Anterior Cervical Staple with Barbed Projections for Minimal Profile Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spinal fixation devices for cervical fusion are either bulky and intrusive, causing swallowing difficulties, or provide insufficient stability due to their large size and number of screws, and lack a precise, small profile for minimal esophageal and tracheal traction.
Innovation Solution
A surgical staple with four barbed and pointed projections at its corners for frictional insertion into vertebrae, combined with two smaller bone screws for secure fixation, minimizing hardware intrusion and allowing quicker application with less retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional plates with multiple large screws are used, then fixation stability is improved, but device bulk and intrusion increase causing swallowing difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation device is segmented into a plate component and separate screw components, allowing the plate to be minimally invasive while using multiple screws for distributed fixation. This segmentation enables the plate to maintain small profile for swallowing comfort while the screws provide the necessary stability through multiple attachment points on the vertebral bodies.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single large screw fixation approach to a distributed array of multiple smaller screws arranged across the plate. This dimensional redistribution of fixation points maintains overall fixation stability while reducing the size of individual hardware components, thereby minimizing esophageal and tracheal intrusion.
2Volume of moving object
If narrow plates with only two screws are used, then device profile and hardware intrusion are minimized, but fixation stability becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation system is divided into a narrow plate for minimal profile and multiple separate screws for distributed fixation. This segmentation allows the plate to maintain a narrow profile for comfort while the multiple screws provide sufficient stability through their distributed arrangement across the vertebral bodies.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate serves multiple functions: it provides a narrow profile for comfort, acts as a structural framework, and serves as an anchor point for multiple fixation screws. This multi-functionality allows the narrow plate to achieve both minimal intrusion and adequate fixation stability through its versatile design.
3Reliability
If large plates and multiple screws are used, then fixation stability is improved, but surgical retraction requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation device is segmented into a small plate and separate screws, allowing the surgeon to work with smaller individual components that require less retraction. The plate can be positioned with minimal tissue displacement while the screws are inserted through the plate to achieve the necessary fixation stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention redistributes fixation points from a single large screw approach to multiple smaller screws arranged in a dimensional pattern across the plate. This redistribution allows the fixation to be achieved with smaller hardware that requires less surgical retraction, improving ease of operation while maintaining stability.
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 staple achieves strong and precise fixation with a smaller profile, reducing esophageal and tracheal traction and being lightweight, while being inexpensive for widespread use.
Implementation Method 1
a plate with sharp-pointed projections positioned at each of four corners of the plate and extending perpendicularly there from for frictional insertion into pilot holes formed in the vertebrae
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical staple for discectomy by an anterior approach that comprises a plate with sharp-pointed projections positioned at each of four corners of the plate and extending perpendicularly there from for frictional insertion into pilot holes formed in the vertebrae, and a pair of circular apertures in the plate spaced along a centerline for insertion of bone screws. The plurality of projections may further comprise four barbed and pointed projections that a surgeon may quickly tap into the bone, thereafter securing the staple with two smaller bone screws. An Annular C shaped retention locking clip retains the bone screws and prevents counter-rotation and back out.