Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Device for Cartilage Regeneration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current devices using pulsed electromagnetic fields for treating cartilaginous tissue and subchondral bone lack effectiveness due to inadequate optimization of electromagnetic field parameters, often only reducing pain without modifying cartilage trophism or achieving significant therapeutic effects.

Innovation Solution

A device generating a pulsed electromagnetic field with optimized parameters, including peak intensity between 0.5 and 2 milliTesla, frequency between 2 and 75 Hz, and treatment duration of 4 to 9 hours, specifically designed to promote regeneration, prevention of degeneration, and proliferation of chondrocytes, which can be used alone or with pharmacological agents or microfractures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional pulsed electromagnetic field devices are used for treating cartilaginous tissue, then pain symptomatology is reduced, but no significant therapeutic effect is achieved on cartilage trophism or structure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepain symptomatologyVSAvoidtherapeutic effect on cartilage trophism

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the electromagnetic field intensity to a specific range (0.5-2 milliTesla) and using pulsed fields with frequencies between 1-100 Hz. These specific parameter values were determined through preclinical studies to effectively stimulate cartilage regeneration and chondrocyte proliferation, transforming the field from merely pain-relieving to therapeutically effective for tissue regeneration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If electromagnetic field parameters are not optimized based on preclinical studies, then device complexity is reduced, but therapeutic effectiveness is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter optimization requirementsVSAvoidtherapeutic effect

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by conducting preclinical studies beforehand to determine the optimal electromagnetic field parameters (intensity: 0.5-2 milliTesla, frequency: 1-100 Hz). These pre-determined parameters are then implemented in the device, eliminating the need for complex real-time optimization while ensuring therapeutic effectiveness for cartilage regeneration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If high intensity electromagnetic fields are used, then potential therapeutic effect is increased, but harmful effects on tissue may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapeutic effect potentialVSAvoidtissue damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by establishing a specific intensity range (0.5-2 milliTesla) that balances therapeutic effectiveness with tissue safety. This optimized parameter range was determined through preclinical studies to stimulate cartilage regeneration while avoiding harmful effects, resolving the contradiction between potency and safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses periodic pulsed electromagnetic fields instead of continuous high-intensity fields. The pulsed nature with frequencies between 1-100 Hz delivers therapeutic stimulation while allowing tissue recovery periods, reducing the risk of harmful effects while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic 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

The device achieves tangible, clinically relevant results by maximizing proteoglycan synthesis and promoting regeneration and prevention of cartilage and subchondral bone degeneration, as demonstrated by increased proteoglycan synthesis and improved cartilage and bone integration in experimental studies.

Implementation Method 1

a solenoid is powered by a time-variable electrical signal (for example a current-variable signal) for the generation of a pulsed electromagnetic field which is addressed towards a portion of human body containing cartilaginous tissue/subchondral bone in which induced microcurrents form

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2019719B1Device for the regeneration and prevention of degeneration of the cartilaginous tissue and subchrondral bone and the proliferation of chondrocytes by means of a pulsed electromagnetic field

Publication Date: 2012.03.07 IGEA SPA

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Figure 5a~6b

AI summary

Device for the regeneration and prevention of degeneration of the cartilage and subchondral bone and the proliferation of chondrocytes by means of electromagnetic waves comprising a device (3) for generating a periodic signal u(t) and a power amplifier (8) suitable for applying the signal u(t) to a pair of solenoids (12) for the generation of an electromagnetic field M(t) addressed towards a portion of human/animal body containing cartilage. Setting means (6,4) are provided for the generation of an electromagnetic field having intensity between 0.2 and 2 milliTesla, frequency between 37 and 75Hz and period of application between 1 hour and 9 hours.