This team plans to create a device that will emit vibrations, passing through an attachment piece to be adhered to an implant that requires removal.

Project Overview

The team’s client, Dr. Jeffrey Henstenburg, requests a device be fabricated such that it may remove an orthopedic implant using high-frequency vibrations. The team will accomplish this goal by researching the resonance frequencies of common implant materials. To operate the device a code will be written along with circuitry constructed, which will be powered by a wall outlet. The device will focus on removing an implant from a hip joint arthroplasty. This orthopedic surgery includes removing the diseased portion of the joint and then it is replaced with an artificial material. To secure the implant, a cemented or uncemented material is used [1]. With any orthopedic surgery, there is risk of infection, fracture, dislocation, and nerve damage that potentially leads to the removal of said implant and replacement with another [2]. The current implant removal process involves a combination of chiseling, drilling, and sawing which leads to a high risk of damaging surrounding bone and tissue. This team’s implant removal device will revolutionize the implant removal process by avoiding direct contact with bone and tissue. By connecting the device to the metal implant, it will vibrate at a high frequency such that it will release the cemented/uncemented material that adheres to the implant. To determine the safety of this medical device the Food and Drug Administration, patents, standards, and codes will be evaluated. Testing will be completed to determine the time it takes to remove an implant and to analyze heat generation due to high-frequency vibrations. The price of this device has not yet been determined.

Team Picture

Contact Information

Team Members

• Grace Boswell - Co-Team Leader
• Rayona Kinny - Co-Team Leader
• Ellinore Letts - Communicator
• Guillemette Schroepfer - BSAC
• Natalie Miller - BWIG
• Adam Bauer - BPAG

Advisor and Client

• Prof. Aarushi Bhargava - Advisor
• Dr. Jeffrey Henstenburg - Client