Smart Spinal Implants for Intra-Operative Construct Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical treatments for spinal disorders lack the ability to provide real-time intra-operative monitoring and adjustment of spinal implants, leading to potential improper installation and increased risk of complications such as proximal junctional kyphosis.
Innovation Solution
Intra-operative application of smart implants equipped with sensor assemblies that measure aspects like force, position, and temperature, allowing for real-time telemetry to an external reader for immediate adjustments during the procedure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional spinal implants are used without intra-operative monitoring, then the surgical procedure is simpler and faster, but the installation accuracy and patient safety are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback systems using sensors embedded in spinal implants that continuously monitor parameters such as position, force, and temperature during surgery. This feedback is transmitted to external monitoring systems, enabling surgeons to make immediate adjustments to ensure proper implant installation and patient safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical monitoring methods with electronic sensing and telemetry systems. Sensors embedded in the implants use electronic fields to detect and transmit data about implant positioning and physiological parameters, substituting manual mechanical assessment with automated electronic measurement.
2Reliability
If real-time sensor monitoring is implemented during surgery, then implant installation accuracy improves, but the surgical procedure becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors and monitoring systems into the implant devices before surgery begins. All necessary sensing capabilities, power sources, and communication systems are pre-integrated into the implants, eliminating the need for complex intra-operative setup and reducing surgical time.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant systems are designed to autonomously monitor and report their own status, position, and the physiological environment. The sensors self-calibrate and the systems automatically process data, reducing the need for additional surgical staff and manual monitoring procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If smart implants with embedded sensors are used, then intra-operative adjustments can be made, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs smart implants that perform multiple functions within a single integrated device. The implants simultaneously provide structural support, sensory monitoring, wireless communication, and adaptive adjustment capabilities, eliminating the need for separate monitoring and control devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines previously separate functions—implant support structure, sensing elements, power sources, and communication systems—into a single integrated smart implant unit. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture despite the advanced capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of treating a spine includes implanting at least a portion of a spinal construct in a patient. The method further includes attaching one or more smart implants to the spinal construct. Each of the one or more smart implants includes (a) an attachment portion configured to attach the smart implant to the spinal construct, and (b) at least one sensor configured to measure an aspect of the spinal construct when the smart implant is attached to the spinal construct. The method further includes receiving, from the one or more smart implants, sensor information related to the aspect of the spinal construct and performing at least one intra-operational adjustment to the spinal construct based on the received sensor information.