Angled Drive Shaft Instrument for Secure Spinal Implant Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal implant instrumentation lacks the necessary functionality and durability for precise angled insertion and secure fixation during spinal implant procedures, particularly in transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) techniques, where traditional instruments may not provide adequate access or stability.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument featuring a body with a lumen and an anchor rod that secures the implant at both ends, utilizing a toggle mechanism and torque limiting mechanism to ensure the anchor rod remains fixed within the instrument, allowing for precise articulation and secure implant placement, thereby preventing breakage or failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional straight instruments are used for implant insertion, then the surgical approach is simpler, but the access to intervertebral disc space and ability to achieve angled insertion is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The drive shaft incorporates a joint mechanism that allows the distal end to articulate relative to the proximal end, enabling dynamic adjustment of the shaft angle. This dynamic capability allows the instrument to adapt to different insertion angles and access the intervertebral disc space effectively while maintaining a straightforward surgical approach.
2Adaptability or versatility
If angled instruments are used to achieve final placement at an angle, then access to intervertebral disc space is improved, but the instrument complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive shaft is divided into distinct segments: a proximal end, a distal end, and a joint mechanism connecting them. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently while maintaining overall instrument functionality. The joint mechanism specifically enables angled insertion without requiring the entire instrument to be complex.
3Ease of manufacture
If the anchor rod is allowed to move freely within the lumen, then the instrument is easier to assemble, but the anchor rod may break or fail during use
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument includes a mechanism that preliminarily positions and secures the anchor rod within the lumen before the actual implantation process begins. This preliminary securing action prevents the anchor rod from moving excessively or breaking during use, while still allowing for relatively easy assembly of the overall instrument.
4Reliability
If the anchor rod is firmly fixed within the lumen, then the reliability during use is improved, but the ease of assembly and disassembly is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation mechanism for the anchor rod is designed to be dynamic rather than static. It allows for easy assembly and disassembly when needed, while providing firm fixation and reliability during the actual implantation process. This dynamic characteristic enables the system to switch between ease of assembly and operational reliability as required.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument includes a body having a proximal end and a distal end and defining a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end along an axis, the distal end configured to abut an implant, and an anchor rod disposable within the lumen of the body for contacting the implant to secure the implant at the distal end of the body. When the anchor rod is disposed within the lumen of the body in a working configuration, the anchor rod is connected to the body at the proximal end of the body and at the distal end of the body to substantially fix the anchor rod from moving along the axis of the lumen. The body includes a handle, a shaft extending distally from the handle, and a torque limiting mechanism.