Flexible Cartilage Replacement Implant for Chest Wall Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Rigid fixation methods between the ribs and sternum compromise chest wall expansion and contraction during breathing and are prone to fracture due to repeated bending stresses, limiting the natural movement and stability of the chest cavity.

Innovation Solution

A flexible element made from medical-grade materials with a selected durometer and geometry, attached via rib and sternum brackets, mimics the natural costal cartilage's flexibility, allowing for expansion and contraction while providing stable attachment through fasteners, accommodating different anatomies and surgical needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If rigid fixation is used to stabilize the chest wall, then stability and protection of internal organs is improved, but chest wall expansion and contraction during breathing is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of chest wallVSAvoidchest wall expansion and contraction

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces rigid fixation plates with a flexible element that connects the rib to the sternum. This flexible element allows the chest wall to expand and contract during breathing while still providing stabilization, directly resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter of the fixation element from rigid to flexible. By selecting appropriate material properties and geometric characteristics for the flexible element, the system achieves both stability and breathing compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If rigid fixation is used to protect internal organs, then protection is improved, but the rigidity leads to fracture due to repeated bending stresses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of internal organsVSAvoidresistance to fracture

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible element replaces the rigid plate, allowing the fixation system to accommodate repeated bending stresses during breathing without fracturing. The flexibility enables the structure to deform elastically under stress and return to its original position, preventing fatigue failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a static rigid fixation to a dynamic flexible fixation that can adapt to the mechanical demands of breathing. The flexible element dynamically deforms with each breath, distributing stresses and preventing the concentration of forces that lead to fracture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If rigid fixation is used to stabilize the chest wall, then structural support is improved, but natural movement and flexibility are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidnatural movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible element provides structural support while maintaining the adaptability needed for natural chest movement. It combines the strength necessary for structural integrity with the flexibility required for physiological motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible element may utilize composite material structures that combine different material properties to achieve both structural support and flexibility, optimizing the balance between stability and natural movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 natural breathing and movement by matching the flexibility of natural costal cartilage, reducing the risk of fracture and improving surgical flexibility and patient outcomes by allowing for expansion and contraction of the chest cavity.

Implementation Method 1

a flexible element made from medical-grade materials with a selected durometer and geometry... mimics the natural costal cartilage's flexibility, allowing for expansion and contraction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11607253B2Flexible cartilage replacement

Publication Date: 2023.03.21 BIOMET MICROFIXATION LLC

AI summary

To replace costal cartilage that has been surgically removed, a surgeon can implant a flexible element to connect a rib to the sternum. In some examples, the flexible element can be formed from a material having a selected durometer (e.g., a measure of material stiffness or hardness), and can be shaped to have a selected geometry (e.g., cross-sectional size and shape), to match the flexibility (e.g. resistance to bending) of the natural costal cartilage. The flexible element can connect to the rib via a rib bracket, which can be rigid, and can attach to a sternal end of the rib via one or more fasteners. The flexible element can connect to the sternum via a sternum bracket, which can also be rigid, and can also attach to the sternum via one or more fasteners. The fasteners can be screws, nails, staples, or others.