Curved Spinal Implant Tool with Rotational Driveshaft

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing tools for implanting and expanding spinal implants are cumbersome and often require multiple tools, making it difficult to insert and expand implants efficiently, especially in constrained anatomical spaces without risking spinal cord contact.

Innovation Solution

A dual-shaft insertion tool with a driveshaft and connecting shaft, featuring a curved portion and knobs for non-linear rotational force translation, allowing for efficient engagement, expansion, and positioning of expandable implants within the spine from a posterior approach without contacting the spinal cord.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple tools are used for implantation and expansion, then functional capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple previously separate tools (implantation tool and expansion tool) into a single integrated tool. The tool includes a shaft with an implantation tip for delivering the implant and an expansion mechanism with actuators that can expand the implant after delivery, eliminating the need for multiple separate tools while maintaining full functional capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single tool is designed to perform multiple functions: it can implant the expandable cage, position it accurately, and then expand it using integrated actuators. This multi-functional design allows one tool to replace several specialized tools, reducing overall device complexity while preserving adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a straight approach is used for implant insertion, then insertion path is simplified, but risk of spinal cord contact increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion pathVSAvoidspinal cord contact risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The tool incorporates a curved shaft design that allows the surgeon to approach the implant site at an oblique angle rather than directly from the posterior. This curvature enables the tool to navigate around the spinal cord, maintaining a safe distance while still delivering the implant to the correct location, thus reducing the risk of spinal cord contact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Adaptability or versatility

If expandable implant is used, then adaptability to disc space is improved, but insertion difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to disc spaceVSAvoidinsertion difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The implant is designed in a compressed, low-profile state before insertion, making it easy to deliver through the curved shaft to the target disc space. After successful positioning, the integrated expansion actuators are activated to expand the implant to its final size, providing adaptability to the disc space without increasing insertion difficulty

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Object-affected harmful factors

If oblique approach is used to avoid spinal cord, then spinal cord safety is improved, but insertion precision decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespinal cord safetyVSAvoidinsertion precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The curved shaft acts as an intermediary that translates the oblique approach into precise positioning at the target site. The shaft's geometry is specifically designed to guide the implant along a safe path while maintaining accurate delivery to the disc space, reconciling the need for both spinal cord safety and insertion precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Simplifies the implantation and expansion process by enabling precise control and alignment of implants, reducing the need for multiple tools and minimizing the risk of spinal cord contact during posterior approach procedures.

Implementation Method 1

the curved portion comprises a pair of gears for transmitting rotation to a shaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Data Source

PatentEP2896388B1Implant insertion tool

Publication Date: 2019.12.11 STRYKER EUROPEAN HOLDINGS I LLC

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AI summary

An insertion tool for inserting a spinal implant is disclosed. The insertion tool (100) includes a tube (110) with a handle end (120), an inserter end (140) having an opening, and a curved portion (141) located between the handle end and the inserter end. A driveshaft (130) with an actuator (131) extends within the tube so that the actuator is proximate to the opening. A knob (122) is attached to the handle end and the driveshaft, wherein turning the knob rotates the actuator. Methods of utilizing the tool, as well as variations of the tool are also described.