Remotely Adjustable Tissue Displacement Device via Magnetic Actuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current expandable implants require frequent adjustments, often necessitating general anesthesia and hospital stays, which come with risks of infection and discomfort, due to the invasive nature of the adjustment procedures.
Innovation Solution
A remotely adjustable device using telescopically displaceable elongated members with a magnetic actuator that can be rotated by an external magnetic field, allowing for the extension and contraction of the implant without the need for invasive procedures, utilizing a drive member and actuator assembly that includes a magnet and clutch mechanism for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional expandable implants are adjusted under general anesthesia, then the implant can be extended or contracted, but the patient faces infection risk and requires hospital stay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical surgical adjustment system with a magnetic actuation system. An external magnetic field actuates an internal magnetic component to rotate a drive member, which extends or contracts the implant through screw thread engagement between the drive member and the tubular member, eliminating the need for surgical procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary to transfer the adjustment command from outside the body to the implant inside the body. The magnetic component acts as a mediator that converts external magnetic field variations into rotational motion of the drive member, enabling remote control without direct mechanical contact or surgical intervention
2Ease of operation
If traditional expandable implants are adjusted under general anesthesia, then the implant can be extended or contracted, but the patient requires hospital stay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical surgical adjustment system with a magnetic actuation system. An external magnetic field actuates an internal magnetic component to rotate a drive member, which extends or contracts the implant through screw thread engagement between the drive member and the tubular member, eliminating the need for surgical procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The implant enables self-adjustment through the patient or caregiver using an external magnetic activator. The system is designed to be self-contained with all necessary components (magnetic component, drive member, tubular member with screw threads) integrated within the implant, allowing adjustments to be performed anywhere without hospital infrastructure
3Manufacturing precision
If frequent adjustments are made to expandable implants, then the bone displacement can be optimized, but the invasive procedures increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical surgical adjustment system with a magnetic actuation system. An external magnetic field actuates an internal magnetic component to rotate a drive member, which extends or contracts the implant through screw thread engagement between the drive member and the tubular member, eliminating the need for surgical procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the implant dynamically adjustable through a rotatable drive member that can change the relative position of the tubular member and rod. The screw thread mechanism provides continuous adjustability, and the magnetic actuation system enables dynamic control without fixed adjustment intervals or invasive procedures
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
Enables the adjustment of implants, such as those for spinothoracic deformities, to be performed externally, reducing the need for surgery, minimizing infection risk, and patient discomfort, while allowing for precise and incremental adjustments of the implant's length.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic actuator may be provided which is associated with the drive member in such a way that when the magnetic actuator is rotated, the drive member is also rotated
Implementation Method 2
The magnetic actuator assembly is preferably rotatable by an external magnetic field
Implementation Method 3
two elongated members having a proximal end and a distal end, a drive member operably associated with and rotatable relative to one of the elongated members
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3~4B
Figure 5A~5D
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus (100) for displacing tissue within the body, wherein the apparatus includes two or more attachment members (124, 144) selectively displaceable with respect to each other via a driving member (210). The driving member preferably is rotatable and is caused to rotate by a magnetic actuator (300) that can be activated by a magnetic field from outside the body.