Adjustable Spinal Implant Instrument with Length Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current spinal implants lack the ability to adjust size and curvature, requiring multiple instruments and increasing surgical morbidity and incision size, which complicates the management of damaged or diseased vertebral bodies.

Innovation Solution

A multifunctional surgical instrument with a handle, elongate member, and adjustable length control mechanism, allowing for the insertion, adjustment, and securement of vertebral body replacement devices between vertebrae, featuring an implant engagement assembly, length control mechanism, and locking mechanism to accommodate varying implant sizes and anatomical needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed-length spinal implants are used, then the implantation process is simple, but the ability to adjust implant size and curvature is lost, requiring multiple instruments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of implant size and curvatureVSAvoidcomplexity of surgical instrumentation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The surgical instrument is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform multiple operations: inserting the implant, adjusting its length via the length control mechanism, and modifying its curvature. This single instrument replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate instruments, thereby increasing adaptability while managing device complexity through integrated design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The implant itself is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to change from a compressed state during insertion to an expanded state after implantation. The length control mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of implant length, and the implant can be pre-curved to match anatomical requirements, providing adaptability without requiring complex surgical instrumentation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple insertion instruments are used to adjust implant expansion and curvature, then the implant can be customized to anatomical needs, but the surgical incision size increases and patient morbidity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization of implant to anatomical needsVSAvoidtissue disruption and patient morbidity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The single multi-functional instrument performs all necessary operations (insertion, length adjustment, curvature modification) through one incision site, eliminating the need for multiple instruments that would require larger or multiple incisions. This reduces tissue disruption and patient morbidity while maintaining the ability to customize the implant to anatomical needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The instrument features a nested structure where the implant is inserted within the elongate member of the instrument. The length control mechanism and other adjustment components are integrated within the instrument body, allowing all functions to be performed through a single access point, thereby minimizing surgical incision size and associated tissue damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a single multifunctional instrument is used, then the surgical incision size is minimized and patient morbidity decreases, but the instrument must perform multiple functions including grasping, adjusting length, and securing the implant

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical incision size and patient morbidityVSAvoidnumber of functions in single instrument

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functional components are merged into a single integrated instrument: the implant engagement assembly for grasping, the length control mechanism for size adjustment, and the locking mechanism for securing. This consolidation allows all functions to be performed through one instrument, minimizing incision size and patient morbidity while managing complexity through integrated design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The instrument is designed as a universal device that can perform all necessary surgical operations for implant placement and adjustment. The handle assembly serves as the common interface for controlling all functions (grasping, length adjustment, locking), thereby reducing the number of separate instruments needed and minimizing surgical trauma

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2370027B1A surgical instrument for inserting an implant between two bones

Publication Date: 2015.01.14 AESCULAP AG

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AI summary

The surgical instrument includes a handle assembly and an elongate member (201) that has first and second ends with the first end being located adjacent to the handle assembly and the second end being moveably connected to an implant engagement assembly (204). The surgical instrument also has a length control mechanism that includes a gripping portion, a drive shaft and a gear assembly (302). The surgical instrument further has a locking mechanism that includes a gripping portion, a connecting rod (403) and a coupling end (402). The length control mechanism functions to adjust the overall length of an implant that is held by the implant engagement assembly before being implanted in vivo. The locking mechanism operates to secure the overall length of the implant following final length adjustment and implantation. A surgical method for using the surgical instrument, a method of fabrication and a spinal implant insertion kit is also disclosed.