Curved Intervertebral Cage Implantation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for replacing an intervertebral disk via the posterior approach are complex, bulky, and difficult to use, posing risks due to the proximity of vital structures like the spinal cord and nerves, and often require longer surgery times.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an intervertebral cage with an oblong body and an introducer guide featuring a guide rod, curved core, and push rod, allowing for compact and easier implantation by sliding the cage between vertebrae along a curved axis, reducing the risk of damage to surrounding tissues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the posterior approach is used for implanting the intervertebral cage, then the surgery path is shorter, but the risk of damaging vital structures (spinal cord and nerves) increases
Solution Approach 1:
The introducer guide employs a curved configuration instead of a straight path, allowing the surgical instrument to navigate around vital structures while maintaining a relatively short overall insertion length. The curve enables the tip to reach the target location without passing directly through dangerous zones containing the spinal cord and nerves.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the anterior approach is used for implanting the intervertebral cage, then the risk of damaging vital structures is reduced, but the surgery path becomes much longer
Solution Approach 1:
The curved introducer guide provides an alternative surgical corridor that achieves the safety benefits of the anterior approach while maintaining the efficiency of a shorter path. The curvature allows navigation through safe anatomical zones to reach the intervertebral space without exposing vital structures to excessive risk.
3Ease of operation
If complex prior art systems are used for posterior approach implantation, then implantation can be performed via posterior approach, but the systems are bulky and difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical system is divided into distinct functional components: a curved introducer guide for navigation, a separate cage implant, and a delivery mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system compared to integrated complex designs in prior art.
Solution Approach 2:
The intervertebral cage is delivered through the introducer guide using a nested configuration, where the cage is contained within the guide during insertion and then deployed outward. This nesting approach eliminates the need for complex external manipulation devices and simplifies the surgical procedure.
Data Source
AI summary
System for replacing a disk between two vertebrae includes an intervertebral cage having an oblong body including at least two portions and separated by a gap extending along a curved axis and opening out through an opening at a first end of the body, and at least one introducer guide rod, a curved longitudinal core having cross-sections substantially complementary to the cross-sections of the gap so as to enable the core and the two portions of the body to slide relative to one another, elements for mounting a first end of the core to co-operate with an end of the guide rod so that the curved core projects from the end, and a push rod mounted to move relative to the guide rod so as to come into contact via one end against the end of the body in order to push the body in translation relative to the core.