Modular Sternal Implant With Removable Rib Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
In cases where a large section of the sternum is removed, traditional muscle flaps may not provide sufficient protection and support for maintaining anatomical integrity and organ protection, lacking the structural rigidity and modularity needed.
Innovation Solution
A sternal and rib implant system that includes removable rib links, superior bores for securing to the remaining sternum or manubrium, and cartilage connectors, providing structural support and adaptability through modular and customizable configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a muscle flap is used to cover the sternum, then soft tissue coverage is provided, but structural rigidity and organ protection are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sternal implant system is divided into multiple modular components including a central sternal plate, rib links, cartilage connectors, and superior connectors. Each component can be independently selected and configured based on patient-specific anatomy and surgical requirements, providing structural rigidity while allowing customization without requiring a completely complex monolithic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant system utilizes composite construction combining rigid elements (sternal plate, rib links) for structural support with flexible soft tissue integration capabilities. The system integrates hard structural components with soft tissue coverage to achieve both mechanical strength and biological compatibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single plate method is used for sternal replacement, then structural support is provided, but flexibility and adaptability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the sternal replacement into modular components (sternal plate, rib links, cartilage connectors, superior connectors) that can be independently configured. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for specific anatomical regions and patient requirements, enhancing adaptability while managing overall system complexity through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant system incorporates dynamic adjustability through selective placement of rib links and connectors, allowing the construct to be customized intraoperatively based on measured patient anatomy. The modular design enables dynamic configuration rather than requiring a fixed single-plate solution.
3Manufacturing precision
If a modular implant system with multiple components is used, then adaptability and patient-specific fit are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sternal replacement into discrete modular components that can be individually manufactured to precise specifications and then assembled intraoperatively. This segmentation enables patient-specific customization of each component while using standardized interfaces, achieving high manufacturing precision without requiring every component to be custom-manufactured as a single complex piece.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular components are designed with universal interfaces and standardized connection mechanisms that can accommodate various patient anatomies. The same basic component designs can be adapted to different patients through selective combination and positioning, achieving patient-specific fit without requiring completely unique components for each patient.
Data Source
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AI summary
An implant assembly for a human sternum and ribs can include a sternal implant and a rib link. The sternal implant can be couplable to a sternum. The rib link can include a distal portion, a proximal portion, and a strut. The distal portion can be couplable to a rib. The proximal portion can be couplable to the sternal implant. The strut can connect the distal portion to the proximal portion. The strut can be configured to flex so that the distal portion can be aligned with the rib.