Flexible Electrode Array for Intraoperative Prosthesis Biofilm Disinfection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating bacterial biofilms on bone implants, such as prosthetic knee implants, are inefficient, costly, and invasive, often requiring multiple surgeries and prolonged treatment times, with high failure rates and significant physical, psychological, and economic costs, while existing bioelectric treatments are limited to in vitro applications and lengthy durations.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a flexible electrode array adaptable to the prosthesis shape, applying low-intensity currents in combination with antibiotics, which can be used intraoperatively to weaken biofilms and eliminate bacterial infections, ensuring minimal invasiveness and rapid treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional methods (washing and replacing components with antibiotic-impregnated cements) are used to treat prosthetic infections, then the treatment can be performed intraoperatively, but the success rate is low (50-55%) and requires complete replacement of the implant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical and chemical methods (surgical replacement, antibiotic cements) with a bioelectric field-based treatment system. The device applies electrical currents through electrode arrays to generate bioelectric effects that directly target and eliminate bacterial biofilms on the prosthesis surface, achieving higher success rates without requiring complete implant replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the treatment parameter from physical/chemical interventions to electrical parameter application. By controlling current intensity, duration, and electrode configuration, the system creates optimal bioelectric conditions for bacterial cell membrane disruption and biofilm degradation, improving treatment effectiveness while simplifying the overall procedure
2Reliability
If complete replacement of the implant is performed, then the infection can be treated, but the physical and psychological cost for the patient increases and the economic cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes invasive surgical replacement with a non-invasive bioelectric field treatment. The electrode array is applied externally to the prosthesis surface, and electrical currents penetrate through soft tissues to directly target bacteria, eliminating the need for complete implant removal and reducing physical trauma and psychological stress for patients
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a bioelectric field as an intermediary treatment mechanism between the external environment and the bacterial biofilm on the prosthesis. This intermediary approach allows infection treatment without direct mechanical intervention on the implant itself, preserving the prosthesis while eliminating bacteria through electrochemical effects
3Reliability
If conventional treatment methods are used, then the treatment can be performed, but the economic cost is enormous (about twenty billion dollars worldwide) and a considerable number of infections are not resolved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive conventional treatments (surgical replacements, antibiotic cements, prolonged hospital stays) with a cost-effective bioelectric field system. The device uses electrical currents that can be applied intraoperatively or in outpatient settings, significantly reducing healthcare costs while improving infection resolution rates through direct biofilm targeting
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous or repeated application of the bioelectric treatment without the need for multiple surgical interventions. The electrode array can be applied repeatedly to the same prosthesis surface, allowing progressive biofilm elimination and infection resolution, thereby reducing overall treatment costs compared to repeated surgeries
4Reliability
If in vitro bioelectric treatments are applied, then bacterial colonies can be eliminated, but the treatment time is very long (up to sixteen hours)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes electrical parameters (current intensity, frequency, duration) specifically for in vivo application on prosthetic surfaces. By adjusting these parameters to match the metabolic activity and morphology of bacteria on implants, the system achieves effective biofilm elimination in minutes rather than hours, dramatically reducing treatment time while maintaining bacterial elimination effectiveness
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 device achieves effective biofilm weakening and bacterial elimination within minutes, reducing treatment time and invasiveness, with improved antibiotic efficacy and lower risks of mechanical damage to the prosthesis.
Implementation Method 1
The cause of this bactericidal effect apparently lies in the substances produced by electrolysis, cytoplasmic membrane rupture or decreased bacterial respiration
Implementation Method 2
different studies published in recent years point to the use of the so-called 'bioelectric effect', the effectiveness of which has been confirmed in colonies of Escherichia coli in saline solution
Data Source
AI summary
A device for intraoperatively disinfecting bone prostheses uses bioelectric effect. Advantageously, the device has an array that can be adapted to the shape of a bone prosthesis, wherein said array is provided with an arrangement of electrodes designed to connect to a programmable controller for supplying current, designed to perform a bioelectric treatment on the prothesis. The device may be connected to a programmable controller for supplying current to form a disinfection system, and a method for activating the same is also contemplated.