Structurally Encoded Spinal Implant Alignment Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical implant devices lack a robust identification system, leading to inadequate recording and accessibility of crucial information, which can result in delays and medical errors, and there is a need for a unified tracking and recall system.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of structurally encoded interbody spinal implant assemblies with orientation marker rods that have physical encodings such as notches or indentations, allowing for data encoding and retrieval using imaging systems like x-ray, fluoroscopy, or CT scans, enabling unique device identification and tracking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If traditional implant identification methods are used, then implant tracking is possible, but the information is not readily accessible or adequate for beneficial use after implantation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplant information accessibilityVSAvoididentification system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent embeds readable elements (such as radiopaque markers with encoded patterns) directly within the implant structure itself. These elements are nested inside the implant body, allowing information to be stored and retrieved from the implant without requiring external tags or separate identification systems. The encoded information is integrated into the implant's physical structure, enabling direct access to implant data through imaging systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical or external identification systems (such as barcodes on packaging or separate ID cards) with an imaging-based detection system. Instead of requiring physical contact or external scanning devices, the system uses medical imaging modalities (X-ray, fluoroscopy, CT) to detect and read the encoded information embedded within the implant, substituting mechanical reading methods with non-contact electromagnetic detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If multiple implant identification methods are used, then tracking capability is improved, but there is no common system for effective tracking and management

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplant tracking reliabilityVSAvoidsystem compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal identification system that can be used across different implant types and medical facilities. The readable elements are designed to be detectable by multiple imaging modalities (X-ray, fluoroscopy, CT scans), making the system compatible with various medical equipment and institutions. This multi-functional approach allows a single encoding system to serve multiple purposes and work across different platforms, eliminating the need for multiple specialized identification systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of information

If no structured encoding system is used, then implant information can be recorded, but recording and accessibility of crucial information is inadequate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation recording adequacyVSAvoidencoding implementation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates readable elements and encoded information into the implant during the manufacturing process itself, before the implant is used. The encoding patterns are created as part of the implant fabrication, and the readable elements are integrated into the implant structure during assembly. This preliminary encoding ensures that all necessary information is captured and stored in the implant before it leaves the manufacturing facility, eliminating the need for post-manufacturing information addition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This solution provides a reliable and efficient method for encoding and reading data from medical implants, enhancing identification, tracking, and recall processes, thereby reducing errors and improving patient safety.

Implementation Method 1

The physical encodings (such as notches or indentations) discernible by an imaging system may include a plurality of modifications to at least one surface of the readable element or a plurality of readable elements disposed within the readable portion such that the indicia are discernible by any medical imaging modality, such as at least one of x-ray, fluoroscopy, computed tomography

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluoroscopy:

Data Source

PatentUS10342664B2Structurally encoded implant alignment device and encoding method

Publication Date: 2019.07.09 SECOM HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

An implant device identifiable after implantation is provided. The implant device includes a spinal interbody implant including an implant body including at least one orientation marker rod. Each of the at least one orientation marker rod has a series of physical encodings discernible by an imaging system. The physical encodings encode a respective set of data.