Custom Orthognathic Implant for Precise Maxilla Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current orthognathic surgery procedures for the maxilla are complex and time-consuming due to the use of multiple plates and require coordination among multiple disciplines, leading to potential misunderstandings and complications.

Innovation Solution

A pre-operatively customized implant system comprising a bone fixation implant and an osteotomy guiding implant, both tailored to the patient's maxilla using 3D imaging and virtual planning, to facilitate precise segmentation and repositioning of the maxilla parts, reducing the need for multiple plates and interdisciplinary misunderstandings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple plates are used to fix the segmented maxilla, then the fixation reliability is improved, but the surgical procedure becomes unnecessarily long and complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation reliabilityVSAvoidprocedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate fixation plates into a single integrated custom implant that spans the entire segmented maxilla. This unified structure provides comprehensive fixation across multiple bone segments while eliminating the need to apply and secure multiple separate plates, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing procedural complexity and time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If multiple plates are used to fix the segmented maxilla, then the fixation reliability is improved, but the surgical time is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation reliabilityVSAvoidsurgical efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The custom implant is designed and fabricated before surgery based on pre-operative imaging and virtual planning. This preliminary customization allows the implant to be precisely fitted to the patient's anatomy and surgical plan, eliminating the need for intraoperative adjustments and reducing surgical time while ensuring reliable fixation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple disciplines are involved in the plating procedure, then the comprehensiveness of treatment planning is improved, but misunderstandings and coordination difficulties arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment comprehensivenessVSAvoidcoordination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses virtual copying of the patient's maxillary anatomy through 3D imaging and creates a digital model for precise implant design. This virtual planning process allows all disciplines (surgeons, orthodontists, dentists) to collaborate on a shared digital model, ensuring everyone understands the treatment plan without miscommunication, while the final custom implant embodies the consensus of all disciplines

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP3566663B1Orthognathic implant
Publication Date: 2022.12.14 SYNTHES GMBH
  • EP3566663B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3566663B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3566663B1 patent drawingFigure 2C~2D

AI summary

An implant for use in orthognathic surgery of a mandible may include a longitudinal plate member and a plurality of pre-configured guides coupled to the plate member. The longitudinal plate member is pre-bent to correspond to the post-operative shape of the mandible; and the guides are pre-configured to align the plate member with the mandible when the implant is positioned against the mandible after the mandible has been separated.