Induction Heater for Shape Memory Implants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for activating shape memory medical implants, such as those used in otological prostheses, often result in collateral damage to surrounding tissue due to non-directional heat application, and require high precision to avoid tissue damage from high-energy beams or probes.
Innovation Solution
A portable induction heater system with a small induction coil and alternating current power supply, capable of generating a magnetic field to induce eddy currents in the implant without physical contact, allowing for precise and localized heating within a short timeframe, minimizing tissue damage and enabling efficient phase transformation of the implant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a laser device is used to heat the implant, then the implant can be heated to the phase transformation temperature, but severe damage to surrounding tissue can occur if the beam is misdirected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an induction coil as an intermediary device that generates a magnetic field to indirectly heat the implant through eddy currents. This mediator approach allows energy transfer without direct contact or high-energy beams, eliminating the risk of severe tissue damage from misdirected laser beams while still achieving the required implant temperature for phase transformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical laser system with an electromagnetic induction system. By substituting the laser beam mechanism with an induction coil that generates magnetic fields, the system achieves heating through electromagnetic induction rather than direct optical energy delivery, fundamentally changing the heating mechanism to one that is inherently safer and more controllable.
2Temperature
If an electrocautery probe is used to heat the implant via conduction, then the implant can be heated, but collateral damage to surrounding tissue occurs due to non-directional heat
Solution Approach 1:
The induction coil is designed to generate a highly localized magnetic field that induces eddy currents only in the implant material. The electromagnetic energy is concentrated precisely where needed (in the implant), while surrounding tissues remain unaffected because they do not conduct the eddy currents. This localizes the heating effect to the implant alone, eliminating collateral thermal damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental heating parameter from conductive heat transfer (electrocautery) to electromagnetic induction heating. By changing the heating mechanism from thermal conduction through a probe to electromagnetic field-induced eddy currents, the system achieves directional and selective heating that does not spread to surrounding tissues.
3Power
If a large induction coil is used, then sufficient heating power can be achieved, but insertion into small anatomical openings like the middle ear is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The induction coil is segmented into a compact configuration that can be inserted through small anatomical openings. The coil is designed with a diameter of approximately 3-5 mm, allowing it to pass through the ear canal and position the heating element within the middle ear space. This segmentation of the coil structure enables both small size for insertion and sufficient heating power for implant activation.
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 system enables rapid and precise heating of shape memory implants to the required temperature for phase transformation within 2 to 4 seconds, ensuring effective shape change without collateral tissue damage, even in confined anatomical spaces like the middle ear.
Implementation Method 1
The power supply sends alternating current through the coil, generating a magnetic field. Upon activation of the power supply, the magnetic field generated by the coil induces eddy currents in an adjacent shape memory implant.
Implementation Method 2
the magnetic field generated by the coil induces eddy currents in an adjacent shape memory implant. This results in precise amounts of clean, localized heat in the implant
Implementation Method 3
When a shape memory medical implant is heated above a phase transformation temperature, a change from the martensitic crystalline structure to the austenitic crystalline structure is induced to cause the implant to revert to a shape that has been heat-trained
Data Source
AI summary
A method of altering a medical implant having a shape memory portion includes the use of a probe having a tip provided with an induction coil. The induction coil is electrically coupled to an induction power supply. The induction coil is inserted into the mammalian body. The power supply is activated at a suitable frequency to cause the induction coil to generate a magnetic field, wherein such magnetic field induces eddy currents in the shape memory portion of the implant which are sufficient to heat the shape memory portion of the implant to a phase transformation temperature to effect shape change of the implant.