Magnetic Targeting System for Spinal Implant Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal implant systems face challenges in minimally invasive procedures, including the risk of damaging neural structures and bony obstructions, prolonged recovery times, and the need for extensive surgical training due to the invasive nature of traditional open surgeries and the limitations of image-based navigation systems that use radiation.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic targeting system that uses a steering material influenced by a magnetic field to guide biocompatible devices to a target area within the body, providing real-time audio and tactile feedback to ensure accurate placement while minimizing tissue damage and radiation exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional open surgical techniques are used for spinal stabilization, then accurate placement of fasteners and interconnecting means can be achieved, but large incisions and extensive muscle retraction are required causing prolonged recovery time and post-operative pain
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical procedure is divided into percutaneous insertion of individual fasteners followed by separate delivery of the interconnecting means, allowing minimal incisions while maintaining placement accuracy through magnetic guidance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces image-based navigation systems with a magnetic field-based guidance system that provides real-time feedback without radiation exposure, enabling precise placement through small incisions
2Measurement precision
If image-based navigation systems are used to guide minimally invasive procedures, then radiation exposure is required which poses health risks to patient and surgical staff
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes radiation-based imaging guidance with a magnetic field-based guidance system that uses magnetic sensors and feedback mechanisms to achieve precise targeting without ionizing radiation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic field lines as an intermediary medium to transmit guidance information from the target site to external sensors, enabling non-ionizing real-time navigation
3Object-affected harmful factors
If percutaneous procedures are used with small incisions, then soft tissue damage is reduced, but the surgical field becomes smaller requiring more novel approaches and making visualization more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual dependency with magnetic field-based sensing that detects fastener positions and guide wire locations through tissue without requiring visual exposure of the surgical site
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic guidance system provides self-verification through feedback mechanisms that indicate when fasteners are properly positioned and when the interconnecting means is correctly placed, eliminating the need for continuous visual monitoring
4Ease of operation
If a fixed arch rod inserter is used to push the interconnecting rod, then the procedure can be simplified, but the rod cannot be directed around neural structures or bony obstructions increasing risk of collision and neurological damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fixed arch constraint with a dynamic magnetic field guidance system that can adapt the delivery path in real-time based on anatomical variations and obstructions, allowing safe navigation around neural structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates magnetic sensors that provide real-time feedback on the position of the interconnecting means during delivery, allowing the surgeon to adjust the path to avoid obstructions while maintaining procedural simplicity
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 magnetic targeting system enables precise and safe placement of spinal implants, reducing the risk of neural and bony damage, shortening surgery time, and decreasing post-operative pain, while being simpler to operate and less costly than existing image-based navigation systems.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic targeting system that uses a steering material influenced by a magnetic field to guide biocompatible devices to a target area within the body
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention describes a magnetic targeting system suitable for guiding a biocompatible device to a target area within the body (in vivo) and method of using the same. The system includes a targeting member having a steering material and is attached to the biocompatible device. The system also includes at least one anchoring member constructed and arranged for the inclusion of a magnetic material effective for influencing the traversal of the steering material, in vivo. The magnetic material is configured and sized so as to positionable external of the anchoring member, in vivo. The magnetically influenced anchoring member interacts with the targeting member such that the biocompatible device is positionable relative to the target area. An extender and connector have threads indexed to a securing set screw to facilitate positioning and affixation of the biocompatible material.