Annulus Fibrosus Repair Patch and Fixation Delivery System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical methods for treating herniated or damaged intervertebral discs lack effective solutions for repairing the annulus fibrosus, leading to recurrent disc herniation and nerve compression issues, with existing procedures primarily focusing on symptom relief rather than structural repair.
Innovation Solution
The development of fixation apparatuses and delivery tools for delivering patch-like devices and fixation elements to repair, reapproximate, and reinforce the annulus fibrosus, preventing intradiscal material migration and promoting healing by closing apertures and weakened portions of the annulus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If surgical procedures focus on symptom relief by removing disc fragments, then nerve compression is relieved, but the annulus fibrosus remains damaged leading to recurrent herniation
Solution Approach 1:
The repair system segments the treatment into multiple components: (1) removal of herniated material through existing aperture, (2) delivery of patch-like device through the same aperture, (3) deployment of fixation elements to secure the patch, and (4) cinching mechanism to close the aperture. This segmentation allows each component to address specific aspects of the problem while working together to achieve both symptom relief and structural repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The patch-like device is delivered and positioned at the aperture site before the aperture is fully closed. The fixation elements are inserted and engaged with the patch beforehand, and the cinching mechanism is prepared in advance. This preliminary action ensures that the repair structure is in place and secured before the aperture closure is completed, preventing herniation recurrence.
2Reliability
If the annulus fibrosus is repaired with patch-like devices and fixation elements, then structural integrity is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patch-like device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it reinforces the damaged annulus fibrosus structurally, provides a surface for fixation element attachment, and acts as a barrier to prevent herniation. The fixation elements not only secure the patch but also assist in closing the aperture when cinched. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby managing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery system employs a nested structure where the patch-like device is contained within the delivery catheter, and the fixation elements are nested within or attached to the patch. The cinching mechanism is integrated within the fixation element structure. This nesting allows all components to be delivered through a single access point and deployed in a coordinated manner, simplifying the overall delivery process despite the multiple components involved.
3Reliability
If aperture closure is achieved through cinching fixation elements, then intradiscal material migration is prevented, but the procedure becomes more time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation elements are inserted and engaged with the patch-like device before the aperture closure is initiated. The cinching mechanism is prepared in advance with the fixation elements in their deployed position. This preliminary action allows the aperture to be closed in a single continuous motion without requiring multiple separate steps for positioning and securing the repair components, thereby reducing overall procedure time.
Solution Approach 2:
The aperture closure function is merged with the fixation element cinching action. The same mechanical action that tightens the fixation elements to secure the patch also simultaneously closes the aperture. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate closure steps, reducing procedural time while maintaining effective aperture sealing to prevent material migration.
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
The present invention provides apparatus for treating an aperture in the annulus of an intervertebral disc, comprising a fixation apparatus with two anchors (916) secured together by an elongated member (914) having variable length, and a fixation delivery apparatus for sequentially delivering the anchors to a patient. Another embodiment is a patch and a patch insertion tool comprising an elongated body with two patch retaining arms.