Post-Operative Adjustable Spinal Implant via Hydraulic Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal implants lack the ability to adjust dimensions post-operatively, which can lead to inadequate fit and increased stress on adjacent vertebral components, necessitating repeated surgical interventions.
Innovation Solution
A spinal implant with a post-implantation variable dimension device that allows for remote-controlled or mechanically operated adjustments, including hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, or inflatable mechanisms, to change the distance or location between spinal attachment members, enabling customization after surgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If spinal implants are designed with fixed dimensions, then manufacturing and installation are simplified, but the implant cannot adapt to post-operative spinal alignment requirements, leading to inadequate fit and stress on adjacent vertebral components
Solution Approach 1:
The spinal implant incorporates a variable dimension device that enables dynamic adjustment of the implant's dimensions after surgery. The device includes a piston-like configuration with a rod, chamber, and seal assembly that allows the implant body to change its length or curvature in response to controlled fluid pressure changes, transforming a static implant into a dynamically adjustable one
Solution Approach 2:
The implant utilizes a hydraulic actuation system where a fluid-carrying tube connected to a syringe or pump allows controlled injection or withdrawal of fluid into the implant's chamber. This pneumatic/hydraulic mechanism enables precise adjustment of the implant's dimension by changing fluid pressure, allowing the implant to adapt to post-operative spinal alignment requirements without requiring complex mechanical linkages or electronic components
2Ease of operation
If spinal implants are designed with adjustable dimensions, then post-operative customization is enabled, but the device complexity increases with additional mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is partially extracted from the implant body and placed externally. The fluid-carrying tube extends from the implant's chamber to an external syringe or pump, allowing the adjustment mechanism to be operated outside the patient's body. This separation simplifies the implant's internal structure while maintaining ease of operation, as the complex adjustment components remain external and accessible
Solution Approach 2:
The implant's variable dimension device is designed to be self-contained with an internal piston, rod, and seal assembly that automatically responds to fluid pressure changes. Once fluid is injected or withdrawn through the tube, the internal mechanism self-regulates to achieve the desired dimensional adjustment without requiring additional actuators, motors, or electronic control systems within the implant
3Reliability
If spinal implants cannot be adjusted post-operatively, then surgical procedure is simpler and faster, but repeated surgeries may be needed to correct alignment issues
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is pre-equipped with the variable dimension device and fluid management system during manufacturing, preparing it for post-operative adjustment before implantation. The tube, chamber, and piston assembly are pre-assembled and sterilized, allowing the implant to be inserted in its adjustable state and then fine-tuned afterward, eliminating the need for revision surgeries to correct alignment issues
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables post-operative adjustment of spinal implant dimensions to maintain optimal spinal alignment and reduce stress on vertebral components, potentially eliminating the need for repeated surgeries and improving long-term spinal stability.
Implementation Method 1
the adjustable portion (also referred to as a variable dimension mechanism) can have a piston-like configuration hydraulically or pneumatically activated by a small pressure tube
Implementation Method 2
the adjustable portion (also referred to as a variable dimension mechanism) can have a piston-like configuration hydraulically or pneumatically activated by a small pressure tube
Implementation Method 3
In another example, the adjustable portion can be electrically powered, such as by an electric motor (powered by electric cord, battery or remote induction), and controlled via remote control
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal implant (40) including first spinal attachment member (44) for attaching to a first spinal portion (41), second spinal attachment member (46) for attaching to a second spinal portion (42), and a post-implantation variable dimension device disposed between the first and second spinal attachment members, which is operable after completing surgery in which said spinal implant was installed into a patient, to cause relative movement between the first and second spinal attachment members.