Conical Interspinous Implant for Minimally Invasive Spinal Distraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for lumbar spinal stenosis often require invasive procedures and cannot easily accommodate both fusion and non-fusion methods, necessitating a less invasive device that can effectively separate spinous processes and alleviate spinal stenosis symptoms.
Innovation Solution
A conical interspinous apparatus with a conical screw-shaped insertion portion and a shaft portion, along with a clamp mechanism, is inserted between spinous processes to distract and secure them, allowing for both fusion and non-fusion procedures with minimal invasiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a device is designed to be less invasive for spinal stenosis treatment, then patient trauma and recovery time are reduced, but the device must achieve effective spinous process separation and spinal canal decompression with simpler insertion mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional segments: a conical insertion portion with screw-shaped grooves for cutting and distraction, a shaft portion for structural support, and a clamp portion for securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall device simplicity for less invasive insertion
Solution Approach 2:
The conical shape of the insertion portion with screw-shaped grooves enables gradual tissue penetration and spinous process separation through a curved, tapered geometry that reduces insertion force requirements and minimizes trauma compared to straight, rigid insertion methods
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single device is designed to accommodate both fusion and non-fusion procedures, then surgical versatility is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex to include multiple functional capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The device achieves universality by incorporating a conical insertion portion that can distract spinous processes for decompression, a shaft that provides structural support, and a clamp that can be secured in multiple configurations. This multi-functional design allows the same device to be used for both fusion procedures (where bone grafts are placed) and non-fusion procedures (where motion is preserved), eliminating the need for separate devices
3Volume of stationary object
If the conical insertion portion with screw-shaped grooves is used to distract spinous processes, then spinal canal volume increases and decompression is achieved, but the insertion force and tissue disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conical geometry with screw-shaped grooves distributes insertion force along a tapered surface area, allowing gradual tissue displacement and spinous process separation. This curved, progressive insertion mechanism reduces peak insertion forces compared to straight, abrupt insertion methods while still achieving the necessary spinal canal decompression
Solution Approach 2:
The screw-shaped grooves on the conical insertion portion perform preliminary cutting and tissue displacement actions during insertion, creating a path through the ligamentum flavum and between spinous processes before final seating. This preliminary action reduces the force required for complete insertion by progressively preparing the insertion path
4Adaptability or versatility
If the clamp portion is made movable and securable along the shaft, then the device can be adjusted for different spinous process distances and surgical needs, but the device complexity increases with additional moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp portion is designed to be movable along the shaft during insertion and positioning, allowing dynamic adjustment to accommodate varying distances between spinous processes. Once positioned, the clamp can be secured in a fixed position. This dynamic-to-static transition provides adjustability without requiring complex continuous adjustment mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A conical interspinous apparatus comprising: an insertion portion with a proximal end, a distal end, and conical screw-shaped grooves configured to distract two adjacent spinous processes; a shaft portion, coupled to the distal end of the insertion portion, and having a smaller cross-section than a cross-section at the distal end of the insertion portion, such that the two spinous processes rest on the shaft portion; and a clamp portion being movable and securable along the shaft, and being configured to secure the two spinous processes between the clamp portion and the distal end of the insertion portion.