Wirelessly Powered Growing Rod for Non-Invasive Scoliosis Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional treatments for early onset scoliosis, such as invasive surgeries, are cumbersome and lack flexibility for growth accommodation, while existing motorized growing rods require onboard power sources and frequent surgical interventions.

Innovation Solution

A wirelessly powered and controlled implantable growing rod system using electromagnetic induction and bidirectional communication, allowing non-invasive length adjustments via an external controller, eliminating the need for surgical access and onboard power storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional invasive surgeries are used for treating early onset scoliosis, then spinal curvature correction can be achieved, but the treatment lacks flexibility for growth accommodation and requires repeated surgical interventions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrowth accommodation flexibilityVSAvoidrepeated surgical interventions

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual surgical adjustment mechanisms with an automated motorized lengthening system. The motorized growing rod uses a motor-driven extension mechanism that can be controlled remotely via wireless communication, eliminating the need for repeated surgical interventions to adjust rod length as the patient grows.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The motorized growing rod system enables self-adjustment capabilities through automated lengthening mechanisms. The device can autonomously or remotely adjust its length in response to patient growth, providing continuous correction without requiring external surgical intervention for each adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If motorized growing rods with onboard power sources are used, then non-invasive length adjustments can be achieved, but the device complexity and surgical intervention requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenon-invasive length adjustmentVSAvoidonboard power source and control mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an external controller as an intermediary device that wirelessly communicates with and controls the motorized growing rod. This external controller serves as a mediator between the user and the implanted device, enabling non-invasive adjustment without requiring complex onboard power sources or control systems within the rod itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the power source and control electronics from the implanted growing rod and places them in an external controller. This separation simplifies the implanted device by removing the need for onboard batteries or power generation components, reducing device complexity while maintaining non-invasive adjustment capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Manufacturing precision

If frequent surgical interventions are performed for growing rod adjustments, then length corrections can be made, but the risk of complications and patient trauma increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelength correction precisionVSAvoidsurgical complications and patient trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces repeated surgical mechanical adjustments with a motorized system that can be controlled remotely. The motorized extension mechanism allows for precise length corrections to be made non-invasively, eliminating the need for repeated surgical procedures and associated risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The motorized growing rod system enables frequent, gradual adjustments to be made periodically without surgical intervention. This allows for continuous, controlled lengthening that can be performed as often as needed based on patient growth, rather than being limited by surgical scheduling and recovery requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

Enables continuous correction and growth accommodation for scoliosis with reduced surgical interventions and improved treatment efficacy by providing precise, non-invasive length adjustments and real-time monitoring.

Implementation Method 1

The system includes an implantable medical device with a motor-driven extension mechanism that can be wirelessly powered and controlled by an external controller through electromagnetic induction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20260069319A1Wirelessly powered implantable medical device system and methods thereof

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 LAVI VICTOR A

AI summary

An implantable medical device system includes an implantable medical device and an external controller configured for wireless communication and power transfer. The implantable medical device includes a motor and an extension rod operably coupled to the motor and configured to extend and retract in response to operation of the motor. The implantable medical device further includes a receive antenna configured to receive a power signal from the external controller. The external controller wirelessly transmits the power signal with communication data embedded therein to control operation of the implantable medical device and receives feedback signals from the implantable medical device to enable real-time monitoring and control of the therapeutic functions.