Configurable Ossicular Prosthesis for Intraoperative Length Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ossicular prostheses face challenges in adapting to the variability of anatomical conditions, such as pressure peaks, underventilation, and difficulty in inserting and adjusting length, leading to complications like extrusion and limited sound conduction.
Innovation Solution
A shaft-shaped connecting element with a third fastening element that can be broken off or separated, allowing surgeons to select and adjust the prosthesis configuration during surgery based on individual patient anatomy, providing flexibility and ease of insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the connecting element is designed as a rigid single piece, then manufacturing is simple and strength is high, but adaptability to different anatomical conditions is poor and pressure peaks occur
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is divided into multiple segments that can be selectively removed. The prosthesis consists of a head plate, a connecting element with multiple portions, and fastening elements. Surgeons can remove unnecessary portions of the connecting element to adapt the prosthesis length and configuration to different anatomical conditions, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis transitions from a fixed rigid structure to a dynamically configurable structure. The connecting element is designed with predetermined break points that allow it to be divided into different configurations during surgery, enabling the prosthesis to adapt to various anatomical situations while maintaining structural integrity when assembled.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different prostheses are stored for different anatomical conditions, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and inventory management become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
A single prosthesis design serves multiple functions by incorporating a connecting element with multiple portions that can be selectively removed. This universal design allows one prosthesis type to replace multiple specialized prostheses, as the same base prosthesis can be configured for different anatomical conditions by removing different portions of the connecting element.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element is segmented into multiple portions that can be independently removed. This segmentation allows a single prosthesis to be customized intraoperatively to match different anatomical requirements, eliminating the need to store and manage multiple specialized prosthesis types.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the prosthesis length is fixed, then manufacturing precision is high, but adaptability to different ear anatomies is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is divided into multiple portions with predetermined break points. During surgery, unnecessary portions are removed to achieve the required length. This approach maintains high manufacturing precision for each segment while enabling length adaptability through selective removal, avoiding the complexity of manufacturing variable-length components.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element is pre-designed with predetermined break points and multiple portions during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation allows for precise segmentation that can be easily activated during surgery by removing specific portions, combining high manufacturing precision with post-manufacturing adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
An ossicular prosthesis having a first fastening element designed as a head plate for contact with the tympanic membrane, a second fastening element for mechanical connection to a member of the ossicular chain or the inner ear, and a shaft-shaped connecting element connecting the two fastening elements in a manner conducting sound. The first fastening element has a through-bore for receiving the connecting element and can be narrowed to provide fixation. The connecting element protrudes through the through-bore onto and carries a third fastening element designed for connection to a member of the ossicular chain or the inner ear. The connecting element can be easily separated above or below the first fastening element. This arrangement offers middle ear surgeons a simple and quick option to choose from a range of different prosthesis types immediately before inserting a selected prosthesis into the patient's middle ear.