Middle Ear Implant Sensor for Intraoperative Placement Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current middle ear implant surgeries lack effective intraoperative measures to predict and ensure the efficacy of prosthetic placement, leading to high rates of revision surgery due to inadequate evaluation methods.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a sensor within the middle ear implant that provides real-time feedback on static pressure and frequency response during surgical procedures, allowing for optimal placement and adjustment of the implant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If no intraoperative measures are used to evaluate prosthesis efficacy, then the surgical procedure is simpler and faster, but the reliability of implant placement is poor leading to high revision surgery rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors within the middle ear implant that provide real-time feedback on placement efficacy during the surgical procedure. The sensors measure parameters such as pressure and position, allowing the surgeon to immediately assess whether the implant is correctly positioned and functioning as intended, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity by adding feedback capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical evaluation methods (such as post-operative audiology testing) with electronic sensing and measurement systems. The sensors embedded in the implant use electrical and acoustic measurements to evaluate placement efficacy intraoperatively, substituting complex mechanical assessment procedures with more precise electronic detection methods.
2Measurement precision
If waiting for months after surgery to obtain audiology reports, then the surgical procedure remains simple, but the loss of time is significant delaying feedback on implant performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the measurement and evaluation actions during the surgical procedure itself rather than waiting for post-operative recovery. The sensors are activated and measured immediately after implant placement to assess performance, eliminating the months-long delay and providing real-time feedback while the implant is still in its initial position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional post-operative audiology testing system with an intraoperative electronic measurement system. The sensors and measurement devices allow for immediate assessment of implant performance using electrical and acoustic signals, substituting the time-consuming mechanical audiology evaluation with rapid electronic measurement.
3Reliability
If multiple implant surgeries are performed to achieve ideal placement, then the reliability of implant placement improves, but the loss of time and increase in complexity occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables immediate feedback on implant placement accuracy during the surgical procedure through embedded sensors. This real-time feedback allows the surgeon to adjust the implant position or make necessary modifications during the same operation, achieving ideal placement in a single surgery rather than requiring multiple sequential procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs all necessary measurements and evaluations of implant placement during the initial surgical procedure. By conducting these assessments beforehand and in real-time, the surgeon can ensure the implant is correctly positioned on the first attempt, eliminating the need for subsequent revision surgeries and the associated time loss.
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 real-time monitoring and adjustment of implant placement, potentially reducing revision surgery rates by ensuring proper installation and improving hearing loss mitigation outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor may be configured to provide a DC signal output indicative of static pressure on the sensor based on placement of the sensor between the first and second structures
Implementation Method 2
The sensor may also be configured to provide an AC signal output indicative of a frequency response of the implant in response to the sensor being coupled to an output device
Data Source
AI summary
A middle ear implant may include a first interface portion configured to interface with a first structure of a middle ear of a patient, a second interface portion configured to interface with a second structure of the middle ear of the patient, a shaft configured to connect the first interface portion and the second interface portion, and a sensor disposed at one end of the shaft, between the shaft and one of the first interface portion or the second interface portion. The sensor may be configured to provide a DC signal output indicative of static pressure on the sensor based on placement of the sensor between the first and second structures. The sensor may also be configured to provide an AC signal output indicative of a frequency response of the implant in response to the sensor being coupled to an output device.