Magnet Positioning Tool for Cochlear Implant MRI Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable medical devices with subcutaneous magnets, such as cochlear implants, are not compatible with high-field MRI systems, requiring invasive surgeries for magnet removal and replacement, and existing tools struggle to securely handle the small, slippery magnets during these procedures.
Innovation Solution
A magnet positioning tool with opposing positioning surfaces, a magnet cradle, and magnetic engagement mechanisms that allow for secure mechanical and magnetic interaction with the implant magnet, minimizing mechanical stress and incision size while enabling precise alignment and handling to facilitate faster, less invasive 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 handled, but the magnet is difficult to grasp and handle due to its small slippery spherical shape
Solution Approach 1:
A magnet removal tool acts as an intermediary device between the surgeon and the implant magnet. The tool includes a cradle that receives the magnet from the implant coil and magnetic engagement features that securely hold the magnet during removal and replacement, solving the problem of handling a small slippery sphere.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical tweezers with a specialized tool that uses magnetic engagement mechanisms. Instead of relying solely on mechanical grasping of a slippery surface, the tool uses magnetic fields to securely hold the magnet, making handling easier and more reliable.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pre-imaging surgery is performed to remove the magnet for MRI compatibility, then MRI imaging can be performed, but multiple invasive surgeries are required (pre-imaging removal and post-imaging replacement)
Solution Approach 1:
The implant magnet is designed to be a separate, removable component that can be extracted from the implant coil. This allows the magnet to be removed only when MRI imaging is needed, while the rest of the implant remains in place, reducing the need for multiple complete surgical procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnet is designed with dynamic characteristics - it can be easily inserted and removed from the implant coil using the specialized tool. This dynamic design allows flexible adaptation to MRI scheduling needs without requiring permanent implantation or complex surgical procedures for each imaging session.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the magnet is removed and replaced through surgery, then MRI compatibility is achieved, but the incision size and surgical time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet removal tool is designed with pre-configured features including a cradle that receives the magnet and magnetic engagement mechanisms. This preliminary design of the tool allows for quick and efficient magnet removal and replacement, minimizing surgical procedure time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent includes visual indicators such as colored bands or markings on the magnet and corresponding features on the tool. These visual cues help the surgeon quickly identify proper alignment and engagement during the procedure, reducing surgical time and improving precision.
4Reliability
If the magnet is handled with conventional tools, then the magnet can be removed, but mechanical stress may damage the implanted device or its hermetically sealed housings
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet removal tool serves as a protective intermediary between the external environment and the implanted device. The tool's cradle and engagement features are designed to hold and manipulate the magnet without applying excessive mechanical stress to the implant coil or hermetically sealed housings during the removal and replacement process.
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 tool allows for safe and efficient insertion and removal of magnets while preserving the integrity of the implanted device, enabling smaller incisions and faster surgical procedures, and ensuring compatibility with MRI systems by limiting mechanical stress and maintaining electrical and mechanical properties.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic engagement mechanisms that allow for secure mechanical and magnetic interaction with the implant magnet
Data Source
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Figure 2(A)~2(B)
Figure 3
AI summary
A magnet positioning tool is described for use with an implantable device. The device has a pair of opposing positioning surfaces, at least one of which has a magnet cradle for mechanically engaging an implant magnet associated with a magnet position in the implantable device. The tool also includes a position engagement surface for engaging the implantable device when the magnet cradle is adjacent to the magnet position.