Adjustable Vertebral Endplate Shaver for Single-Tool Decortication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vertebral endplate preparation tools with fixed blades require multiple instruments for varying blade heights, increasing procedural complexity and potential issues during spine surgery.
Innovation Solution
A vertebral endplate preparation tool with height adjustable blades that can controllably extend and retract radially from a cannula, allowing a single instrument to adapt to different vertebral endplate surfaces, featuring a handle, controller, and blades with dovetail connections for adjustable height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple static vertebral endplate preparation tools with different blade heights are used, then adequate coverage of varying endplate surfaces is achieved, but procedural complexity increases and more insertion/removal operations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single vertebral endplate preparation tool that can perform multiple functions by adjusting blade height. The tool includes a cannula with a blade assembly that can be positioned at different heights along the cannula length, allowing one instrument to replace multiple static tools with different fixed blade heights.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static blade height configuration into a dynamic system. The blade assembly can be moved axially along the cannula to different positions, and the cannula itself can be extended or retracted, enabling continuous adjustment of blade height rather than being limited to fixed positions. This dynamic capability allows adaptation to varying endplate surfaces without requiring multiple instruments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple static vertebral endplate preparation tools are inserted and removed from the cannula, then different blade heights are achieved, but the likelihood of procedural problems increases
Solution Approach 1:
By designing a single tool with adjustable blade height capability, the patent eliminates the need to repeatedly insert and remove different static tools. The blade assembly can be repositioned along the cannula axis to achieve different heights, maintaining procedural reliability while providing the necessary adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the blade assembly to be moved to different positions along the cannula without removing the tool from the surgical site. This reduces the number of insertion/removal cycles and improves procedural reliability while maintaining the ability to adapt to different endplate configurations.
3Productivity
If a single instrument with adjustable blades is used, then procedural efficiency is improved and fewer tools are needed, but the mechanism for adjusting blade height must be reliable and controllable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic adjustment system where the blade assembly can be moved axially along the cannula. The adjustment mechanism includes engagement features such as ridges on the blade assembly that interact with corresponding features on the cannula, providing controlled and reliable height adjustment. This allows efficient procedural execution while maintaining mechanical reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade assembly is nested within the cannula structure, allowing it to be positioned at different locations along the cannula length. This nesting arrangement provides a compact design where the adjustment mechanism is integrated into the existing structure rather than requiring separate external mechanisms, thereby improving procedural efficiency without excessive complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for decorticating a vertebral endplate material from spinal vertebrae using a decorticating tool having height adjustable blades at a distal end of a shaft assembly, translates axial movement of a control rod of a shaft assembly of the vertebral endplate preparation tool with height adjustable blades into radial blade height change (extension and retraction) through a controller of a handle assembly. The blades may also be configured for collecting and removing shaven vertebral endplate material. The blades controllably move outward radially from the distal end of the shaft assembly and controllably move inward radially into the distal end of the shaft assembly upon manipulation of the controller. Radial blade extension and retraction from the distal end is accomplished via mutual angled dovetail features of the blades and the distal end, or via pins of the distal end of the shaft assembly situated in angled slots of the blades.