Multi-chamber Balloon Artificial Disc for Spinal Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current artificial intervertebral disc implants do not effectively mimic the natural disc's properties, failing to maintain intervertebral space through a full range of motion, absorb shocks, resist hyperextension, and are not easily implantable through minimally invasive techniques.
Innovation Solution
A multi-piece disc replacement implant with upper and lower plate members and an intermediate resilient member, such as a multi-chamber balloon structure, that supports compressive and cyclic loads, allowing natural spinal motion while limiting hyperextension, and is designed to be collapsible for minimally invasive implantation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional artificial disc implants are used, then they can replace the nucleus pulposus, but they fail to maintain intervertebral space through full range of motion and cannot absorb shocks effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a fluid-filled balloon implant that uses hydraulic pressure to maintain intervertebral disc space. The fluid (saline or contrast material) is injected into the balloon to create internal pressure that pushes against the vertebral endplates, maintaining disc height and space. This hydraulic mechanism allows the implant to adapt to various ranges of motion while continuously supporting the intervertebral space and absorbing compressive shocks through fluid pressure regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant utilizes changes in fluid pressure and volume within the balloon to adapt to different spinal loading conditions and ranges of motion. As the spine moves through flexion, extension, and lateral bending, the fluid pressure dynamically adjusts to maintain optimal disc space. The balloon can be inflated to different volumes post-implantation to match the patient's specific anatomical requirements and functional demands.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If surgical intervention is performed to remove herniated disc material, then pain and pressure on nerves are relieved, but the procedure becomes highly invasive requiring prolonged hospitalization and recovery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an endoscopic approach that extracts only the necessary portion of the herniated nucleus pulposus through a small incision. The surgeon uses endoscopic visualization to remove the extruded disc material that is compressing neural structures, while preserving the healthy annulus fibrosus and surrounding tissues. This selective extraction minimizes surgical trauma compared to traditional open discectomy.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid-filled balloon serves as an intermediary device that is inserted through a minimally invasive endoscopic pathway. Rather than requiring large incisions for direct access, the balloon is delivered through a small working channel created by the endoscope. This intermediary approach allows the implant to be positioned within the disc space without extensive tissue disruption, reducing surgical complexity and postoperative recovery time.
3Device complexity
If minimally invasive implantation is used, then surgical complexity and cost are reduced, but the implant must be collapsible to fit through small incisions
Solution Approach 1:
The balloon implant is designed with a nested structure where the balloon can be collapsed into a compact form that fits within the endoscopic delivery system. The balloon membrane is folded or compressed into a small package that can be advanced through the endoscope's working channel and deployed at the target site. This nesting capability enables minimally invasive implantation while maintaining the balloon's full functional volume once deployed in the intervertebral disc space.
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 solution effectively maintains intervertebral space, absorbs shocks, and resists hyperextension, extending the implant's useful life while allowing natural motion and facilitating minimally invasive implantation, reducing surgical complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient member is an elastic solid or a multi-chamber balloon structure of fluid-filled sacks that collectively define a non-uniform shape such as an oblate spheroid
Implementation Method 2
The resilient member is an elastic solid or a multi-chamber balloon structure of fluid-filled sacks that collectively define a non-uniform shape such as an oblate spheroid
Implementation Method 3
The resilient member is an elastic solid or a multi-chamber balloon structure of fluid-filled sacks that collectively define a non-uniform shape such as an oblate spheroid
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-piece disc replacement implant device for replacing a disc removed by a discectomy including an upper plate member, a lower plate member, and an intermediate resilient member providing movement between the two plate members replicating the natural movement of the spine including flexion/extension, lateral bending, and, in some embodiments, rotation. The plate members are rigid and have orthogonal sidewalls forming an enclosure. The resilient member is an elastic solid or a multi-chamber balloon structure of fluid-filled sacks that collectively define a non-uniform shape such as an oblate spheroid, or a helically coiled string of beads. Such an implant is capable of supporting the compressive and cyclic loads required of a natural disc. The upper and lower plate members are cooperatively formed to selectively limit the allowable range of motion in any given direction. Alternate embodiments of the invention may be employed in conjunction with removal of the nucleus pulposus when removal of the annulus fibrosus (annulotomy) is not required or desirable.