Programmable External Magnet for Implantable Device Fitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fitting process for implantable medical devices with magnetic retention is inefficient due to variability in skin thickness and tissue characteristics, leading to inconsistent magnetic coupling and potential discomfort or tissue damage, requiring multiple adjustments and increased clinical burden.
Innovation Solution
A method using a sensor to measure the magnetic field strength of the implanted magnet, communicating this data to a clinical programming system to select and adjust the external magnet's strength, ensuring optimal retention and comfort, and allowing for real-time adjustments during the fitting process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed-strength external magnet is used, then the device structure is simple, but the magnetic coupling is inconsistent due to variability in skin thickness and tissue characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the magnetic field strength of the external magnet based on measured skin thickness and tissue characteristics. The system measures the magnetic field strength required for optimal retention and programmatically adjusts the external magnet's strength to match individual patient anatomy, thereby achieving consistent magnetic coupling across varying tissue conditions without requiring multiple physical magnet replacements.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple magnet strength adjustments are made during fitting, then the retention accuracy is improved, but the clinical time and burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-programming the external magnet with adjustable magnetic field strength capabilities. This allows the magnet to be precisely configured during the fitting process based on real-time measurements, eliminating the need for multiple trial-and-error adjustments. The system calculates and applies the optimal magnetic field strength in a single step, thereby achieving accurate retention while minimizing clinical time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback by measuring the actual magnetic field strength and using this information to programmatically adjust the external magnet's strength. This closed-loop approach ensures that the final magnetic coupling is precisely optimized for each patient's anatomy, achieving high retention accuracy while reducing the number of adjustment iterations required during the fitting process.
3Force
If the external magnet strength is increased to ensure retention, then the retention force is improved, but the discomfort and tissue damage risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the magnetic field strength to the minimum level required for secure retention. Rather than using a fixed high-strength magnet that may cause discomfort, the system measures individual patient anatomy and programs the external magnet to deliver precisely the right amount of force, thereby achieving adequate retention while minimizing the risk of tissue damage and patient discomfort.
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 approach optimizes the magnetic coupling between internal and external components, reducing the need for multiple adjustments, minimizing discomfort, and standardizing the fitting process, thereby improving the retention and comfort of implantable medical devices.
Implementation Method 1
using a sensor to measure the magnetic field strength of the first magnet
Implementation Method 2
the internal and external portions include a magnet. The internal magnet and the external magnet are such that they attract one another transcutaneously in order that the external magnet serves to retain the external portion of the device
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable component of an implantable medical device adapted to work with a sensor that detects the strength of the magnetic field emanating from a magnet situated in the implanted portion of the device. The wearable component can be fitted with a magnet that can be programmed or adjusted to the required strength. The system can automatically determine the required magnet strength, and also program the magnet to have the required value. The technology removes the conventional means or the need of audiologist/clinician to perform manual determination of the magnet strength by trial-and-error, and streamlines the process of magnet determination. The tedious and error-prone manual process can now be an automated additional step in the process of fitting an auditory prosthesis. The system removes the need for manual intervention and guess-work by the clinician fitting the wearable component. The system helps to standardize fitting practice across clinics.