Structurally encoded pin for non-invasive implant identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical implant devices lack a robust identification system, leading to poor record-keeping and accessibility of vital information, which can result in delays and errors in healthcare settings, and there is a need for a system that allows quick, non-invasive retrieval of information from implanted devices while ensuring patient privacy and being cost-effective and safe to use.
Innovation Solution
An elongate implant with a structurally encoded pin, such as a radiopaque insert, that can be discerned via various imaging modalities, including x-ray and CT scans, and a carrier system for organizing and reading these implants, utilizing additive manufacturing and electrical discharge machining to encode data on the pin, allowing for efficient and accurate identification and tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional implant identification methods are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but information retrieval is slow and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds a radiopaque encoded insert within the implant structure, creating a nested configuration where the encoding element is contained inside the main implant body. This allows the implant to maintain its structural integrity while incorporating data storage capabilities, enabling rapid information retrieval without adding external components that would complicate the overall device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or external identification methods with a radiopaque encoding system that can be read through imaging modalities. This substitution eliminates the need for separate identification devices or invasive retrieval methods, allowing healthcare professionals to obtain implant information non-invasively through standard imaging procedures.
2Reliability
If no encoding system is used, then manufacturing cost is low, but patient privacy protection and tracking capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates the radiopaque encoded insert during the implant manufacturing process itself, rather than requiring separate encoding steps after implantation. This preliminary action ensures that patient privacy protection and tracking capabilities are built into the device from the outset, while avoiding additional manufacturing steps that would increase complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses variations in the radiopaque material properties, such as density, thickness, or pattern configuration, to encode information. These parameter changes allow for reliable data storage and patient privacy protection while utilizing standard manufacturing techniques for creating the implant structure, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture.
3Loss of information
If invasive methods are used to retrieve implant information, then data accessibility is improved, but patient safety and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical retrieval methods with a radiopaque encoding system that can be read through non-invasive imaging modalities such as X-ray or CT scans. This substitution eliminates the need for surgical intervention or tissue disruption to access implant information, thereby improving information accessibility while maintaining patient safety and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiopaque encoded insert serves as an intermediary that translates implant identification information into a form that can be detected by external imaging devices. This intermediary enables information retrieval without direct contact or invasion of the implant site, allowing healthcare professionals to access data remotely and safely through standard imaging procedures.
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 and accurate retrieval of implant information, reducing medical errors and improving inventory management by providing a standardized, non-invasive method for tracking and decoding implant data, while ensuring patient privacy and maintaining cost-effectiveness and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the structurally encoded pin comprising a shape or surface characteristics representing structurally encoded data that can be discerned via various imaging modalities, including x-ray and CT scans
Data Source
AI summary
A carrier for retaining a plurality of implants each comprising a structurally encoded pin, the structurally encoded pin having a shape or surface characteristics discernable by an imaging modality such as x-ray, fluoroscopy, computed tomography, electromagnetic radiation, ultrasound, visible light, UV light, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography and neutron imaging, from outside the carrier, the shape or surface characteristics representing structurally encoded data. The invention further discloses a carrier for viewing a plurality of implants, and associated reading systems for reading a plurality of implants. Finally, the invention discloses methods for reading a plurality of implantable devices retained within a carrier.