Implant Registration for Precise Bone Cement Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Revision total joint replacement surgeries are challenging due to limited information about the location and amount of previous bone cement, leading to difficulties in removing old implants and cement without damaging the bone, which can result in excess bone removal and increased risk of fracture.

Innovation Solution

A method using imaging scans and 3D models to segment and register the existing implant, allowing for precise planning and execution of implant removal and bone preparation using computer-assisted navigation systems or robotic assistance, reducing manual intervention and bone damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hand tools are used to remove bone cement and old implants, then the surgeon can physically access and remove the implant, but the process becomes tedious and increases the risk of fracturing the bone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebone integrityVSAvoidimplant removal process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs imaging scans and creates 3D models of the bone and implant before surgery to pre-plan the removal approach, identifying optimal access paths and potential risks in advance, which guides the surgical process and reduces intraoperative difficulties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical hand tools with computer-assisted navigation systems and robotic assistance that provide precision control during implant removal, reducing manual intervention and the associated risk of bone fracture while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If holes or windows are cut into the bone to increase visibility of bone cement, then the surgeon can see better, but the bone structure is weakened and fracture risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebone cement visibilityVSAvoidbone strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical drilling of holes with imaging-based visualization systems (CT scans, 3D modeling) that provide comprehensive views of bone cement location and extent without physically compromising bone structure, achieving both visibility and bone strength

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces computer-assisted navigation systems as an intermediary between the surgeon and the surgical field, providing enhanced visualization of bone cement and guiding tool placement without requiring physical openings in the bone

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the surgery is extended to adequately remove all bone cement, then complete removal is achieved, but the length of time increases patient risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomplete bone cement removalVSAvoidsurgical procedure time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preoperative imaging and 3D modeling to map the exact location and extent of bone cement, allowing the surgeon to plan the most efficient removal path and avoid unnecessary exploration, thereby completing removal faster while ensuring completeness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs intraoperative imaging and navigation systems that provide real-time feedback on bone cement removal progress, allowing the surgeon to confirm complete removal promptly and terminate the procedure without unnecessary delays

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Adaptability or versatility

If manual tools are used for implant removal, then the surgeon has flexibility in approach, but excess healthy bone may be removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical approach flexibilityVSAvoidbone removal precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the flexibility of manual surgical tools with computer-assisted navigation and robotic guidance, maintaining adaptability in surgical approach while achieving precision control that prevents excessive bone removal through real-time positioning feedback

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3229722B1Implant based planning, digitizing, and registration for total joint arthroplasty

Publication Date: 2023.03.22 THINK SURGICAL INC

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Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~3

AI summary

A system and process for performing orthopedic surgery is provided that uses a patient's existing implant as a registration tool in an orthopedic surgical procedure. The systems and processes may be used with computer assisted systems or navigation systems to aid in the removal of bone, bone cement, or a bone prosthesis, typically a bone prosthesis used in hip replacement surgery, knee replacement surgery, and the like. The removal of the prosthesis may be done by conventional methods, with navigation systems, robotic assistance or articulating hand held systems. The removal of bone and/or bone cement may be performed with navigated systems, robotic systems, articulating hand-held systems and combinations thereof.