Implantable Cranio-Maxillofacial Distractor With Magnetic Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cranio-maxillo-facial distraction techniques using semi-buried components predispose patients to morbidity, discomfort, and lack effective monitoring and feedback during the distraction process.

Innovation Solution

A fully implantable distraction device with a rotatable magnetic element and a handheld device that magnetically couples to control distraction, allowing for subcutaneous implantation and real-time monitoring and adjustment of distraction parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a semi-buried component protrudes through the skin for manual engagement, then the distractor can be operated manually, but the patient experiences increased morbidity including soft-tissue infection, discomfort, and scarring

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual engagementVSAvoidsoft-tissue infection and scarring

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical engagement system with a magnetic actuation system. The handheld device uses magnetic fields to rotate the magnetic element, which in turn rotates the distraction element through magnetic coupling, eliminating the need for skin protrusion and manual manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the handheld device and the implanted distractor. This magnetic intermediary allows for contactless actuation, where the magnetic element in the handheld device communicates with and actuates the magnetic element in the implanted device without physical contact through the skin.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a semi-buried component protrudes through the skin, then manual operation is possible, but patient compliance becomes difficult to monitor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual operationVSAvoidfeedback during distraction process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates electronic elements including sensors and communication modules that provide real-time feedback on distraction parameters. The system monitors the position and movement of the distraction element, tracking patient compliance and providing data to healthcare providers for monitoring the distraction process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a fully implantable distractor is used, then morbidity and scarring are reduced, but external control and monitoring become more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemorbidity and scarringVSAvoidexternal control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic field serves as a simple intermediary that enables external control without complex wiring or penetration mechanisms. The magnetic coupling between the handheld device and implanted magnetic element provides a straightforward control mechanism that maintains simplicity despite full implantation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If manual engagement is used, then operation is simple, but distraction metrics cannot be precisely monitored or recorded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of operationVSAvoiddistraction metrics monitoring

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces imprecise manual measurement with electronic sensing and digital measurement systems. The electronic elements within the implanted device accurately track distraction metrics, providing precise measurement data that is digitally recorded and communicated to healthcare providers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The solution provides a more comfortable and reliable distraction process with real-time monitoring and feedback, reducing morbidity and ensuring adherence to prescribed distraction metrics.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic element, operationally coupled to and magnetically aligned with the magnetic element of the distraction device, such that rotation of the magnetic element of the handheld device causes corresponding rotation of the magnetic element of the distraction device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS12433649B2Systems and methods for a smart, implantable cranio-maxillo-facial distractor

Publication Date: 2025.10.07 THE TRUSTEES OF THE UNIV OF PENNSYLVANIA

AI summary

Systems and methods for improved cranio-maxillo-facial distraction are provided. The disclosed subject matter can include a distraction device adapted for subcutaneous implantation in a patient, and a handheld device operationally coupled to the distraction device. The distraction device can include a distraction element, adapted to attach to opposing bony fragments of a bone and perform distraction osteogenesis on the bone, and a rotatable magnetic element, coupled to the distraction element such that rotation of the magnetic element controls the distraction element. The handheld device can include a magnetic element, operationally coupled to and magnetically aligned with the magnetic element of the distraction device, such that rotation of the magnetic element of the handheld device causes corresponding rotation of the magnetic element of the distraction device. The disclosed subject matter also provides techniques for implanting a distraction device to opposing bony fragments of a bone and using such a device.