Magnetic Feedback for Non-Invasive Adjustable Spinal Implants
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for scoliosis, such as fusion surgery and bracing, often result in limited spinal flexibility, pain, and complications like infection, while existing distraction devices for bone lengthening are cumbersome and ineffective in managing scoliosis progression.
Innovation Solution
An external adjustment device that uses a magnetic system to non-invasively control the distraction or compression of medical implants, allowing for precise adjustment of spinal curvature or bone lengthening without the need for invasive procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If fusion surgery is performed to treat scoliosis, then spinal stability is improved, but spinal flexibility is reduced and pain occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing static fusion constructs with a dynamic, adjustable implant system. The implant includes an adjustable length rod connected to vertebral bodies via bone anchors, allowing the spinal curvature to be dynamically corrected and the implant length adjusted non-invasively over time using magnetic fields, thereby maintaining spinal flexibility while achieving stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by enabling continuous adjustment of the implant's effective length and magnetic field strength. The external magnet can be positioned at different distances from the implant to vary the magnetic force, and the implant itself can be adjusted to different lengths, allowing precise control over the corrective force applied to the spine without surgical intervention.
2Length of moving object
If traditional distraction devices are used for bone lengthening, then bone growth is achieved, but the devices are cumbersome and require invasive procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical distraction devices with a magnetic field-based adjustment system. Instead of requiring mechanical components, gears, or manual surgical adjustments, the implant is controlled remotely through magnetic fields generated by an external magnet, significantly simplifying the device architecture while maintaining the bone lengthening function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the external controller and the implanted device. The magnetic field serves as the transmission medium for delivering corrective force to the implant without direct mechanical contact or invasive procedures, enabling non-invasive adjustment of the bone lengthening process.
3Ease of operation
If adjustable implants are made non-invasively controllable, then patient compliance improves, but precise control becomes difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by incorporating sensors within the implant that detect the position and orientation of the external magnet. This feedback information is used to automatically adjust the magnetic field strength and direction, ensuring precise control of the implant's corrective action while allowing patients to independently operate the device without requiring complex manual adjustments.
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
This device enables controlled and safe adjustment of spinal curvature or bone lengthening, reducing pain and complications, and improving patient compliance and treatment efficacy for scoliosis and other bone-related disorders.
Implementation Method 1
an array of magnetic sensors, such as Hall effect sensors, to receive information about the changing magnetic field characteristics
Implementation Method 2
The magnet array is configured to determine a gap between the external adjustment device and the adjustable medical implant
Implementation Method 3
an array of magnetic sensors, such as Hall effect sensors, to receive information about the changing magnetic field characteristics
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.