Apparatus and methods for magnetic alteration of deformities
Inventors
Harrison, Michael R. • Fechter, Richard J. • Moran, Arthur
Assignees
University of California • University of California San Francisco UCSF • University of California San Diego UCSD
Publication Number
US-8043290-B2
Publication Date
2011-10-25
Expiration Date
2024-09-29
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Abstract
Methods and apparatus for incrementally manipulating an internal body member of a patient are disclosed. The apparatus has a magnetic implant adapted to be received on a location of the body member, a platform external to the patient, and a magnetic member coupled to the platform, wherein the magnetic member generates a magnetic force between the implant and the platform to incrementally manipulate the body member. The implant and external magnetic member are preferably rare earth magnets or an array of rare earth magnets, and are configured to generate an attractive or repulsive force between the implant and the platform to reposition, reorient, deform, or lengthen the body member.
Core Innovation
The invention discloses apparatus and methods for incrementally manipulating internal body members, such as bones, using magnetic forces. The device consists of a magnetically responsive implant received on a selected internal anatomical site and an external platform with a magnetic member. The external platform is configured to generate and apply a controlled magnetic force through the body, enabling gradual repositioning, reorientation, deformation, or lengthening of the targeted body structure without mechanically piercing the skin.
This invention specifically targets the treatment of skeletal deformities, including pectus excavatum and scoliosis, problems where conventional surgical approaches require immediate total correction under considerable tension and are associated with significant morbidity, high costs, and prolonged recovery. The disclosed technique enables the gradual, stepwise correction of such deformities by applying a smaller, sustained force over time, in a minimally invasive manner.
The apparatus may use rare earth magnets or arrays thereof as both external and internal components, designed to produce either attractive or repulsive forces. The implant can be fixed using sutures or screws, depending on its anatomical location (e.g., sternum or vertebra), and the force applied can be finely tuned via the adjustable position and orientation of the external magnetic member. Additional features, such as strain gauges and force sensors, may be integrated to monitor and adjust the corrective force applied to the body member, further personalizing and optimizing treatment.
Claims Coverage
The patent presents multiple inventive features with a focus on magnetic manipulation of the sternum using an implanted and externally positioned apparatus, defined primarily in several independent claims.
Magnetic manipulation of the sternum using an implant and external platform
An apparatus for incrementally manipulating the sternum of a patient, comprising: - An implant responsive to a magnetic field, adapted to be received on a location of the sternum. - A platform configured to be positioned external to the patient, including a chest plate with a concave inner surface positioned substantially symmetrical sagittally across the sternum and an apex substantially over the sternum. - A magnetic member coupled to the platform, positioned substantially coincident with the apex, generating a magnetic force between the implant and the platform to incrementally manipulate the sternum. - The concave inner surface of the chest plate is configured to allow the sternum to deform outwardly from the chest. - The platform is configured to rest on the patient's chest without subcutaneous fixation.
Subcutaneously placed implant and magnetic force generating means with force distribution
An apparatus for incrementally manipulating the sternum, comprising: - An implant adapted to be received subcutaneously on the sternum and responsive to a magnetic field. - Means for generating an attractive force between the implant and an external platform, with the attractive force distributed on the chest at laterally spaced apart locations substantially equidistant on opposing sides of the sternum. - The attractive force is configured to incrementally reposition the sternum anteriorly outward from the chest.
The inventive features center around an implanted magnetic device and an external platform that together manipulate the sternum by applying controlled magnetic forces, enabling gradual deformation or repositioning with precise adjustability and minimized invasiveness.
Stated Advantages
Allows gradual, step-by-step correction of deformities by applying smaller forces over extended periods, as opposed to immediate total correction requiring significant tension.
Reduces invasiveness by applying corrective forces without mechanical devices that pierce the skin, thus decreasing the risk of infection and wound problems.
Provides tension-sensing technology to measure and monitor the force applied, enabling protection of the skin against pressure damage and more controlled treatment.
Enables minimally invasive treatment methods for skeletal deformities, particularly pectus excavatum and scoliosis.
Documented Applications
Treatment of pectus excavatum by incrementally repositioning the sternum.
Treatment of scoliosis by repositioning and reorienting vertebrae to correct abnormal spinal curvature.
Treatment of pectus carinatum by orienting magnets to apply repulsive forces to address sternal protrusion.
Correction of other anatomical deformities, such as club feet, cranial/facial anomalies or defects, skeletal dysplasias, cartilaginous deformities/dysplasias, and joint deformities/dysplasias.
Incremental lengthening of bone or application of bone compression to promote healing.
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