Mesh Network Spinal Implants for Real-Time Data Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthopedic implants and medical devices lack the ability to communicate and coordinate their operation based on real-time patient data, leading to limited post-operative adjustments and suboptimal treatment outcomes due to their design for specific physiological traits and diseases, and inability to connect with other devices without invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
A network of patient-devices, including implants and wearables, that establish and manage a mesh network using wireless communication circuits, sensors, and actuators to collect and analyze data, allowing for autonomous communication and adjustment based on the patient's current physiological state and disease progression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional orthopedic implants are used, then the implant structure is simple and reliable, but the devices cannot communicate with each other and cannot provide real-time adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The implant incorporates multiple functions including sensing capabilities, wireless communication transceivers, and actuation mechanisms within a single device structure. This allows the implant to not only provide mechanical support but also collect physiological data, communicate with external devices, and perform real-time adjustments to treatment parameters based on patient response
Solution Approach 2:
The implant includes adjustable parameters that can be modified post-operatively through wireless communication. The device can dynamically adjust treatment parameters such as stimulation intensity, medication delivery rates, or mechanical properties based on real-time physiological feedback and changing patient needs
2Adaptability or versatility
If a network of interconnected implants is implemented, then real-time data sharing and coordinated operation are enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs wireless communication transceivers as intermediaries that enable data exchange between implants and external devices without requiring invasive connections. The transceivers facilitate seamless integration into existing implant architectures while enabling networked operation through standardized wireless protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The networked implant system is divided into modular functional units including sensing modules, communication modules, and actuation modules. Each implant contains segmented components that can independently perform specific functions while contributing to the overall coordinated operation of the implant network
3Loss of information
If wireless communication circuits are added to implants, then data collection and sharing capabilities are improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication transceivers operate in periodic cycles rather than continuously, transmitting data at scheduled intervals or when significant physiological changes are detected. This periodic operation mode reduces average power consumption while maintaining effective data collection and monitoring capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts communication parameters such as transmission power, data sampling rate, and communication frequency based on patient condition and battery status. When energy levels are low or patient condition is stable, the system reduces communication activity to conserve energy while maintaining essential monitoring functions
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for establishing and managing a patient-device network on or about a body of a patient are disclosed. One or more of the devices implanted into, affixed to, and/or carried by a patient may be configured to establish and manage a communication network. For example, one or more of the implants may include networking mechanisms that autonomously connect to each other, thereby establishing and managing a mesh network or an ad-hoc network on or about a portion of the patient body. The networked devices can communicate with each other and/or to other external devices.