Selectable Ossicular Prosthesis for Intraoperative Fit Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ossicular prostheses face challenges such as limited sound conduction, postoperative displacement due to scar tissue formation, insufficient ventilation leading to inflammation, and difficulty in adjusting to individual anatomical variations, along with complications during insertion and length adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A shaft-shaped connecting element with a third fastening element that can be broken off or separated using a separation tool, allowing the surgeon to select the optimal configuration during surgery based on the patient's specific conditions, providing flexibility and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid connection between headplate and stem is used, then structural stability is improved, but postoperative displacement due to scar tissue formation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is designed with flexible properties allowing it to bend and adapt to postoperative movements of the eardrum and ossicular chain. This dynamic capability enables the prosthesis to accommodate scar tissue formation and pressure changes without dislodging, while maintaining structural integrity through controlled flexibility rather than rigid fixation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ossicular prostheses are kept in stock for different anatomical variations, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and inventory management increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is designed as a segmented structure with multiple sections that can be selectively removed or adjusted. This segmentation allows the prosthesis to be adapted to different anatomical configurations by adjusting the number and arrangement of connecting sections, enabling a single prosthesis design to replace multiple specialized variants in inventory.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element incorporates flexible and adjustable components that can be configured during surgery to match individual anatomical variations. This dynamic adjustability allows one prosthesis design to accommodate multiple anatomical scenarios, eliminating the need to stock numerous pre-configured variants.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the connecting element is made flexible to accommodate anatomical variations, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is divided into discrete sections with standardized interfaces and tolerances. This segmentation allows each section to be manufactured with conventional precision using standard machining processes, while the assembled flexible structure achieves the required adaptability through the combination of standardized components rather than requiring high precision in flexible element fabrication.
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 quick and effective selection of the appropriate ossicular prosthesis configuration, reducing the need for multiple prostheses in stock and minimizing postoperative complications, while ensuring optimal fit and sound transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a shaft-shaped connecting element connecting the two fastening elements to each other in a sound-conducting manner along a longitudinal axis
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b~1c
Figure 2a
AI summary
An ossicular prosthesis (20) comprising a first fastening element (21) designed as a head plate for attachment to the tympanic membrane, a second fastening element (22) for mechanical connection to a member of the ossicular chain or to the inner ear, and a shaft-shaped connecting element (24) connecting the two fastening elements to each other in a sound-conducting manner along a longitudinal axis, wherein the first fastening element has a through-hole (25) in its center that can be narrowed for fixation and for receiving the connecting element, is characterized in that the connecting element projects through the through-hole to the side of the first fastening element opposite the second fastening element and carries a third fastening element (23) at its free end opposite the second fastening element, which is designed for connection to a member of the ossicular chain or to the inner ear.and that the connecting element is designed in its two areas adjacent to the through-hole so that it can be easily detached above or below the first fastening element. This package offers the middle ear surgeon a simple and quick selection option from a range of different prosthesis types immediately before inserting a selected prosthesis into the patient's middle ear.