Variable-Length Ossicular Prosthesis with Plastic Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ossicular prostheses face challenges in achieving a reproducibly exact axial length due to complex and costly designs, which can lead to post-operative complications and limited applicability, requiring a large selection of prostheses with varying lengths.
Innovation Solution
A simple and cost-effective adjusting device using permanently plastically deformable partial strands folded into loops, allowing for wide adjustment of the prosthesis length without changing the final length after implantation, reducing the need for multiple prostheses and simplifying surgical handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex spring mechanism is used to adjust axial length, then the prosthesis can adapt to different positions, but the manufacturing cost increases and the design becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a plastic deformation mechanism where the connecting element's axial length is adjusted by permanently deforming the material through controlled bending and straightening. This changes the physical parameter of length without requiring complex mechanical assemblies, springs, or adjustable components. The plastic deformation allows the same simple structure to achieve different lengths by modifying the material state rather than changing the mechanical configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a spring mechanism is used for length adjustment, then the prosthesis can adapt to relative positions, but permanent pressure builds up between fastening points
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a spring mechanism that continuously exerts force, the patent employs plastic deformation to set the connecting element at a fixed length. The material is permanently shaped during surgery to eliminate gaps or excessive pressure between fastening points. Once deformed, the element maintains its new length without generating harmful forces, as the deformation is permanent and the element becomes rigid at the adjusted length.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple prostheses with different lengths are kept on hand, then the correct length can be selected for each case, but the inventory requirements and surgical complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms a static, fixed-length prosthesis into a dynamically adjustable one by incorporating a plastic deformation mechanism. A single prosthesis design with a standardized connecting element can be intraoperatively modified to different lengths by applying controlled bending forces. This dynamic adjustment capability eliminates the need for multiple pre-manufactured length variants while ensuring precise length matching to anatomical requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized connecting element design serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables sound conduction, and allows length adjustment through plastic deformation. This universal component can be adapted to various anatomical configurations and patient-specific length requirements, making a single prosthesis design suitable for diverse clinical scenarios without requiring specialized variants.
4Ease of operation
If the connecting element is made thin for flexibility, then it can be bent for length adjustment, but the handling accuracy and final length precision decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary shaping techniques where the connecting element is pre-formed with specific geometric features that guide the plastic deformation process. Markings or reference features are pre-applied to indicate the neutral axis and deformation zones, allowing the surgeon to bend the element accurately to the desired length. This preliminary preparation ensures that even thin, flexible elements can be deformed with sufficient precision to achieve the target axial length.
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 allows for optimal adaptation to individual anatomical needs with a single prosthesis design, reducing manufacturing costs and minimizing post-operative length changes, while providing flexibility and universality in middle ear applications.
Implementation Method 1
at least two partial strands which are extendable and/or compressible in the axial direction and can be permanently plastically deformed
Data Source
AI summary
An ossicular prosthesis has a first fastening element for connection to the tympanic membrane or a component of the ossicular chain, a second fastening element for connection to a further component of the ossicular chain, or directly to the inner ear, an elongated connecting element that connects the two fastening elements in a sound-conducting manner and includes an adjusting device for adjusting the axial length of the prosthesis and including at least two partial strands that extend symmetrically to the longitudinal axis of the connecting element, are extendable and/or compressible in the axial direction, are permanently plastically deformable, and are folded into a plurality of loops transversely to the longitudinal axis before being deformed. As a result, a relatively simple design of the adjusting device considerably reduces the number of different prostheses that must be kept on hand, while ensuring that the prosthesis may be optimally adapted for a specific case.