Compound-Angle Expandable Interbody Spacer for In-Situ Multiplanar Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current expandable interbody spacers are limited in expansion capability due to material constraints, typically expand in a single plane, are complex and expensive to manufacture, and require additional hardware for insertion into varying intervertebral spaces.
Innovation Solution
An expandable interbody spacer designed to expand both vertically and horizontally using compound-angle linear rods within compound-angle bores, allowing for in-situ expansion from a collapsed to an expanded state, facilitating minimally invasive surgery and providing rigid support between adjacent vertebrae.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional expandable interbody spacers use angled ramps with slots or t-rails and drive screw mechanisms, then expansion capability is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The interbody spacer is divided into multiple expandable cells or chambers that can be independently or collectively expanded. Each cell contains a simplified expansion mechanism, avoiding the need for complex angled ramps and t-rails across the entire device. The segmentation allows progressive expansion while reducing overall mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-plane expansion to multi-planar expansion capability. The interbody spacer can expand not only in the vertical dimension but also in horizontal dimensions, allowing greater adaptability to varying intervertebral spaces without requiring complex mechanical mechanisms for each direction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If expandable interbody spacers are designed with sufficient material for expansion mechanisms, then expansion capability improves, but available material for expansion is limited at smaller footprints
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion mechanisms are nested within the existing structure of the interbody spacer. The drive screws, ramps, and other expansion components are integrated into the spacer body itself, utilizing the available material more efficiently. This nesting approach maximizes expansion capability within the constraints of smaller footprint devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes in the material properties and structural configuration to enable expansion. By changing the density, elasticity, or geometric parameters of the spacer material, the device achieves expansion capability without requiring additional material quantity, thus resolving the contradiction between expansion capability and material availability.
3Ease of manufacture
If current expandable spacers are manufactured with loose size and positional tolerances, then manufacturability improves, but manufacturing precision and quality control worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the interbody spacer with universal features and standardized components that can be manufactured with consistent tolerances. The expansion mechanisms use universal interfaces and positioning features that work across different device sizes, allowing for tighter and more consistent manufacturing tolerances while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardization.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If minimally invasive surgical techniques are used with small incisions, then tissue damage and blood loss are minimized, but access to intervertebral space becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The interbody spacer is designed with dynamic expansion capability, allowing it to be inserted in a collapsed or compressed state through small incisions, and then expanded in-situ within the intervertebral space. This dynamic transformation from compact to expanded state enables minimally invasive insertion while maintaining the ability to achieve full expansion for effective spinal fusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The interbody spacer is prepared in a preliminary collapsed state before insertion, making it compact enough to pass through small incisions and difficult-to-reach intervertebral spaces. Once positioned, the spacer is expanded to its full functional size. This preliminary preparation of the device in a compact configuration facilitates minimally invasive surgical access.
Data Source
AI summary
An expandable interbody spacer for placement between adjacent vertebrae having two or more upper and lower endplates having compound-angle linear rods coupled to compound-angle bores configured to couple with the compound-angle linear rods a drive means having corresponding compound-angle slots, ramps or rails configured to slidingly engage the compound-angle slots, ramps or rails of the two or more upper and lower endplates, wherein movement of the drive means in a first direction moves the two or more upper and lower endplates away from each other both vertically and horizontally to expand both a height and a width of the expandable interbody spacer from a collapsed state to an expanded state.