Available Technologies - Search Results
| Title: | Method and Apparatus for Electroforming Tissue |
|---|---|
| UC Case No: | 2002-281-3-ott |
| Categories: |
Medical Imaging/Radiation:
Radiation Therapy
|
| Background: | The functional and esthetic defects in the head and neck that result from surgery, trauma, or congenital malformations have led to the development of surgical techniques to reshape cartilage. Conventional reconstructive techniques (e.g., otoplasty, rhinoplasty, tracheoplasty) involve the grafting or shape modification of cartilage (harvested from the ear, nasal septum, or rib). The disadvantages of these approaches include donor site morbidity from graft harvest, waste of excess graft tissue, shape memory effects, and lack of control over warping, particularly in costal cartilage tissue. Alternative approaches include enzymatic digestion in situ, radiofrequency (RF) reshaping, and laser cartilage reshaping. However, a drawback associated with thermal reshaping such as laser is that the high temperature rise at the treatment site may result in damage to the cartilage and surrounding tissues. |
| Technology: | Researchers at the University of California have developed a technique that can be used to reshape cartilage tissue by combining mechanical deformation with the application of direct current (DC) electric fields. This concept of tissue electromechanical reshaping ("electroforming") is novel. The method also comprises the step of monitoring the stresses in the tissue and controlling the current flowing in the tissue according to the stresses therein. During the process, deformed tissue can acquire new shapes that are permanently retained after treatment. Tissue modification can be achieved using minimally invasive techniques, with less morbidity than traditional procedures. In addition, the invention uses inexpensive and readily available technology. |
| Application: | This procedure can be useful for otorhinolaryngology, orthopedics, and cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures in the head, neck, etc. |
| Contact: |
Doug Crawford, Senior Licensing Officer, Engineering & Physical Sciences Office of Technology Alliances University of California, Irvine 380 University Tower Irvine, CA 92697-7700 Phone: (949) 824-2405 FAX: (949) 824-2899 Email: doug.crawford@uci.edu |
| Patent Status: | U.S. Patent No. 7,416,550 |
| UCI School: | Beckman Laser Institute |
| Department: | -- No Dept Listed -- |
