Open Cell Element for Biocompatible Substance Delivery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices used in orthopedic surgeries are inefficient in marking holes created for fastener installation due to obscuration by fluid and tissue, requiring additional steps and time, and lack the capability to deliver biocompatible substances simultaneously with hole formation.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with an elongated member and an open cell element that houses a biocompatible substance, allowing its application and partial drying, which rehydrates upon insertion to mark and deliver the substance during hole formation, facilitating improved visibility and delivery during orthopedic procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If biocompatible ink is applied to the cutting surface of a drill bit, then the hole can be marked, but the ink is quickly removed once the cutting surface is engaged in the bone or cartilage and may be applied to material that is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The biocompatible substance is pre-loaded into the open cell element before surgery, prepared in advance rather than applied at the moment of drilling. The substance is stored in a dried or concentrated state and rehydrates or activates during the drilling operation, ensuring it is ready to mark the hole immediately when needed without being lost during the cutting process
Solution Approach 2:
The open cell element acts as an intermediary carrier between the biocompatible substance and the target tissue. Instead of applying ink directly to the cutting surface where it is quickly removed, the substance is housed in the open cell element that delivers it to the hole after formation, mediating the transfer and ensuring retention
2Reliability
If a syringe is used to deliver biocompatible substance, then the substance can be contained, but additional steps are required and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The open cell element combines the functions of substance containment, delivery, and activation into a single integrated structure. Instead of using a syringe with separate containment and delivery mechanisms, the open cell element merges these functions by housing the biocompatible substance within its porous structure and releasing it through the same structure during drilling operation
Solution Approach 2:
The open cell element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it contains the biocompatible substance during storage, delivers the substance to the target site, and controls the release timing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate containment devices like syringes, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable substance containment
3Measurement precision
If multiple steps are used to form a hole and mark the hole separately, then the marking can be applied, but the surgery time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges the hole formation and hole marking functions into a single integrated operation. The open cell element is attached to the drilling device so that the biocompatible substance is delivered to the hole during or immediately after the drilling process, combining two previously separate steps into one concurrent operation and reducing surgery time
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
The device reduces surgery duration and enhances the effectiveness of biocompatible substance delivery to target tissues, improving the accuracy and efficiency of hole marking and formation in orthopedic and arthroscopic surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
an open cell element that houses a biocompatible substance, allowing its application and partial drying, which rehydrates upon insertion to mark and deliver the substance during hole formation
Data Source
AI summary
Medical devices are disclosed. For example, a medical device includes an elongated member. The medical device includes a hole forming surface along a portion of the elongated member. The medical device includes an open cell element in physical communication with the elongated member. The open cell element is configured to house at least a first portion of a biocompatible substance.