Patient-Specific Implant with Handle for Narrowed Cavity Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient-specific implants are not suitable for insertion into body cavities accessible only through narrowed openings, such as the round window niche, due to limited accessibility and stability.
Innovation Solution
A patient-specific implant with a handle attached to the implant body, designed to match the inner contour of the body cavity, which includes a medical active substance deliverable from the implant body and is compressible or flexible for insertion through constricted areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the implant body is designed to match the inner contour of the body cavity for stable delivery, then the delivery reliability is improved, but the difficulty of insertion through narrowed openings increases
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into two functional segments: an implant body designed to match the inner contour of the body cavity for stable delivery, and a separate handle attached to the implant body for manipulation during insertion. This segmentation allows the implant body to be optimized for delivery reliability while the handle facilitates ease of insertion through narrowed openings.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant body is designed with compressible or flexible material properties that allow it to change shape during insertion through constricted areas, then expand to match the inner contour of the body cavity for stable delivery. This parameter change enables the implant to adapt to different spatial requirements during different phases of the procedure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the implant body is made rigid for stable delivery, then the delivery stability is improved, but the ability to pass through constricted areas deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The implant body is made from compressible or flexible material that can temporarily deform to pass through constricted areas during insertion, then maintains structural stability once deployed in the body cavity for reliable drug delivery. The material properties are selected to provide both flexibility during insertion and stability during delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant body transitions from a flexible/compressible state during insertion to a stable state during delivery. The handle provides mechanical support during the dynamic insertion phase, while the implant body maintains stability during the static delivery phase.
3Ease of operation
If the handle is made detachable to simplify insertion, then the ease of insertion is improved, but the reliability of the implant system deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is permanently attached to the implant body, merging the manipulation function and the delivery function into a single integrated system. This permanent connection ensures that the handle and implant body work together as a unified system, improving reliability while still allowing easy insertion through the use of standard surgical tools.
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 implant can be reliably and safely inserted into body cavities with narrowed openings, providing stable delivery of medical active substances to the target site, while minimizing trauma and ensuring effective treatment.
Implementation Method 1
at least the implant body contains a medical active substance which is deliverable from the implant body to the patient
Implementation Method 2
the implant body can be compressed to at least 20% less volume than in the uncompressed state without permanent damage
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a patient-specific implant (5) for insertion into a body cavity of a patient, for example into the round window niche of the middle ear. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing such an implant (5).