Joint Prosthesis Removal Device with Threaded Extraction Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current joint prosthesis removal procedures are invasive, risk damaging the bone structure, are difficult to perform due to confined spaces and body fluids, require excessive force, and involve lengthy surgeries with multiple instruments, leading to increased costs and complications.

Innovation Solution

A joint prosthesis removal device with a metal removal element, such as cobalt-chromium or titanium alloys, featuring a threaded coupling system that allows for decoupling without direct force on the bone, using a helical coupling mechanism to translate and rotate the removal element, thereby releasing the prosthesis from the bone without damaging it.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional surgical instruments (burrs, saws) are used to detach the joint prosthesis from the bone, then the prosthesis can be removed, but the bone structure is damaged and excessive force is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of prosthesis removalVSAvoidbone damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A removal device is implanted simultaneously with the prosthesis and remains dormant during normal function. When removal is needed, this pre-positioned device is activated to facilitate safe extraction without bone damage, eliminating the need for invasive removal procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The removal device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the prosthesis and the bone. It provides a controlled interface for detachment, translating rotational motion into axial extraction force while protecting the bone from direct contact with cutting or grinding instruments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If multiple sterile surgical instruments are used for prosthesis detachment, then the prosthesis can be removed, but surgical time and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprosthesis detachment capabilityVSAvoidnumber of instruments required
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The removal device is designed as a multi-functional component that integrates several operations into a single instrument. It combines engagement, extraction, and bone protection functions in one device, eliminating the need for multiple specialized surgical instruments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The removal device merges the functions of multiple surgical instruments into a single integrated system. Instead of using separate burrs, saws, and extraction tools, all removal operations are performed through one unified device that is already positioned in the patient's body

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the prosthesis is firmly secured to the bone for long-term stability, then the prosthesis remains stable during normal use, but excessive force is required for removal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprosthesis stability in boneVSAvoidforce required for removal
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The prosthesis system is divided into two functional segments: a stable prosthesis component for long-term bone integration and a separate removal device for extraction. This segmentation allows the prosthesis to remain firmly secured during use while the removal device provides a mechanical advantage system for easy extraction when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The removal device is self-contained and carries its own mechanical advantage mechanism (threaded engagement) within the patient's body. It serves itself by providing the necessary leverage and force multiplication internally, eliminating the need for external surgical equipment to apply excessive force during removal

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 enables safe, minimally invasive removal of joint prostheses with reduced surgical time and cost, minimizing bone damage and the number of instruments needed, while allowing for efficient extraction without exerting excessive force on the patient's bone.

Implementation Method 1

a threaded coupling system that allows for decoupling without direct force on the bone, using a helical coupling mechanism to translate and rotate the removal element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentUS11096800B2Joint prosthesis with removal device
Publication Date: 2021.08.24 MEDACTA INT SA
  • US11096800B2 patent drawing
  • US11096800B2 patent drawing
  • US11096800B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Joint prosthesis (100) with removal device comprising a first portion (10) suitable to be implanted in a bone structure and suitable to couple with a second portion (50), characterised in that said second portion (50) houses within it a removal element (70) suitable to interact with at least one of said first and second portions (10, 50) and in that said removal element (70), is configured to be operated in translation with respect to the second portion (50), and to generate a detachment force such as to uncouple the first portion (10) from the second portion (50) of the joint prosthesis (100).