Surgical Cord Tensioner with Visual Load Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dynamic stabilization systems for spinal treatment procedures, such as vertebral body tethering, face challenges in ergonomics and ease of use, particularly in enabling one-handed operation and providing a visual indication of cord load during tensioning.
Innovation Solution
A cord tensioning system comprising a tensioner and a counter tensioner, where the tensioner includes a nose assembly with a piston and a spring for indicating cord tension, and the counter tensioner guides the cord to a port for receiving the nose assembly, allowing for one-handed operation and visual indication of cord load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional cord tensioning system is used, then the system provides basic tensioning capability, but the ergonomics and ease of use are poor, requiring two-handed operation
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning system is divided into separate functional modules: a counter tensioner that remains attached to the implant and a tensioner that can be attached and detached. This segmentation allows the tensioner to be a simplified, one-handed device while the counter tensioner handles the complex attachment functions at the implant site.
Solution Approach 2:
A port is introduced as an intermediary component on the counter tensioner that interfaces with the tensioner. This port serves as a connection interface, allowing the tensioner to attach and detach easily while maintaining the complex counter tensioner-implant connection, thus enabling one-handed operation without sacrificing connection reliability.
2Loss of information
If a traditional cord tensioning system is used, then the system provides basic tensioning, but there is no visual indication of cord load during tensioning
Solution Approach 1:
An indicator mechanism is incorporated into the tensioner that provides visual feedback through color changes or position indicators. The indicator reflects the state of the cord load, allowing the surgeon to visually monitor tensioning progress and achieve precise tensioning without adding significant complexity to the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator on the tensioner provides real-time feedback about the cord load state during tensioning. This feedback mechanism allows the surgeon to adjust the tensioning force to achieve the desired cord load, improving the precision of the procedure while maintaining a relatively simple device design.
3Productivity
If a traditional cord tensioning system is used, then the system provides basic tensioning capability, but the cord travel per actuation cycle is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioner employs a dynamic ratchet mechanism that allows the cord to be advanced in discrete increments with each actuation cycle. The ratchet mechanism accumulates cord travel over multiple cycles, enabling significant total cord travel while maintaining a relatively simple individual actuation mechanism. This dynamic accumulation approach increases productivity without requiring complex high-stroke mechanisms.
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
The system improves ergonomics and ease of use by enabling one-handed operation and increasing cord travel per actuation cycle, while providing a visual indication of cord load during tensioning, enhancing the efficiency and precision of spinal treatment procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a spring positionable in contact with an indicator region of the piston
Data Source
AI summary
A system for manipulating implants may include a tensioner and a counter tensioner. The tensioner may include a nose assembly and a cord lock assembly for applying tension to a cord. The nose assembly may include a piston having a lumen extending therethrough for receiving the cord and a spring positionable in contact with an indicator region of the piston. The counter tensioner may be releasably coupleable to a head of an implant at a proximal end thereof and may guide the cord to a port proximate the distal end thereof, the port for receiving the nose assembly. The indicator region of the piston may be visible through a window in a tensioner main body and may indicate cord tension when the nose assembly of the tensioner is coupled to the port of the counter tensioner and engaged with the cord.