Copper Particle Delivery for Minimally Invasive Spinal Disc Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an improved treatment of damaged spinal discs, which can be caused by degeneration or trauma, leading to issues such as annular tears and herniations that cause pain and inflammation.
Innovation Solution
The method involves inserting a hollow shaft into the damaged spinal disc and dispensing copper particles, which can be in the form of nanoparticles or microparticles, using minimally invasive techniques like needle injection or endoscopic surgery, optionally preceded by debridement with a laser or RF probe to remove inflamed tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional surgical methods are used to treat damaged spinal discs, then the treatment can address the damage, but the procedure becomes complex and invasive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical surgical instruments with a simplified needle-based delivery system that introduces copper particles directly to the damaged disc through a minimally invasive path, eliminating the need for complex surgical retraction and access mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and form of the treatment agent by using copper particles (nanoparticles or microparticles) that can be delivered in various forms (dry powder, liquid solution, gel suspension) through a simple needle, transforming the treatment from complex mechanical intervention to particle-based therapy
2Reliability
If traditional surgical methods are used to treat damaged spinal discs, then the damage can be addressed, but the procedure requires extensive surgical access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes complex surgical access mechanisms with a simple needle puncture approach that delivers copper particles directly to the target site through the intervertebral disc, requiring only minimal skin penetration and guidance imaging rather than extensive surgical exposure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copper particles as an intermediary treatment agent that can be delivered through a simple needle path and will subsequently interact with the damaged disc tissue to promote healing, eliminating the need for direct surgical manipulation of the disc
3Productivity
If copper particles are delivered directly to the damaged area, then healing is accelerated and inflammation reduced, but a delivery mechanism is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex delivery mechanisms with a simple needle or catheter system that can be guided using standard medical imaging (fluoroscopy, CT, or MRI) to deliver copper particles directly to the damaged disc, leveraging existing imaging infrastructure rather than requiring specialized delivery equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The copper particles themselves provide the therapeutic effect once delivered, utilizing the body's natural healing processes enhanced by copper's anti-inflammatory and tissue-regenerative properties, eliminating the need for complex active delivery systems that maintain or activate the treatment after insertion
Data Source
AI summary
A method for treating or repairing a damaged spinal disc of a patient may include inserting, using medical imaging, a shaft with a lumen extending from an exterior of a patient to the damaged spinal disc, dispensing copper particles, using the lumen, to the damaged spinal disc, and removing the hollow shaft from the patient. A system may include a syringe and copper particles in the syringe. A kit may include copper particles, and at least one of a guidewire, one or more dilators, a tubular retractor, a disposable endoscope, a disposable laser fiber; an endoscopic rongeurs, indigo carmine dye, or a fluid adaptor.