Magnet Insertion Tool Alignment for Cochlear Implants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable medical devices with subcutaneous magnets, such as those in cochlear implant systems, are not compatible with high-field MRI systems, requiring invasive surgeries for magnet removal and replacement, and existing tools are cumbersome for handling and positioning.
Innovation Solution
A magnet insertion tool with a ferromagnetic material, centering element, and spring mechanism for precise alignment and secure placement of magnets, along with a magnet removal tool that minimizes mechanical stress and allows for smaller incisions, enabling faster and gentler surgical techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional tweezers are used to remove and replace the magnet, then the magnet can be removed and replaced, but the surgeon has difficulty grasping and handling the small disc-shaped or sphere-shaped magnet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces specialized insertion and removal tools that act as intermediaries between the surgeon and the small magnet. These tools include engagement features that securely grasp the magnet within the implantable device, allowing the surgeon to manipulate the magnet indirectly through the tool rather than attempting to directly grasp the small magnet with tweezers.
Solution Approach 2:
The removal tool is designed to engage with the implantable device structure itself, utilizing the device's own features (such as the magnet pocket or engagement surfaces) to facilitate magnet removal. This self-service approach allows the tool to leverage the existing device architecture rather than requiring completely separate handling mechanisms.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If pre-imaging surgery is performed to remove the magnet for MRI compatibility, then the MRI can be performed, but two additional surgeries are required (pre-imaging removal and post-imaging replacement)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the magnet from the implantable device in a minimally invasive manner that does not require separate surgical procedures. The removal tool is designed to access and remove the magnet through the same implantation site, allowing the magnet to be extracted without closing and reopening surgical incisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary preparation of the removal tool before the actual magnet removal, ensuring that the tool is properly configured to engage the magnet and implantable device features. This preliminary action allows the removal to be performed efficiently during the same surgical session rather than requiring separate procedures.
3Volume of moving object
If the magnet is made small for implantability, then the device is more implantable, but the surgeon has difficulty grasping and handling it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses specialized tools as intermediaries that bridge the size gap between the small magnet and the surgeon's manual dexterity. The tools include engagement features such as loops, clamps, or grippers that are sized appropriately for the small magnet, allowing secure manipulation without requiring the surgeon to directly grasp the tiny component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses the handling difficulty by transitioning from direct manual grasping to tool-mediated manipulation in a different dimensional scale. The removal tool provides mechanical leverage and engagement surfaces that are proportionally appropriate for the small magnet dimensions, effectively solving the handling problem through dimensional scaling of the interaction interface.
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
Facilitates safe MRI procedures by allowing magnet insertion and removal without damaging the device or surrounding tissue, maintaining electrical properties and mechanical integrity, and reducing surgical complexity.
Implementation Method 1
At least a portion of the insertion member may be formed from a ferromagnetic material configured to magnetically hold the implant magnet in the magnet socket
Implementation Method 2
The magnet insertion tool may further include a spring between the upper and lower parts. The spring may be configured to hold the lower part in a starting position so that the platform is biased toward a bottom of the magnet socket
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1E
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A magnet insertion tool for use with an implantable device includes an upper part having an insertion member and an alignment member movably coupled to the insertion member. The insertion member includes a positioning surface configured to position the implantable device between the insertion and alignment members, a magnet socket extending from the positioning surface and configured to hold an implant magnet, and an alignment surface configured to align the implantable device relative to the magnet socket. The alignment member includes an engagement surface configured to engage the implantable device during insertion of the implant magnet. The alignment member is configured to contact a portion of the insertion member such that the engagement surface and the positioning surface are spaced apart from one another. The tool further includes a lower part, movably coupled to the upper part, that has a platform that is configured to move within the magnet socket.