing further positions the transponder proximal to said patch and comprises heating the silicone-gel filled shell with transponder therein to a temperature of about 140° C. to 200° C. for up to about 8 hours
Implementation Method 3
applying a vacuum to the silicone gel-filled shell, removing air bubbles and positioning the transponder proximal to said patch
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides, in various embodiments, a breast implant with an RFID transponder embedded therein, so that the implant can be conveniently identified while inside the human body, and methods of making the same.