Elastically Deformable Transfer Means for Medical Implant Coating
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for coating medical implants are laborious, inflexible, and not suitable for immediate adaptation to different patient needs, often requiring extensive stockpiling and are not easily applicable during ongoing surgeries, especially in operating theater conditions, and they struggle with contamination prevention.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using an elastically deformable transfer means with a liquid containing pharmaceutical agents, such as antibiotics, that can be easily applied to medical implants before surgery, allowing for variable and efficient coating of different implants with minimal effort and reduced contamination risk, using a solution like gentamicin sulfate with common pharmaceutical stabilizers and antiseptics, and a powder for enhanced bone integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional coating methods are used for medical implants, then antibiotic protection can be achieved, but the process becomes laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The coating solution is prepared and applied to the implant surface before the surgical procedure. The elastically deformable transfer means is pre-loaded with the coating solution, allowing rapid application during surgery without time-consuming on-site preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
An elastically deformable transfer means acts as an intermediary carrier between the coating solution and the implant surface. This transfer means can be pre-saturated with coating solution and then rapidly applied to the implant, significantly reducing the time required during surgery.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different coated implants are manufactured for different patients, then specific antibiotic protection can be provided, but extensive stock-keeping is required
Solution Approach 1:
The elastically deformable transfer means serves as a universal coating device that can be applied to various implant types and surfaces. The same transfer means can be saturated with different coating solutions (different antibiotics) to address different patient needs, eliminating the need for multiple specialized coating devices and extensive stockpiling.
Solution Approach 2:
The coating solution parameters (antibiotic type, concentration) can be changed by simply replacing the solution in the transfer means, rather than manufacturing different implants. This allows rapid adaptation to different patient requirements without complex inventory management.
3Loss of time
If coating is performed during ongoing surgery, then immediate antibiotic protection is achieved, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastically deformable transfer means can be designed as a single-use or limited-use component. After application, it is discarded or replaced, eliminating the need for cleaning and reducing contamination risk in the operating theater environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer means acts as a contained intermediary that delivers the coating solution directly to the implant surface without requiring open exposure of the surgical field. This contained approach minimizes the risk of contaminating the operating theater while enabling rapid coating application.
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 rapid, simple, and adaptable coating of medical implants during surgery with reduced contamination risk, allowing for effective antibiotic protection and efficient use of pharmaceutical agents, suitable for various implant types and resistance scenarios, while minimizing the need for extensive stockpiling and reducing OR contamination.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically deformable transfer means that comprises at least one liquid
Implementation Method 2
the liquid is transferred from the transfer means to the medical implant surface through the contacting with the transfer means
Data Source
AI summary
A device for coating at least regions of a medical implant includes an elastically deformable transfer means having a liquid that contains at least one pharmaceutically active substance. The liquid can be transferred to the medical implant when the transfer means is contacted with a surface of the medical implant.