Implantable Auditory Prosthesis With Separable Magnet Encasement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cochlear implants face biofilm formation and infection risks due to exposed magnets at the implantation site, particularly during MRI procedures when magnet removal is necessary.
Innovation Solution
The magnet is completely sealed within a biocompatible body using a combination of materials, allowing for temporary removal and resealing to prevent bacterial adhesion, using a first body material for the main structure and a second body material to encase and isolate the magnet, which can be later separated for removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the magnet is left exposed at the implantation site to allow for MRI procedures, then the magnet can be easily removed for MRI, but biofilm formation and infection risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The implantable body is divided into two separable portions: a first portion providing structural support and a second portion that encases the magnet. This segmentation allows the magnet-encasing portion to be separated for magnet removal while leaving the main body in place, thus enabling MRI procedures while reducing biofilm formation on exposed surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The second body material forms a sealable enclosure around the magnet, creating a flexible yet protective barrier. This enclosure can be sealed to prevent biofilm formation when the magnet needs to remain in place, and can be opened to allow magnet removal for MRI procedures, thus resolving the contradiction between protection and accessibility.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the magnet is completely sealed within the implantable body to prevent biofilm formation, then infection risk is reduced, but magnet removal for MRI becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the implantable body into separable portions, the invention enables the magnet to be enclosed for infection prevention while allowing the encasing portion to be detached for magnet removal. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between sealed protection and ease of magnet replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealable enclosure transitions between sealed and open states dynamically. When sealed, it prevents biofilm formation; when opened, it allows magnet removal. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction between maintaining a sealed environment and enabling easy magnet access for MRI procedures.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single body material is used for the implantable body, then manufacturing is simpler, but the ability to seal and isolate the magnet is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses composite construction with a first body material providing structural support and a second body material providing sealable enclosure. This composite approach maintains manufacturing feasibility while achieving the dual functionality of structural integrity and magnet isolation, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and sealing capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A magnet is completely encased within a body of a biocompatible implant. The body of the biocompatible implant is formed so as to allow for removal of the magnet after implantation in a recipient. The body includes a portion that is at least partially separable from the remainder of the body, either by application of a removing agent or a tool. The magnet can be removed and replaced. Thereafter, the body can be sealed or the magnet can be left exposed.