MRI-Compatible Magnet Replacement for Cochlear Implants

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cochlear implants are not compatible with MRI systems, leading to magnet deformation, skin trauma, and complications during repeated surgeries due to misalignment of magnetic fields, and existing solutions either require surgical removal of magnets or use bone screws that can cause trauma and complicate future implant removal.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for replacing the conventional implant magnet with an MRI-compatible magnet apparatus, involving tools to enlarge the magnet pocket and anchor the new magnet to the bone, ensuring compatibility with MRI systems without causing trauma.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional magnet is used in the cochlear implant, then the implant can be positioned and held in place, but the magnet deforms and causes skin trauma during MRI procedures due to magnetic field misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnet stabilityVSAvoidmagnet deformation and skin trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the conventional magnet from the cochlear implant housing and replaces it with an MRI-compatible magnet apparatus. This extraction eliminates the source of magnetic field misalignment and subsequent deformation/trauma during MRI procedures, while maintaining the positioning function through alternative means.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the magnetic properties of the implant by replacing the conventional magnet with an MRI-compatible magnet apparatus that has different magnetic characteristics. This parameter change allows the implant to withstand MRI magnetic fields without deformation, preventing skin trauma while maintaining positioning reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If surgical removal and reinsertion of the magnet is performed, then MRI compatibility can be achieved, but the procedure causes skin trauma and complicates future implant removal

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveMRI compatibilityVSAvoidskin trauma and surgical complications

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by replacing the conventional magnet with an MRI-compatible magnet apparatus during the initial implantation surgery. This upfront modification eliminates the need for subsequent surgical removal and reinsertion procedures, preventing skin trauma and simplifying future implant removal while ensuring MRI compatibility from the start.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Strength

If bone screws are used to anchor the magnet, then the magnet can be secured firmly, but the bone screws cause trauma and complicate future implant removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnet anchoring strengthVSAvoidbone trauma and removal complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes bone screws and other invasive anchoring mechanisms from the implant system. Instead, it uses a retainer mechanism that secures the MRI-compatible magnet apparatus without penetrating the bone, thereby eliminating bone trauma and simplifying future implant removal while maintaining sufficient anchoring strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the magnet pocket is enlarged to accommodate a larger MRI-compatible magnet apparatus, then MRI compatibility is achieved, but the housing structure is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveMRI compatibilityVSAvoidhousing structural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the housing modification into controlled portions by using a retainer mechanism that can be attached to the housing without compromising overall structural integrity. The retainer is designed to work with the enlarged magnet pocket while maintaining housing strength, allowing MRI compatibility without sacrificing structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Facilitates the replacement of conventional magnets with MRI-compatible ones, preventing magnet deformation and skin trauma, and allows for easier cochlear implant removal and repositioning without damaging the bone or magnet.

Implementation Method 1

compatible with MRI systems without causing trauma

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field alignment: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

anchor the new magnet to the bone

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical anchoring: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS20220273948A1Magnet removal and replacement apparatus and methods for use with cochlear implants

Publication Date: 2022.09.01 ADVANCED BIONICS AG

AI summary

Apparatus and methods for installing a MR-compatible magnet apparatus into a cochlear implant.