Separable Magnet Arrangement for Implantable Medical Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional implantable medical device systems face issues with magnet retention, biofilm formation, and MRI compatibility due to the use of overmolded pockets for implantable magnets, which can lead to surgical complications and reduced MRI effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a separable magnet arrangement where the implantable magnet is fully encapsulated in the overmolding and mechanically severable, allowing for surgical removal and replacement without damaging the overmolding, and using a bone fixture for independent magnet placement to ensure alignment and securement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an implantable magnet is placed in an overmolded pocket, then the magnet is retained and secured, but biofilm formation occurs and MRI compatibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnet retentionVSAvoidbiofilm formation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separable components: the magnet assembly can be independently removed from the overmolded implant body. This segmentation allows the magnet to be extracted for MRI procedures while leaving the sterile overmolding intact, preventing biofilm formation at the extraction site.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The magnet is extracted as a separate removable component from the overmolded implant. This extraction enables the magnet to be temporarily removed during MRI scans to eliminate magnetic interference, while the overmolded implant remains in place maintaining its sterile barrier properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If an implantable magnet is placed in an overmolded pocket, then the magnet is secured, but surgical complications arise during removal and reinsertion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnet retentionVSAvoidmagnet removal and reinsertion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The magnet assembly is designed as a separate modular component that can be independently implanted and removed. This segmentation simplifies surgical procedures by allowing the magnet to be handled separately from the overmolded implant, reducing surgical complexity and complications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If an implantable magnet is fully encapsulated in overmolding, then the overmolding integrity is maintained, but magnet removal damages the overmolding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveovermolding integrityVSAvoidmagnet removal

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The device is designed with separable magnet and overmolding components. The magnet is positioned in a designated space within the overmolding but can be independently extracted through a controlled interface, allowing magnet removal without compromising the structural integrity of the overmolded implant body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Manufacturing precision

If an implantable magnet is used for alignment, then external and internal coils are properly aligned for power and data transfer, but the magnet interferes with MRI imaging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoil alignmentVSAvoidMRI interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The magnet is extracted as a removable component that can be temporarily removed during MRI procedures to eliminate magnetic interference with imaging. The magnet is reinserted after MRI completion, restoring its alignment function for power and data transfer between external and internal coils.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnet's position and presence in the system is made dynamic rather than static. The magnet can be inserted when alignment and power transfer are needed, and removed when MRI imaging is required, allowing the system to adapt to different operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution reduces biofilm formation, simplifies magnet removal and reinsertion, enhances MRI compatibility, and maintains the integrity of the overmolding, while ensuring proper alignment of external and internal coils for efficient power and data transfer.

Implementation Method 1

an implantable magnet assembly disposed within an outer perimeter of the induction coil... the implantable magnet assembly is configured to magnetically retain an external component of the medical device and align the external device relative to the RF induction coil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

Many of these functional components utilize power and/or data received from external components... an RF induction coil extending from the implant body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11883662B2Implantable magnet arrangements

Publication Date: 2024.01.30 COCHLEAR LIMITED

AI summary

Presented herein are magnet arrangements for use with encapsulated implantable components. An implantable component comprises an implant body and a plurality of wire loops forming an internal coil that are encapsulated in a biocompatible overmolding. The implantable component also comprises a bone fixture positioned proximate to the plurality of wire loops and an implantable magnet attached to the bone fixture.