Auger-Based Disc Space Preparation Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal fusion surgical procedures face challenges in efficiently removing disc material from the vertebral disc space, particularly around corners and sensitive areas, due to the limitations of mechanical devices like the pituitary rongeur, which can cause damage to spinal nerves and hinder effective bone graft adhesion.
Innovation Solution
A disc space preparation device featuring an auger system with a cutting head and suction port, where the auger is used to remove disc material while being shielded by cutting blades, and the removed material is suctioned away, allowing for precise and efficient disc space clearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a mechanical device like pituitary rongeur is used to remove disc material, then the disc material can be removed, but the device cannot effectively clear corners and sensitive areas and may cause damage to spinal nerves
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting head is divided into multiple cutting blades arranged in a circular pattern, with each blade responsible for cutting disc material in a specific sector. This segmentation allows comprehensive coverage of the disc space including corners and sensitive areas while maintaining control to avoid nerve damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The auger system acts as an intermediary between the cutting blades and the exterior. It receives cut disc material from the cutting head and transports it through the shaft to the exterior, allowing separation of the cutting function from the removal function and enabling safe operation near sensitive structures.
2Ease of operation
If traditional mechanical devices are used for disc space clearance, then the procedure can be performed, but it is time-consuming and may not achieve complete clearance around corners
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines multiple functions into a single instrument: the cutting blades cut disc material, the auger simultaneously collects and transports the material, and the suction port removes debris. This merging of cutting, collection, and removal functions into one device streamlines the procedure and reduces time compared to using separate instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The auger continuously rotates to collect and transport disc material as it is being cut by the blades. This continuous action eliminates interruptions for manual removal or repositioning of instruments, maintaining steady progress in disc space clearance throughout the procedure.
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
Enables accurate and quick removal of disc material, reducing the risk of nerve damage and improving the chances of successful bone graft adhesion by restoring disc space height during spinal fusion surgery.
Implementation Method 1
An auger (116) extends through a bore (122) in the shaft (114) and into the body portion (112)
Implementation Method 2
a suction port, where the auger is used to remove disc material while being shielded by cutting blades, and the removed material is suctioned away
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical delivery system that has particular application for providing bone graft material to an interbody device that restores disc space height during spinal fusion surgery. The bone graft delivery system includes a body portion and a shaft coupled thereto. An auger extends through a bore in the shaft and into the body portion. An end of the shaft opposite to the body portion is configured to be coupled to the interbody device, where the auger extends through a channel in the interbody device. Bone graft material is placed in a hopper coupled to the shaft, where the auger is manually or automatically rotated to deliver the bone graft material through the shaft and into the interbody device where it is dispersed into the disc space.