Barrier Member for Intervertebral Disc Tissue Disruption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current discectomy procedures in minimally invasive surgical procedures for intervertebral disc spaces are limited by the need for manual instruments, which increase the risk of nerve damage, trauma to surrounding tissue, and difficulty in distinguishing between different tissues due to limited visibility and dexterity challenges.
Innovation Solution
The use of a barrier member that defines a working region within the intervertebral disc space, allowing for the insertion of a tissue disruption tool to isolate and disrupt specific tissue while minimizing damage to adjacent tissues, particularly useful in minimally invasive procedures where visibility is limited.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual instruments are used for discectomy, then the procedure can be performed with simple tools, but the risk of nerve damage and trauma to surrounding tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a barrier member as an intermediary element that separates the disruption tool from surrounding tissues. This barrier member is inserted into the disc space and positioned to contact the annulus fibrosus, creating a protective interface that allows the disruption tool to remove nucleus pulposus tissue while preventing direct contact with and potential damage to the annulus fibrosus and adjacent nerves.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier member is designed as a flexible, thin-walled structure that can be inserted through a minimally invasive approach and then expanded or deployed within the disc space. This flexible barrier conformally contacts the annulus fibrosus and surrounding structures, providing protection while adapting to the anatomical geometry of the disc space.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual instruments are used for discectomy, then the procedure can be performed with simple tools, but trauma to surrounding tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier member serves as a protective intermediary that physically separates the disruption tool from surrounding tissues. By positioning the barrier between the tool and the annulus fibrosus, nerves, and other sensitive structures, it prevents direct trauma while allowing the discectomy procedure to proceed with relatively simple manual disruption tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the disc space into distinct zones: a working region where tissue disruption occurs, and a protected region where the barrier member shields surrounding structures. This spatial segmentation allows the disruption tool to operate on the nucleus pulposus while the barrier confines the effects of disruption to the intended area, preventing trauma to surrounding tissues.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual instruments are used for discectomy, then the procedure can be performed with simple tools, but difficulty in distinguishing between different tissues increases
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier member acts as a visual and tactile intermediary that helps distinguish between different tissue types. By contacting the annulus fibrosus and creating a defined barrier, it provides a clear boundary that helps the surgeon identify the interface between the nucleus pulposus (to be removed) and the annulus fibrosus (to be protected), reducing the difficulty of tissue differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier member is designed with radiopaque properties that allow it to be visualized under fluoroscopic imaging. This visual contrast helps the surgeon distinguish the barrier's position and the boundaries of the working region from surrounding tissues, improving tissue differentiation during the procedure.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If minimally invasive procedures are used, then patient trauma is reduced, but visibility and dexterity challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier member serves as a tactile and visual intermediary that compensates for limited visibility in minimally invasive procedures. By providing a physical barrier that contacts the annulus fibrosus, it gives the surgeon tactile feedback and a defined reference point, improving dexterity and control despite the constraints of a minimally invasive approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier member is inserted in a collapsed or linear configuration through the minimally invasive access point, then deployed to expand or curve within the disc space. This dimensional transformation allows the barrier to be delivered through a small incision while then providing three-dimensional protection and definition within the disc space, overcoming the visibility and dexterity limitations of the minimally invasive approach.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for disrupting tissue in the intervertebral disc space that includes a barrier member having a first configuration for insertion into the disc space and a second configuration when deployed within the disc space. The second configuration of the barrier member is adapted to at least partially define a perimeter of a working region within the disc space. The apparatus also includes a tissue disruption tool configured for insertion into the working region.