Angled Spinal Distractor with Textured Heads for Disc Space Preparation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preparing and cleaning the intervertebral disc space during spinal fusion procedures are inadequate, lacking a suitable tool for effective distraction and removal of tissue and debris, which hinders efficient bone growth and fusion.
Innovation Solution
Development of surgical distractor tools with unique geometries and features such as textured surfaces, movable parts, and detachable components that allow for selective activation and pressure application to facilitate tissue removal and debris extraction from the disc space, enabling precise preparation for spinal fusion procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional grasping instruments, drills, rotating burrs, chisels, and scraping implements are used to prepare the disc space, then tissue removal capability is achieved, but the procedure requires multiple separate tools and increases surgical complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple tissue removal functions (grasping, drilling, rotating burring, chiseling, and scraping) into a single integrated distractor tool with various working ends, eliminating the need for multiple separate instruments and simplifying the surgical procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The distractor tool is designed as a universal instrument that can perform multiple functions including distraction, tissue removal, and preparation of the disc space through different working ends, making it applicable for various preparatory tasks in spinal fusion procedures
2Reliability
If the outermost layers of bone on the vertebral end plate are removed to access vascular bone tissue, then bone growth is promoted, but the procedure becomes more time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The distractor tool is designed with textured surfaces and removal features that prepare the bone surface during the distraction process itself, performing the bone preparation action in advance of implant placement and reducing subsequent preparation time
Solution Approach 2:
The tool enables continuous distraction and bone preparation in a single motion, maintaining the useful action of tissue removal and space creation without interruption, thereby reducing overall procedure time while ensuring adequate bone exposure
3Productivity
If a distractor tool is designed with features for effective tissue removal and debris extraction, then surgical efficiency is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The distractor tool is segmented into multiple interchangeable working ends, each designed for specific tissue removal tasks, allowing the surgeon to select the appropriate end for each procedure step while keeping the main handle structure simple and standardized
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
The distractor tools effectively prepare the intervertebral space by removing unwanted tissue and debris, promoting bone growth and fusion by providing a clean and accessible environment for spinal implants, reducing the need for multiple tools and improving surgical efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
tools and methods for intervertebral distraction and cleaning of an intervertebral space including, for example, spinal end plates
Implementation Method 2
capable of spreading or separating vertebral bodies and further capable of cleaning, scouring, and/or removing tissue from a disc space
Data Source
AI summary
Tools adapted for spinal distraction are provided. More specifically, tools having an elongate shaft connected to a head portion are provided for imparting a force for displacing vertebral bodies. The tools may comprise features, such as textured surfaces or the ability to transmit pressure, for cleaning and preparing a spinal disc space for subsequent tools and procedures. A plurality or set of distraction tools is contemplated where the plurality of tools is made up of tools having various distinctions from one another. Such distinctions may be in the way of length, width, angle, and other geometric features or may comprise differences in materials or additional features.