Photocurable Bone Resin with Light Guide and Ultrasonic Extraction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current bone cements require invasive implantation and extended fixation processes, leading to increased trauma and risk of thermal necrosis during curing, and pose challenges for removal, necessitating secondary surgeries and prolonged rehabilitation.

Innovation Solution

A minimally invasive photocurable polymeric resin system that can be injected, cured in situ using a light source, and removed via depolymerization or deplasticization, featuring a photocurable injection system with a diffusive light guide and ultrasonic extraction, designed to match the mechanical properties of bone and minimize volumetric shrinkage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If current bone cements are used for fixation, then bone stabilization is achieved, but invasive implantation and extended fixation processes cause increased trauma and require secondary surgeries for removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplantation invasivenessVSAvoidbone stabilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical bone cement implantation with a photocurable polymeric resin system that cures in situ under light activation. This substitution eliminates the need for invasive implantation procedures and extended fixation processes while maintaining reliable bone stabilization through controlled polymerization at the fracture site

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by controlling the polymerization process through light exposure duration and intensity. The polymeric resin transitions from liquid to solid state upon light activation, enabling minimally invasive injection followed by in situ curing. This parameter control allows the implant to be removed after healing without secondary surgeries

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If current bone cements are used for fixation, then bone stabilization is achieved, but thermal necrosis risk increases during curing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebone fixation strengthVSAvoidthermal necrosis risk

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces thermal curing mechanisms with photocurable polymerization activated by light sources. This substitution eliminates the generation of excessive heat during the curing process that causes thermal necrosis, while still achieving strong bone fixation through the crosslinked polymeric resin structure formed by light-induced polymerization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the curing mechanism from thermal to photochemical by using photocurable polymeric resin systems. The resin cures under light activation at controlled temperatures that prevent thermal necrosis of surrounding bone tissue, while maintaining adequate fixation strength through the polymerization reaction and crosslinking of the resin matrix

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If current bone cements are used for fixation, then initial bone stabilization is achieved, but removal requires secondary surgeries and prolonged rehabilitation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebone fixation strengthVSAvoidrehabilitation time

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a dynamic system where the polymeric resin can transition between cured and removable states. After bone healing occurs, the implant can be removed through minimally invasive procedures without requiring secondary surgeries. This dynamic capability reduces rehabilitation time and allows patients to return to normal activities more quickly while maintaining strong initial bone fixation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 bone stabilization with reduced trauma and recovery time, eliminates the need for open cuts, and allows for the removal of the implant without secondary surgeries, while maintaining the mechanical integrity of the bone.

Implementation Method 1

a photoinitiator adapted to absorb light energy to initiate the polymerization of the polymeric resin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotopolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 2

an ultrasonic probe adapted to pulverize the cured polymer into particles and extract said particles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS20240358417A1Method of creating biocompatible polymeric resin systems for bone repair and management

Publication Date: 2024.10.31 MEDICARBONE INC

AI summary

A photocurable device injection system for creating in situ polymerization via light or free-radical to enable fractured bone fixation. The system comprises a photosensitive polymeric resin sensitive to light, temperature, oxygen, enzymes, or a combination thereof. The photosensitive polymeric resin may be configured to cure at room temperature or physiological temperature with a light source. The photosensitive polymeric resin may be configured to depolymerize with ultrasonication, sonication, or a combination thereof. The system further comprises an implantable 3-dimensional biocompatible pouch comprising an optical light guide. The system further comprises one or more micro-sized ultrasonication probes configured to contact a three-dimensional pouch by one or more openings. The one or more probes may be configured to enable polymer outflow.