Implantable Neuroma Prevention Device with Segmented Shell
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods are inadequate for effectively preventing and treating traumatic neuroma formation at nerve stumps, particularly after human leg amputation, as they require complex surgical procedures and are not easily applicable in practical settings.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a lower and upper shell member with trenches and an axonal guiding structure, designed to house nerve stumps and guide regenerating axons, preventing neuroma formation by creating a closed shell that shields the nerve stumps from surrounding tissue and pressure, using biocompatible and biodegradable materials for enhanced usability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex surgical procedures are used to prevent neuroma formation, then the effectiveness of prevention is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple shell members (e.g., upper shell, lower shell, lateral shells) that can be separately positioned and then assembled together to form a complete protective structure around the nerve stump, simplifying the implantation process while maintaining comprehensive coverage
Solution Approach 2:
An axonal guiding structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the nerve stump and surrounding tissues, providing a controlled pathway for nerve regeneration and preventing disorganized growth that leads to neuroma formation
2Reliability
If specialized surgical procedures are used, then the prevention effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective device is segmented into multiple modular shell members that can be independently positioned and assembled, reducing surgical complexity while ensuring comprehensive protection of the nerve stump from all directions
Solution Approach 2:
The shell members are designed as flexible protective structures that can adapt to the nerve stump geometry and be easily positioned during surgery, providing effective protection without requiring complex rigid structures
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable neuroma formation preventing and/or treatment device configured to prevent formation of and/or treat traumatic neuroma comprises a lower shell member and an upper shell member. The lower shell member is provided with one or two open-topped trenches, each having a receiving section that extends from a respective nerve stump entry port of the device and is configured for placing one mammalian nerve stump therein. Each trench further has an outlet section adjoining the receiving section and configured to receive therein nerve fibres projecting from the nerve stump. The lower shell is also provided with an open-topped and open-loop shaped trench configured to install therein an axonal guiding structure configured to allow for entry of regenerating axons into the axonal guiding structure. The upper shell member is configured to be secured onto the lower shell member, so that the secured upper and lower shell members form a closed shell about the nerve stumps and the axonal guiding structure.