Shape Memory Ear Scaffold for Minimally Invasive Cartilage Reshaping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for correcting prominent ears, such as otoplasty and minimally invasive techniques, are invasive, have high complication rates, and often result in unpredictable or incomplete correction, with existing shape memory scaffolds not providing reliable and long-term solutions due to poor conformance and visibility issues.
Innovation Solution
A biodegradable scaffold formed from shape memory material in the shape of a horseshoe, designed for minimally invasive insertion using a catheter, which transforms from a straight configuration to a horseshoe shape to reshape the ear cartilage, providing enhanced deflection and attachment to the cartilage, and can be left in situ without the need for removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard otoplasty surgery is used to correct prominent ears, then reliable and effective reshaping is achieved, but the procedure is invasive with substantial training required and longer recovery time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential reshaping function from complex surgical procedures by using a standalone shape memory scaffold that can be inserted minimally invasively. The scaffold contains the pre-programmed horseshoe shape that directly reshapes the cartilage without requiring extensive surgical intervention, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing procedural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The desired horseshoe shape is pre-programmed into the scaffold during manufacturing. This preliminary configuration allows the scaffold to automatically achieve the correct ear shape upon deployment, eliminating the need for complex intraoperative shaping procedures and reducing surgical complexity while maintaining reliable results
2Ease of operation
If minimally invasive techniques are used to correct prominent ears, then recovery time is reduced and training requirements are lowered, but the correction is less successful with higher rates of asymmetry and palpable edges
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces manual surgical manipulation with a self-actuating shape memory scaffold that automatically transforms from a straight insertion configuration to a pre-programmed horseshoe shape. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for complex intraoperative adjustments, reducing procedural simplicity while ensuring reliable correction through the predetermined optimal geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The scaffold utilizes shape memory material that changes its physical parameters (shape, curvature) in response to temperature or other stimuli after insertion. This parameter change allows the scaffold to transform from a simple linear insertion form to the complex horseshoe configuration, achieving reliable correction through minimal initial intervention
3Ease of operation
If existing shape memory scaffolds are used, then minimally invasive insertion is achieved, but the scaffolds do not provide reliable reshaping with poor conformance to cartilage and visibility issues
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a horseshoe shape with optimized curvature that closely conforms to the natural anatomy of the ear cartilage. This curved geometry provides superior conformance compared to straight or simple弧形 scaffolds, ensuring reliable and predictable reshaping while maintaining minimal visibility under the skin
Solution Approach 2:
The horseshoe-shaped scaffold serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, guides cartilage reshaping, ensures stable attachment through its curved geometry, and maintains low visibility. This multi-functionality achieves reliable reshaping through a single minimally invasive insertion procedure
4Manufacturing precision
If scaffolds are inserted using large introducers, then the scaffold can be positioned correctly, but a corresponding large incision is required increasing recovery time and post-surgical effects
Solution Approach 1:
The scaffold is designed as a segmented or collapsible structure that can be compressed into a compact linear form for insertion through small incisions. After deployment, it expands or transforms into the full horseshoe configuration, achieving accurate positioning without requiring large incisions, thereby reducing procedural complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy
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 scaffold achieves predictable and effective reshaping of the ear with reduced complications, improved conformance to individual ear shapes, and eliminates the need for follow-up surgery, offering a safer and more reliable correction of prominent ears.
Implementation Method 1
the scaffold is formed from shape memory material capable of transforming from a first configuration to a second pre-programmed configuration
Data Source
Figure 1a~3c
Figure 4a~7b
Figure 8~9d
AI summary
A scaffold (6) for reshaping the cartilaginous portion of an ear. The scaffold is formed of shape memory material and in the form of a horseshoe shape, or is formed from a thermoplastic pliable material.