14. Prosthetic Devices

Introduction

Implanted prosthetic devices are used for functional, cosmetic, or therapeutic purposes in medical treatments. These devices include a wide range of implants, such as breast implants, catheters, and joint replacements like hips and knees. The demand for hip and knee replacements is growing rapidly, with over 102,000 knee replacements and 91,000 hip replacements performed annually in the UK alone. This demand is projected to increase significantly, with estimates predicting an increase of 174% for hip replacements and 673% for knee replacements by 2050. Despite the success of these procedures, they come with considerable risks, including prosthetic joint infections (PJIs), which contribute to high failure rates, complications, and extended recovery periods. PJIs can lead to reduced quality of life for patients, an increased burden on healthcare services, and significant economic costs.

Task

Your team is tasked with designing an innovative method or procedure to protect patients from infections following total hip or knee replacements. The solution should focus on minimising infection risks and reducing the long-term burden on healthcare services like the NHS. Your solution should also account for the sustainability and biocompatibility of materials used, ensuring minimal adverse effects on patients. Start by researching the types of implants currently in use, evaluating materials for cost, availability, and effectiveness. The solution should be affordable, reduce infection and rejection rates, and offer long-term benefits to both patients and healthcare systems.

Considerations

1. Technology
Biocompatibility is a crucial factor when designing prosthetic implants, as the materials used must not cause harm or adverse reactions in patients. Explore current research and databases that provide information on biocompatible materials and consider how innovative technologies like antimicrobial coatings or surface modifications could further reduce infection risks.

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2. Infrastructure
Prosthetic implants must be integrated into the current healthcare infrastructure for seamless implantation and post-operative care. Consider how your proposed solution can be implemented using existing medical technologies and systems. Additionally, evaluate how the solution fits into the existing supply chain, manufacturing processes, and healthcare facilities.

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3. Market Factors
As the demand for hip and knee replacements grows, the market for prosthetic devices continues to expand. Your solution must be economically viable, both for healthcare providers and patients. Consider how the cost of your design compares to current alternatives and whether it can be scaled to meet the growing global demand.

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4. Safety, Security, and Risks
Safety is paramount in the design of prosthetic devices, particularly when dealing with infection risks. Assess the risks associated with surgical implantation, post-operative complications, and long-term durability of the implant. Consider how your design can minimise these risks while enhancing patient outcomes.

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5. Project Management Approach
Designing and developing a new prosthetic device or procedure requires a structured project management approach. Consider how your team will manage research, development, testing, and eventual deployment of the solution. Outline a timeline for key milestones and allocate resources efficiently.

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6. Costing and Feasibility
Cost is a critical factor in healthcare, particularly when considering the affordability of new medical devices. Your solution should offer an improvement over existing technologies without significantly increasing costs. Evaluate the cost-effectiveness of your design, including manufacturing, implementation, and long-term care costs.

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7. Sustainability, Ethics, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Sustainability is an important consideration in medical device design. Your solution should minimise environmental impact while maintaining long-term viability. In addition, consider the ethical implications of the design and its accessibility to diverse patient populations. Ensure that your solution promotes equality and is available to all patients, regardless of socioeconomic status or geographic location.

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Further Information