Injectable Biocompatible Material Delivery System with Light Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating facet joint and intervertebral disc degeneration in orthopedic surgery require lengthy in situ curing times for injectable biocompatible materials, increasing surgery time and complexity.
Innovation Solution
An injectable biocompatible material delivery system that includes a light source or energy source to activate the material as it moves through the delivery system, reducing curing time by initiating the curing process before deposition in the patient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the biocompatible material is injected into the facet joint or disc and allowed to cure in situ, then the treatment effect is achieved, but the surgery time is extended due to lengthy in situ curing time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by initiating the curing process of the biocompatible material before it is deposited into the patient's body. The light source activates the material within the delivery system, so that curing begins in advance rather than waiting for in situ curing after injection. This reduces the in situ curing time and overall surgery time while maintaining the treatment effect.
2Loss of time
If the in situ curing time is reduced by activating the material in the delivery system, then surgery time is shortened, but the device complexity increases due to addition of light source or energy source
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system is designed with multi-functionality, combining both the material delivery function and the curing activation function in a single integrated system. The light source or energy source is incorporated into the delivery system, allowing it to perform both delivery and activation tasks, which justifies the increased device complexity by providing dual functionality.
3Loss of time
If the biocompatible material is activated while moving through the delivery system, then the in situ curing time is substantially reduced, but the energy consumption increases due to the light source or energy source
Solution Approach 1:
The curing process is initiated in advance while the material is still in the delivery system, rather than waiting for in situ curing. This preliminary activation reduces the in situ curing time significantly, and the energy is consumed during the delivery phase rather than during the surgical procedure, which is a more efficient use of energy from the surgical process perspective.
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
Substantially reduces in situ curing time of injectable biocompatible materials, thereby shortening surgery time and improving efficiency in treating spinal degeneration.
Implementation Method 1
A light source can be configured to emit light to at least a portion of the injector, at least a portion of the material delivery cannula, or a combination thereof. The light source can be configured to activate an injectable biocompatible material as it moves through the system.
Data Source
AI summary
An injectable biocompatible material delivery system is disclosed and can include an injector and a material delivery cannula that can be in fluid communication with the injector. Further, the injectable biocompatible material delivery system can include a light source that can be configured to emit light to at least a portion of the injector, at least a portion of the material delivery cannula, or a combination thereof. Further, the light source can be configured to activate an injectable biocompatible material as it moves through the system.