Magnetic Feedback in Adjustable Implants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for scoliosis, such as fusion surgery and bracing, often result in limited spinal flexibility, pain, and additional surgeries, while non-invasive distraction methods like external fixators are cumbersome and painful, and existing implantable devices for lengthening bones are complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
A remote-controlled external adjustment device using rotating external magnets to rotate an internal magnet within a medical implant, allowing non-invasive distraction or retraction of implants to correct spinal curvature or lengthen bones, with sensors to monitor the implant's response and adjust the distraction force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If fusion surgery is performed to treat scoliosis, then spinal curvature is corrected, but spinal flexibility is limited and pain occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing static fusion surgery with a dynamic, adjustable implant system. The implant includes an adjustable distraction device that can be modified post-implantation to gradually correct spinal curvature while preserving spinal mobility and flexibility, allowing the spine to adapt and move naturally during the correction process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing gradual distraction and curvature correction over time rather than immediate rigid fixation. The adjustable implant allows for progressive adjustment of distraction forces and angular corrections, enabling the spine to adapt gradually to the correction process while maintaining flexibility throughout treatment.
2Ease of manufacture
If external fixators are used for non-invasive distraction, then bone lengthening is achieved, but the device is cumbersome and painful
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by placing the distraction mechanism internally within the body rather than externally. The implantable distraction device is nested within the bone or soft tissue, eliminating the need for external fixators while maintaining the distraction function. This internal placement reduces device complexity from the user's perspective and eliminates pain associated with external hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical external fixator system with a biocompatible implantable device that uses controlled distraction forces. The external mechanical adjustment mechanism is replaced with internal structural elements that can be adjusted through minimally invasive procedures, substituting the cumbersome external mechanical system with a streamlined internal system.
3Length of moving object
If implantable distraction devices are used to lengthen bones, then bone growth is achieved, but the devices are complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the implant into modular components that can be adjusted independently. The distraction device includes separate adjustment mechanisms for distraction force, angular correction, and bone lengthening, allowing each function to be optimized and adjusted separately. This modular approach reduces overall device complexity while achieving multiple therapeutic goals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by allowing adjustment of key parameters including distraction force magnitude, angular correction degree, and distraction rate. The implant includes mechanisms to modify these parameters post-implantation based on patient progress and tolerance, enabling gradual optimization of treatment parameters to achieve bone lengthening with minimal complexity.
4Manufacturing precision
If traditional surgical methods are used, then spinal curvature is corrected, but patient compliance and treatment outcomes are reduced due to pain and complications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling patients to participate in their own treatment adjustment through minimally invasive procedures. The adjustable implant allows for outpatient modification of distraction parameters, reducing the need for prolonged hospitalization and intensive medical intervention. This empowers patients to maintain compliance through active involvement in their treatment progress.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing gradual, staged distraction and correction procedures rather than single aggressive interventions. The adjustable implant allows for periodic adjustments of distraction forces and correction angles, enabling the spine and bone to adapt rhythmically to changes, reducing pain and complications while maintaining high patient compliance through manageable treatment intervals.
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 non-invasive, controlled adjustment of implants to correct spinal curvature or lengthen bones, reducing pain and surgical complications, and improving patient compliance and treatment outcomes by providing a more comfortable and effective alternative to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
A remote-controlled external adjustment device using rotating external magnets to rotate an internal magnet within a medical implant
Implementation Method 2
The at least one sensor is configured to sense a response of the implant to the drive signal
Data Source
AI summary
According to some embodiments, systems and methods are provided for non-invasively detecting the force generated by a non-invasively adjustable implantable medical device and/or a change in dimension of a non-invasively adjustable implantable medical device. Some of the systems include a non-invasively adjustable implant, which includes a driven magnet, and an external adjustment device, which includes one or more driving magnets and one or more Hall effect sensors. The Hall effect sensors of the external adjustment device are configured to detect changes in the magnetic field between the driven magnet of the non-invasively adjustable implant and the driving magnet(s) of the external adjustment device. Changes in the magnetic fields may be used to calculate the force generated by and/or a change in dimension of the non-invasively adjustable implantable medical device.