The innovation landscape of cranial distraction devices for craniosynostosis: a bibliometric patent analysis

Craniosynostosis is a condition characterized by premature fusion of 1 or more cranial sutures. Cranial distractors are used in the surgical treatment of craniosynostosis to gradually expand the calvaria. While several systematic reviews have analyzed the efficacy of distractors, there is a gap in understanding the emerging distraction technologies. This patent analysis aimed to describe the current innovations in cranial distraction device technology and provide insight into future technological trends.

The Lens patent database was systematically searched for all patents related to cranial distraction devices used to treat craniosynostosis.

Nine patents were identified who met the inclusion criteria. These patents were placed into one of 3 categories: springs/use of springs (n = 3), automatic/remotely controlled actuators (n = 2), and multidirectional movement (n = 4). Additionally, 2 of these patents used bioresorbable materials. These patents all included novel features that offer several advantages, such as remotely controlled actuators that eliminate the need for manual daily distraction lengthening and bioresorbable distractors that eliminate the need for a second surgery for device removal.

Due to the regulatory lag between patent application for cranial distraction devices and device testing and deployment, understanding the current patent landscape may predict which devices will be used in the future. Additionally, this patent analysis may bridge the communication between the patent and academic literature, allowing clinicians to identify novel device designs that can fulfill unmet surgical needs.