Deformable Bone Fusion Device Minimally Invasive Implantation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bone fusion devices face challenges such as requiring large incisions, causing nerve damage, being difficult to position accurately, and lacking sufficient structural strength to support spinal loads, which can hinder effective spinal fusion and bone growth.
Innovation Solution
A bone fusion device with an elongated structure featuring deformable segments that can be compressed to expand and securely anchor between vertebrae, allowing for minimally invasive implantation and customizable deployment to fit various anatomical configurations, while promoting bone growth through internal bone graft materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional bone fusion devices are inserted through open surgical procedure with large incision, then the device can be easily implanted, but the tissue trauma and nerve damage risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bone fusion device is divided into multiple segments including a proximal anchor, a distal anchor, and one or more deformable segments between them. This segmentation allows the device to be compressed into a compact configuration for minimally invasive insertion through small incisions, while still providing sufficient structural support when deployed to achieve spinal fusion
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable segments are configured to be compressible between the proximal and distal anchors, allowing the entire device to be nested into a compact form factor. This nested configuration enables percutaneous insertion through small incisions while maintaining the capability to expand to full functional size once positioned in the intervertebral space
2Strength
If larger width bone fusion devices are used to support spinal loads, then the structural strength increases, but more bone removal and nerve root retraction are required
Solution Approach 1:
The bone fusion device incorporates deformable segments that can dynamically change configuration. The device is inserted in a compressed state through a small incision, then expanded in-situ to its full width and height after positioning. This dynamic transformation allows the device to achieve the structural strength of a large implant without requiring the large incision and extensive bone removal that would be needed for a permanently large device
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes the longitudinal dimension for insertion, compressing the width and height dimensions to fit through a small incision. Once positioned, the deformable segments expand in the transverse dimensions to provide the necessary structural strength and load-bearing capacity, effectively using dimensional transformation to resolve the conflict between implant size and incision size
3Reliability
If conventional bone fusion devices are impacted into the intervertebral space, then the device is securely positioned, but the vertebral bodies and surrounding tissue are traumatized
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable segments are pre-configured with inherent elasticity and memory to automatically expand to their functional configuration upon insertion. This preliminary preparation of the device structure eliminates the need for forceful impacting during implantation, as the device self-expands to its secure position within the intervertebral space, thereby avoiding trauma to the vertebral bodies and surrounding tissues
4Strength
If bone fusion devices allow stress-shielding of the bone within the cage, then the device provides structural support, but bone growth is delayed or compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable segments are designed with controlled mechanical properties that allow them to provide structural support while maintaining appropriate flexibility. The segments can be configured with varying degrees of rigidity to balance load-bearing requirements with the need to transmit physiological stresses to the bone, preventing stress-shielding and promoting bone growth through the device
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
Enables secure, stable spinal fusion with reduced tissue trauma and faster bone growth by providing customizable support and optimal placement of bone graft materials, facilitating quicker recovery and stronger fusion results.
Implementation Method 1
The deformable members can be compressed along a longitudinal axis of the device to deform the deformable members to the expanded configuration into contact with the two bone structures
Data Source
AI summary
A bone fusion device, system, kit, and/or method can include an elongated structure including at least two anchor portions and at least one deformable segment connected on each end to one of the at least two anchor portions. Each deformable segment can include a plurality of spaced apart deformable members deformable from an unexpanded configuration to an expanded configuration. The bone fusion device may be implanted between two bone structures in the unexpanded configuration utilizing a minimally invasive surgical procedure. The deformable members can be compressed along a longitudinal axis of the device to deform the deformable members to the expanded configuration into contact with the two bone structures. A bone growth promoting material can be placed in the anchor portion lumen and in the interior of each deformable segment to promote bone in-growth between the bone structures.