1. Osteo-Distractor Implantable and remote controlled device designed to help in the process of bone elongation for children with skeletal deformities. Inventors: Dr. Noe Vargas Hernandez Dr. Amr Abdelgawad Mario Eduardo Rodriguez De la O Department of Mechanical Engineering

2. Non-Technical Summary Osteo-Distractor

3. Existing Methods An obstacle when walking or a nuisance while sleeping Risk of infection is high Destroy the bone growth plate in children EXTERNAL INTERNAL

4. Novelty An internal device for usage in children does not currently exist in the market. External existing devices are too uncomfortable for kids and internal methods damage the bone at early ages.

5. Non-obvious Why should the invention be considered non-obvious? –Existing internal methods are intramedullary (nail through bone cavity) and external methods are difficult artifacts with pins inserted into the skin. In contrast, our device is small and fixed to the bone walls, therefore it is located under skin and allows electronic remote communication with the outside.

6. Compared To Current Technology What problems does it solve and what the benefit compared to current technology? –Our idea eases the process of bone elongation in children by using an implantable device that can be remote controlled. –Current technology only offers bothersome external devices for children or comfortable internal devices for adults only.

7. Commercial Potential Commercial potential for the invention and possible licensees. –We believe that this product can be used in children hospitals and health centers. –It will a breakthrough in lengthening children bones.

8. Results - Patent Search We did a preliminary patent search using keywords such distractor, bone, elongation, osteogenesis, distraction, remote control, bone fixator. The closest patents refer to implantable devices purely mechanical without remote control.