Magnetic Targeting for Insertion of Distal Screws into Intramedullary Nails

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Many techniques to assist surgeons to locate and drill holes in long-bone intramedullary nail (IMN) fixation devices have been investigated over the past 2 decades. None have been successful in speeding surgery, simpli fying procedures or increasing implant performance without creating other problems (radiation exposure, cost, complexity). Koronis Biomedical Technologies (KBT) proposes a system based on giant magneto resistive (GMR) technology that provides more precise location capability than other current methods. In this Phase I SBIR program, KBT will design and prototype a magnetic targeting system used to insert screws into the distal holes of intramedullary nails. The proposed system will allow an orthopedic surgeo n to easily and quickly locate the distal holes, align the position of the drill/screw from outside the bone with the holes and orient the drill/screw with the axis of the two opposing holes in the nail. The proposed program uses solid-state thin-film gian t magneto-resistive (GMR) magnetic field sensors to reduce the size, increase the performance, and decrease the cost of a magnetic targeting system. GMR sensors are very inexpensive to manufacture and are exquisitely sensitive to magnetic fields relative t o their very small volume. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVENCE: Koronis Biomedical Technologies proposes a magnetic targeting system used to insert screws into the distal holes of intramedullary nails using solid-state thin-film giant magneto-resistive (GMR) sensors.