Preforming Device for Planar Implants Using Adjustable Support Points

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for producing preformed planar implants, such as those for osteosynthesis in the orbit, are cumbersome and dependent on surgeon experience, often resulting in incomplete reconstruction of anatomical structures, which can lead to complications like double vision, sunken eyes, and risk of blindness due to manual cutting and bending of flat grids.

Innovation Solution

A preforming device with adjustable support devices is used to create a planar implant by bending a blank according to anatomically desired shapes, utilizing CT data to set precise support points and convert a two-dimensional lattice into a three-dimensional structure, allowing for more precise and standardized surgical reconstruction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual cutting and bending of flat grids is used, then the implant can be adapted to anatomical structures, but the procedure is highly dependent on surgeon experience and may result in incomplete reconstruction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanatomical reconstruction precisionVSAvoidsurgeon experience dependency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The implant is preformed to the desired anatomical shape before surgery using a preforming device with adjustable support devices. The blank is bent according to an anatomically desired shape defined by support points, eliminating the need for manual shaping during surgery and reducing dependency on surgeon experience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The preforming device creates a physical model or copy of the target anatomical structure using support points that define the desired shape. This copy serves as a template for forming the implant, ensuring anatomical accuracy without requiring the surgeon to manually recreate the complex geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Ease of manufacture

If manual manipulation of grids is performed, then the implant can be shaped, but the risk of complications such as double vision, sunken eyes, and blindness increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplant shaping capabilityVSAvoidsurgical complication risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

All shaping and manipulation of the implant is completed before surgery in a controlled manufacturing environment. The implant is preformed to the exact anatomical shape required, eliminating the need for intraoperative manipulation that could harm delicate orbital structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical manipulation by the surgeon is replaced by a controlled forming process using a preforming device with adjustable support devices. This substitution transfers the mechanical action from the surgical field to a manufacturing setting, reducing surgical risk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If flat grids are used, then the implant is simple in design, but the time required for surgical reconstruction increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplant design simplicityVSAvoidsurgical reconstruction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The implant is preformed to the final anatomical shape before surgery, eliminating the time-consuming steps of manual cutting and bending during the operation. The surgical procedure is reduced to placement only, significantly improving surgical efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of manufacture

If standard flat implants are used, then the implant is easy to produce, but the anatomical reconstruction is less individualized and precise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplant production simplicityVSAvoidanatomical individualization
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The preforming device features adjustable support devices that can be positioned at various locations to define the desired anatomical shape. This dynamic adjustability allows the device to accommodate different anatomical configurations while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The implant is preformed to patient-specific anatomical shapes before surgery using the adjustable support devices. This preliminary customization eliminates the need for complex intraoperative shaping while achieving individualized anatomical reconstruction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This method enables more precise, efficient, and safer surgical reconstruction of anatomical structures, reducing the risk of complications and dependence on surgeon experience, while allowing for standardized and time-efficient production of implants like osteosynthesis for the orbit.

Implementation Method 1

a preforming device is provided which has a plurality of discrete adjustable support devices for setting an associated plurality of support points according to the desired anatomical shape and on which the preformed implant is formed by bending the blank to the set support devices

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2001381B1Method and device for producing a planar implant for a human or animal body, which planar implant is preformed corresponding to a desired anatomical shape
Publication Date: 2013.01.16 SYNTHES GMBH
  • EP2001381B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2001381B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~1D
  • EP2001381B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method and a device for producing a planar implant (I) for a human or animal body, which planar implant (I) is preformed corresponding to a desired anatomical shape. The method comprises the following steps: making available a blank of the planar implant; making available a preforming device (V) that comprises a plurality of discrete adjustable support elements (STE) for adjusting an associated plurality of support points in accordance with the desired anatomical shape; defining the desired anatomical shape and determining corresponding settings for the support elements; adjusting the support elements in accordance with the settings determined for the desired anatomical shape; and producing the preformed implant by bending the blank onto the adjusted support elements.