In Situ Calcium Phosphate Bone Foam Applicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current calcium phosphate bone foams are difficult to apply to small or complex application sites due to their extracorporeal preparation and manual application, which limits their effectiveness in bone regeneration and fracture stabilization.
Innovation Solution
A process for preparing calcium phosphate foam in situ by mixing a water phase with a phase containing calcium and/or phosphate sources, optionally using a propellant for foaming, and a bone foam applicator that combines these phases within the applicator to generate foam directly at the application site, eliminating the need for sequential foaming and allowing for precise application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If bone foam is prepared extra corporally and applied manually, then the foam can be prepared with controlled properties, but the application to small or complex sites becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the bone foam application into separate functional components: a first container for liquid composition, a second container for powder composition, and a mixing chamber. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while enabling easy application through a single dispensing device that combines them at the point of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mixing chamber that combines the liquid and powder compositions just before application. This intermediary step enables the foam to be generated at the application site, bridging the gap between controlled preparation and easy application to complex geometries.
2Quantity of substance
If high porosity is achieved in bone foam, then space for new bone tissue is provided, but breaking strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic control of foam parameters including porosity, density, and mechanical strength by adjusting the liquid-to-powder ratio, mixing time, and composition formulation. This allows optimization of the porosity-strength trade-off for specific clinical requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The bone foam is formulated as a composite material combining calcium phosphate powder with liquid binding agents and foam-generating compounds. This composite structure allows simultaneous achievement of high porosity for bone ingrowth and adequate mechanical strength for load-bearing applications.
3Device complexity
If foam is generated by sequential mixing and application, then the process is simple, but the application to small cavities is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mixing and application functions into a single integrated device. The liquid and powder compositions are mixed within the applicator device itself, and the generated foam is immediately applied through the same device, eliminating the need for separate mixing and application steps and enabling access to small cavities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a two-step process (mixing then application) to a unified three-dimensional integrated device where mixing and application occur simultaneously in space. This dimensional integration allows the foam to be generated and delivered directly to complex geometries without requiring manual manipulation.
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 the direct and reliable application of calcium phosphate foam to small cavities and complex sites, enhancing bone regeneration and fracture stabilization with improved porosity and mechanical properties, facilitating angiogenesis and providing a stable, self-setting bone substitute.
Implementation Method 1
a process for preparing calcium phosphate foam in situ by mixing a water phase with a phase containing calcium and/or phosphate sources, optionally using a propellant for foaming
Implementation Method 2
a mixture of one or more calcium salts with water or an aqueous solution forms a cement which due to a dissolution and precipitation process sets. The setting typically takes place under physiological conditions. The final reaction product (after setting) is typically a hydroxyapatite
Data Source
AI summary
Biomaterials, in particular bone foams, a process for preparing such materials as well as an applicator for applying the biomaterials directly to the patient's application site, and the use of a composition comprising water, a surfactant and a propellant in the preparation of a bone foam for the preparation of a calcium phosphate foam wherein the foam is obtainable by the mixture of at least two phases, a first phase comprising water and optionally a propellant, a second phase comprising one or more sources for calcium and/or phosphate, and wherein the foaming is performed during the mixture of the at least two phases to provide an improved calcium phosphate foam, process for the preparation of a calcium phosphate foam, use of a composition, solid state structure, calcium phosphate cement foam and bone foam applicator.