Articulating Drill Extender for Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal surgical techniques face challenges in minimally invasive approaches due to the need for large annular openings, which cause instability and complicate procedures such as intervertebral disc replacement and fusion.
Innovation Solution
The use of an articulating drill extender with bevel gears allows for the transmission of high torque through small, constrained spaces, enabling precise disc preparation and stabilization without the need for large openings. Additionally, a hydrostatic disc space expansion device and a formed interbody fixation device are employed to facilitate minimally invasive procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large annular openings are made in the spine for implant placement, then the implant can be securely positioned and stabilized, but the structural stability of the spine is compromised and the invasiveness of the procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into multiple segments or components that can be inserted separately through smaller openings. The intervertebral implant consists of separate elements that can be positioned independently, allowing access through minimally invasive approaches while maintaining overall implant stability through the combined action of multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant components are designed to nest within each other or within the spinal structure. The implant can be collapsed or compressed into a smaller configuration for insertion through small openings, then expanded or deployed to its functional size within the intervertebral space, similar to nested dolls.
2Ease of operation
If large annular openings are created for disc replacement, then complete access to the disc space is achieved, but tissue damage increases and recovery time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The approach shifts from creating a large two-dimensional annular opening to using a small puncture or keyhole opening combined with three-dimensional manipulation of the implant. The implant can be inserted through a small opening and then deployed or expanded in the third dimension within the disc space, eliminating the need for large incisions.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical methods of creating large openings with drills and reamers are replaced with less invasive insertion mechanisms. The implant may be inserted using a combination of small-bore instrumentation, balloon expansion, or self-expanding mechanisms that require minimal tissue disruption.
3Force
If traditional drilling methods are used for disc preparation, then adequate torque can be applied for bone preparation, but the equipment cannot access constrained spaces through small openings
Solution Approach 1:
Hydraulic or pneumatic mechanisms are incorporated into the implant deployment system to generate the necessary force for bone preparation and implant expansion through small openings. Fluid pressure can transmit force efficiently through narrow channels, enabling adequate torque and expansion forces without requiring large mechanical access.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameters of the implant and delivery system are changed to enable force transmission through small openings. The implant may transition from a compressed low-force state during insertion to an expanded high-force state after placement, or the delivery system may use flexible shafts that can bend and articulate to reach constrained spaces while maintaining torque transmission.
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
This approach enables safer, more stable, and less invasive spinal surgeries by allowing for precise disc preparation and stabilization through small openings, reducing complications and improving patient outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
The articulating drill extender utilizes a drill bit to morstelize the disc, remove endplate cartilage and prepare a bleeding bony surface if a fusion is the goal of surgery. The drill shaft can be connected to existing drill power sources or to a new drill device controlled by, for example, a surgeon or a surgical robot. The articulating drill extension may be a solid shaft terminating with one or more articulating gears present at the articulation joints of the drill.
Implementation Method 2
a hydrostatic disc space expansion device and a formed interbody fixation device are employed to facilitate minimally invasive procedures
Data Source
AI summary
A device for safely approaching vertebral disc space utilizing stereotactic guidance, clearing material from the disc space, a device for expanding the disc space, stereotactic methods for implant planning and monitoring articulating instrument end effectors and a device for implantation into the disc space for the purpose of fusion or disc replacement.