Adjustable Rod Structure for Minimizing Tissue Trauma in Spinal Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal implantation techniques, particularly those involving a lateral approach, face challenges in minimizing tissue trauma and nerve impingement during the dilation process, which can lead to increased procedural time and risk of complications.
Innovation Solution
A minimally invasive system comprising three or more rods with a tapered distal end and a retractor mechanism that allows for controlled expansion of a pathway to a surgical site, minimizing contact with nerves and reducing tissue trauma.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If sequential dilators are used to create a path to the vertebral bodies, then the path can be created in a step-wise fashion without significantly traumatizing surrounding tissue, but the procedure time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The dilation process is divided into multiple sequential steps using progressively larger dilators, allowing tissue to be gradually expanded without sudden trauma while maintaining a controlled, systematic approach to pathway creation
Solution Approach 2:
A pilot hole or initial pathway is created first using a smaller instrument, which then guides and facilitates the subsequent insertion of larger dilators, pre-establishing the trajectory and reducing resistance during expansion
2Device complexity
If sequential dilation is performed without significant aid from nerve monitoring equipment, then the procedure is simpler, but irreparable harm to nerves may occur
Solution Approach 1:
Nerve monitoring equipment serves as an intermediary system that detects nerve proximity and provides real-time feedback during dilation, allowing the surgeon to adjust the procedure to avoid nerve damage while maintaining overall procedural control
Solution Approach 2:
The nerve monitoring system provides continuous feedback during the dilation process, alerting the surgeon to potential nerve impingement and enabling immediate corrective action to prevent irreversible nerve damage
3Ease of operation
If a retractor is placed over the last placed sequential dilator to further retract surrounding tissue, then a suitable passage is provided for surgery, but tissue trauma is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor is designed with adjustable and movable components that can be dynamically positioned and sized to match the specific surgical requirements, allowing optimal tissue retraction while minimizing unnecessary tissue displacement and trauma
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to systems and methods for accessing the spine to place implants. In one embodiment, a system includes an adjustable rod structure having four rods radially surrounding a probe, a ring and a retractor. The adjustable rod structure is configured to have a closed and open profile controlled by the retractor such that the open profile creates a space between rods of the structure. The ring is configured to be placed within retracted rods to maintain the open profile after retraction. In a method embodiment, the adjustable rod structure is inserted through a percutaneous incision in the closed position until it reaches a target site. The retractor is then attached to the rods and used to retract the rods. The probe is then removed from within an opening created and a ring is advanced into the opening to hold the rods in place.