Osteotome Solidity Assessment via Impact Force Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical methods for osteotomy lack a reliable and real-time means to assess the solidity of tissues like bone or cartilage, relying on empirical techniques and are hindered by the limitations of X-ray and MRI technologies.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising an ancillary tool with sensors and a processing unit that measures impact force and deformation to calculate an indicator of material solidity, allowing for real-time assessment during surgical procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If X-ray (image intensifier) is used to control osteotome position and tissue solidity, then real-time imaging capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time imaging capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex imaging systems (X-ray, MRI) with a simple mechanical sensing approach. Sensors are integrated into the osteotome to directly measure impact forces and vibrations during surgery, converting a complex imaging problem into a simple mechanical measurement problem that provides real-time feedback without expensive equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The osteotome becomes self-monitoring by incorporating sensors directly into its structure. The tool measures its own interaction forces with the bone and cartilage, providing real-time information about tissue solidity and osteotome position without requiring external imaging equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If MRI equipment is used to assess tissue properties, then measurement accuracy is improved, but cost and availability worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue property assessment accuracyVSAvoidcost and availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs inexpensive, disposable sensors that can be integrated into the osteotome. These simple mechanical sensors cost fractions of MRI equipment while providing sufficient information for surgical decision-making, making the technology accessible and easy to manufacture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

Complex MRI-based tissue characterization is replaced with simple mechanical sensing of impact forces and vibrations. The sensors measure physical interactions between the osteotome and tissue, providing adequate information about tissue properties without requiring expensive medical imaging equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If empirical methods (noise generation and practitioner experience) are used to assess tissue solidity, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidreliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces real-time feedback through sensors that measure impact forces and vibrations during osteotomy. This objective data feedback complements the practitioner's experience and noise-based assessment, providing reliable, quantifiable information about tissue solidity that reduces dependence on subjective judgment while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 practitioners to accurately determine tissue solidity, position, and potential cracks, improving surgical precision and safety without requiring new techniques or equipment, while being cost-effective and simple to use.

Implementation Method 1

The sensor is capable of measuring a quantity from among the impact force generated and the deformation of the impactor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact Force: Impact Force

Implementation Method 2

The sensor is capable of measuring a quantity from among the impact force generated and the deformation of the impactor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentUS11864775B2Device for assessing the solidity of a material

Publication Date: 2024.01.09 CENT NAT DE LA RECH SCI (C N R S)

AI summary

A device for assessing the solidity of a material comprising an ancillary tool (2) having an end (2B) in the form of a point or blade, an impactor (4) for striking the ancillary tool (2), a sensor (12) and a processing unit (30). The ancillary tool (2) is placed between a material (8) and the impactor (4) and transmits the impact force generated by the impactor (4) to the material (8). The sensor (12) is capable of measuring a quantity from among the impact force and the deformation of the impactor, and of supplying a measurement signal. The processing unit (30) is suitable for calculating, from the measurement signal, an indicator representative of the solidity of the material (8). The indicator corresponds to the duration of a time window between the first peak (P1) of maximum amplitude of the measurement signal and the second peak of maximum amplitude (P2).