Cervical Spine Delivery Device for Precise Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cervical spinal fusion procedures, especially those involving anterior access, often require invasive techniques and lack precision in placing fixation devices, leading to potential complications and increased tissue trauma.
Innovation Solution
The development of a delivery device system that includes an anchor shaft and guide member for advancing and securing spinal fixation members between vertebrae, allowing for minimally invasive procedures with precise placement of fixation devices, such as bone screws, using a screw guide and drill or driver member to ensure accurate alignment and attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional invasive techniques are used for cervical spinal fusion, then fixation devices can be placed, but tissue trauma increases and precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery device serves as an intermediary tool that enables precise placement of fixation devices through minimally invasive access. The device includes a delivery needle with a cannula that guides the fixation device along a predetermined trajectory, acting as a mediator between the surgeon's intent and the final implant placement, thereby achieving high precision without extensive tissue disruption
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery device is inserted and positioned in advance through a minimally invasive approach before the actual fixation device placement. The delivery needle and cannula are pre-positioned to define the exact trajectory and location, allowing subsequent fixation devices to be placed with high precision without requiring additional invasive exposure at the moment of implantation
2Object-affected harmful factors
If minimally invasive techniques are used, then tissue trauma is reduced, but placement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery device acts as a precision-guided intermediary that compensates for the limitations of minimally invasive access. The cannula and guide structure provide mechanical constraints that ensure the fixation device follows the exact intended trajectory, maintaining high placement precision despite the restricted access route characteristic of minimally invasive techniques
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery device changes the spatial parameters of the surgical approach by providing a predetermined trajectory through the cannula. This allows the fixation device to be placed with controlled orientation, depth, and angle, achieving precision comparable to open surgery while maintaining the tissue-sparing benefits of minimally invasive access
3Ease of operation
If invasive access is used for anterior cervical approach, then fixation devices can be secured, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery device is segmented into distinct functional components: a delivery needle for access, a cannula for guiding, and a fixation device for final securing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function and enables straightforward assembly and disassembly, reducing overall operational complexity despite the sophisticated functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery device is designed as a multi-functional system that combines needle insertion, trajectory guidance, and fixation device delivery in a single integrated apparatus. This universality eliminates the need for multiple separate tools and steps, simplifying the overall surgical procedure while maintaining ease of anterior cervical access
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are devices, systems, apparatus and methods for accessing the cervical spine via an anterior approach and implanting a spinal fixation member between two vertebrae of the cervical spine in the disc or intervertebral joint space, such as in an ACDF procedure. The delivery device includes a distal end that can be anchored to the spinal fixation member. Once anchored to the spinal fixation member, the delivery device is operable to both advance and attach the spinal fixation member within a cervical disc joint space.