Combined Spinal Fixation and Neuromodulation With Direct Ganglion Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating chronic spinal pain often require separate surgical procedures for spinal stabilization and neuromodulation, which can be invasive and may not effectively address neuropathic pain.
Innovation Solution
A combined surgical procedure that allows for the simultaneous implantation of a spinal stabilization device and a neuromodulation system at a surgically open spinal treatment site, providing direct visual and physical access to the targeted dorsal root ganglion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If separate surgical procedures are performed for spinal stabilization and neuromodulation, then each procedure can be optimized independently, but the patient undergoes multiple invasive surgeries and extended recovery time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines spinal stabilization and neuromodulation implantation into a single surgical procedure. The spinal fixation device and neuromodulation system are implanted simultaneously through the same surgical approach, allowing both treatments to be delivered in one operation rather than requiring separate procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical approach is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides spinal stabilization through fixation device implantation while simultaneously enabling neuromodulation system placement. The same surgical access and positioning mechanisms serve both treatment objectives.
2Reliability
If traditional neuromodulation implantation is performed after failed back surgery, then the spinal procedure is completed first, but the patient experiences prolonged chronic pain and requires additional separate surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The neuromodulation system is implanted during the initial spinal stabilization surgery, before the patient experiences prolonged chronic pain. This preliminary placement of the neuromodulation electrodes allows for immediate or early pain management rather than waiting months or years after failed back surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the timing of spinal stabilization and neuromodulation implantation into a single procedural event, eliminating the sequential delay where patients would complete spinal surgery, recover partially, then undergo separate neuromodulation implantation after pain persists.
3Ease of operation
If electrical lead advancement through patient anatomy is required, then the neuromodulation system can reach therapeutic locations, but the procedure becomes more invasive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the lead advancement step from the surgical procedure by placing the neuromodulation electrodes directly at the target location during spinal surgery. The electrodes are positioned adjacent to the dorsal root ganglion through direct surgical access rather than requiring advancement through anatomical pathways after the fact.
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
This approach enables the treatment of both back stabilization and neuropathic pain issues in a single procedure, potentially reducing the need for post-surgical pain medication and improving patient outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
the neuromodulation system may generate electrical stimulation during and/or after the surgical procedure
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a single surgical method, procedure and/or system that creates open direct visual and/or physical access to an identified spinal treatment site that comprises both targeted vertebral and spinal levels to be treated, wherein the spinal levels comprise at least one dorsal root ganglion. A spinal treatment procedure may be performed generally in combination with implantation of a neuromodulation system that may comprise placement of electrical lead(s) on the at least one dorsal root ganglion, wherein each lead is in operative connection with a pulse generator that may also be implanted during the surgical method. Electrical stimulation may be generated with the pulse generator through the electrical leads to the at least one dorsal root ganglion during and/or after the closure of the identified spinal treatment site.