Modular Cervical Disc Instrument for Trialing and Slot Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional TDR surgery requires multiple instruments for trialing and cutting slots in the endplates, obstructing imaging views and complicating the procedure, and lacks integrated tools for precise slot cutting and implant placement.
Innovation Solution
A modular cervical disc instrument integrating a handle, trial head, and blade, allowing simultaneous trialing and cutting with features like alignment posts, depth stops, and a single instrument design to ensure precise slot cutting and unobstructed imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple instruments are used for trialing and cutting slots in endplates, then the surgical procedure can be completed, but the procedure becomes more complex and imaging views are obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the trialing function and slot cutting function into a single integrated instrument. The trial head with alignment posts and the blade are integrated into one device that can perform both trialing the disc implant position and cutting the endplate slots, eliminating the need for separate instruments and reducing procedural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The single instrument is designed with multi-functionality to perform multiple surgical tasks: the trial head portion trials the disc implant position, the alignment posts mark slot locations, and the blade cuts the slots. This universal device replaces multiple specialized instruments, streamlining the surgical workflow
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple instruments are used for trialing and cutting, then all functions can be performed, but the procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the trialing, alignment, and cutting functions into one instrument, the surgical procedure eliminates the time required to exchange between multiple instruments. The surgeon can perform all necessary actions with a single device, reducing overall procedure time while maintaining full functional capability
3Productivity
If a single integrated instrument is used for trialing and cutting, then procedural efficiency improves, but the instrument design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated instrument is segmented into distinct functional modules: a trial head portion for trialing the disc implant, alignment posts for marking slot locations, and a blade for cutting slots. This segmentation allows each function to be optimized independently while maintaining integration, managing the overall design complexity through modular organization
4Ease of operation
If conventional instruments are used, then the procedure can be performed, but imaging views are obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The trial head portion is designed to be removable from the handle, allowing it to be extracted and set aside during imaging phases. This extraction eliminates the obstruction caused by the trial head, providing clear imaging views while maintaining the ability to perform trialing when needed
Data Source
AI summary
A cervical disc instrument that includes a handle that defines a cavity therein, a trial head, and a blade. The trial head is removably coupled to the handle and configured for insertion into a disc space. The blade is disposed in the cavity of the handle and configured to cut a surface that at least partially defines the disc space when the trial head is located in the disc space.