Magnetic Implant Feedback for Precise Non-Invasive Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for scoliosis, such as bracing and fusion surgery, have limitations including patient compliance issues, effectiveness, and long-term mobility restrictions, while existing distraction osteogenesis methods are cumbersome and invasive, lacking in precision and control.
Innovation Solution
A remote-controlled external adjustment device that uses magnetic fields to non-invasively adjust implanted medical implants, allowing for precise distraction or compression of bone segments, enabling controlled lengthening or angle adjustments within the body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional bracing is used to treat scoliosis, then some curve correction may be achieved, but patient compliance becomes a major issue and treatment effectiveness is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical bracing system with an implanted magnetic distraction device that can be adjusted remotely. Instead of relying on external mechanical braces that require patient compliance, the invention uses implanted magnets that respond to external magnetic fields for non-invasive adjustment, eliminating the need for patient cooperation in daily wear and care
Solution Approach 2:
The implanted distraction device with magnetic components provides self-adjusting capability through remote magnetic actuation. The device can be adjusted by the patient or provider without requiring surgical intervention or manual manipulation, as the magnetic field automatically actuates the distraction mechanism through the skin
2Stability of the object's composition
If fusion surgery is performed to correct severe scoliosis, then spinal stability is improved, but long-term mobility and flexibility are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic distraction device that can be adjusted after implantation to adapt to the patient's growth and changing spinal conditions. The device transitions from a static fusion approach to a dynamic system that allows for non-invasive adjustment of distraction forces and positions, enabling the spine to maintain both stability and flexibility throughout development
Solution Approach 2:
The invention allows for changing the parameters of spinal correction by adjusting the magnetic distraction forces and positions non-invasively. Instead of permanent fusion, the device parameters can be modified to optimize both spinal stability and mobility as the patient grows and conditions change
3Adaptability or versatility
If growing rods are used for early onset scoliosis, then spinal growth can be accommodated, but frequent surgical adjustments are required increasing infection risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical growing rod system requiring surgical adjustments with a magnetic distraction device actuated by external fields. This substitution eliminates the need for repeated surgical exposures and adjustments, thereby reducing the cumulative infection risk associated with multiple surgical interventions
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic distraction device provides self-adjusting capability through remote magnetic actuation, allowing growth accommodation without surgical intervention. The device can be adjusted by the patient or provider in the office setting, eliminating the need for repeated surgical procedures and associated infection risks
4Object-affected harmful factors
If non-invasive magnetic adjustment is used, then patient comfort and safety are improved, but precise control and feedback on implant position become challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates magnetic sensors that detect the position and orientation of the implanted magnets, providing real-time feedback on implant location and distraction forces. This feedback system allows for precise monitoring and adjustment of the device position while maintaining non-invasive operation, resolving the contradiction between patient comfort and measurement precision
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 solution provides a more effective and less invasive method for treating scoliosis and other bone-related conditions by offering precise, controlled adjustments with minimal patient discomfort and reduced risk of complications, potentially improving treatment outcomes and patient mobility.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic drive that is configured to adjust a relative distance between the first portion and the second portion. The magnetic drive includes at least one driven magnet and is configured to revolve about an axis in response to a magnetic field imposed by a rotatable driver magnet outside of the body
Implementation Method 2
The implant is configured to transmit a signal indicative of the responsiveness of the driven magnet to movement of the driver magnet
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.