Compliant Vertebral Attachment Device for Non-Destructive Fixation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complex and non-uniform shape of spinal vertebrae poses challenges for attachment and fixation of medical devices, leading to destructive methods that can fail, especially in osteoporotic conditions, and existing solutions are not non-destructive or revisable.

Innovation Solution

A vertebral attachment device with a curved attachment member, flex structure, and anchor members that securely attach to the vertebrae without excessive damage, allowing for non-destructive insertion and easy removal, suitable for both in vivo and ex vivo applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If destructive fixation methods are used to attach medical devices to vertebrae, then attachment strength is improved, but tissue damage increases and reliability decreases in osteoporotic conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidtissue damage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment device utilizes a flexible, compliant structure that can deform and conform to the vertebral surface, distributing attachment forces over a larger area. This flexible design allows secure attachment without requiring destructive bone fixation, thereby reducing tissue damage while maintaining attachment strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The device changes the attachment mechanism from rigid destructive fixation to compliant non-destructive attachment. By altering the mechanical parameters of the attachment interface to be more compliant and adaptive, the device achieves reliable attachment in osteoporotic bone without causing excessive tissue damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If cementing materials are used for attachment, then fixation is achieved, but exothermic reactions cause tissue damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation strengthVSAvoidexothermic reaction damage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces chemical attachment methods (cementing materials that undergo exothermic reactions) with a mechanically-based compliant attachment system. This substitution eliminates the harmful exothermic chemical reactions while achieving secure fixation through mechanical compliance and conformal attachment to the vertebral surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Strength

If traditional fixation methods are used, then attachment is achieved, but removal is difficult and causes additional damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidremoval ease

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment device employs dynamic, reversible attachment mechanisms rather than permanent rigid fixation. The compliant structure allows for controlled detachment and removal without causing additional tissue damage, enabling easy revision or removal while maintaining strong attachment during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10070894B2Compliant vertebral attachment device

Publication Date: 2018.09.11 BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIV

AI summary

In one general aspect, a vertebral attachment device can include an attachment member having a curved shape defining a concave surface, a flex structure included in the attachment member, and an anchor member coupled to the attachment member and protruding from the concave surface.