Cochlear Implant Magnet Splinting for MRI Torque Restraint

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cochlear implant magnets experience rotation and dislodgement due to misalignment of magnetic fields during MRI procedures, causing pain and skin necrosis from repeated surgeries, and existing solutions like bandages and splints are inconvenient and prone to sliding or improper positioning.

Innovation Solution

A dual-splint system with adjustable straps is used to secure the cochlear implant magnet in place, utilizing stiff splints and flexible straps to prevent rotation and dislodgement by applying tension without sliding, suitable for single or bilateral implants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional cochlear implant magnets are used during MRI procedures, then the magnet produces a magnetic field that aligns with the MRI magnetic field, but the misalignment of magnetic fields causes torque that can deform the retainer, dislodge the magnet, and cause reorientation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnet position stabilityVSAvoidtorque from misaligned magnetic fields

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by using a head holder apparatus that pre-compensates for the torque effects before MRI scanning begins. The head holder is positioned to counteract the rotational forces that will be generated by magnetic field misalignment during the MRI procedure, preventing magnet dislodgement and reorientation beforehand.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The head holder acts as an intermediary device between the patient's head and the MRI scanning process. It provides a mechanical counterbalance to the magnetic torque forces, mediating the interaction between the implant magnet and the MRI magnetic field to prevent harmful effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the implant magnet is removed and reinserted to avoid MRI torque, then the harmful torque effects are eliminated, but repeated surgeries cause skin necrosis at the implant site

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque from misaligned magnetic fieldsVSAvoidskin necrosis from repeated surgeries

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The head holder serves as an intermediary protective device that allows the magnet to remain in place during MRI procedures without causing harmful torque effects. This eliminates the need for repeated surgical removal and reinsertion of the magnet, thereby preventing skin necrosis while still protecting against magnetic field misalignment issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If bandages and splints are used to secure the magnet during MRI, then the magnet position is stabilized, but the bandages and splints are inconvenient and prone to sliding or improper positioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnet position stabilityVSAvoidconvenience and positioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The head holder is segmented into multiple functional components including positioning elements, securing mechanisms, and adjustable features. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while providing overall convenience and accurate positioning that overcomes the limitations of simple bandages and splints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The head holder incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities that allow it to adapt to different patient anatomies and implant positions. This dynamic design ensures proper positioning and secure fixation without the sliding or improper positioning problems associated with static bandages and splints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 apparatus effectively maintains the magnet's position during MRI, preventing rotation and associated skin stress, enhancing patient comfort and procedural efficiency by ensuring secure fixation without upward sliding.

Implementation Method 1

The dominant MRI magnetic field B (typically 1.5 Tesla or more) may generate a significant amount of torque T on the implant magnet 24

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic torque: Torque

Implementation Method 2

The headpiece and the cochlear implant may include respective positioning magnets that are attracted to one another, and that maintain the position of the headpiece transmitter over the implant receiver

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3860708B1Apparatus and methods for opposing torque imparted onto cochlear implant magnets by magnetic fields

Publication Date: 2025.12.03 ADVANCED BIONICS AG

Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~10

AI summary

An apparatus, for use with a cochlear implant having a magnet and implanted within a patient having first and second ears, includes a first splint and a strap system, including at least a forehead strap and a chin strap, configured to position the first splint behind the first ear.