Deformable Spinal Fixation Channel for Minimally Invasive Rod Insertion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical methods for stabilizing vertebrae in spinal procedures often require invasive techniques and large incisions, which can lead to increased tissue damage and longer recovery times, especially when using traditional fixation devices like rods and anchors.
Innovation Solution
A percutaneous fixation system utilizing deformable devices with a channel that can expand to accommodate a connecting rod, allowing for minimally invasive procedures by adjusting the width of the channel between a retracted and expanded state to facilitate the insertion and alignment of the rod without manual alignment of vertebrae.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional fixation devices with rigid channels are used, then structural stability is improved, but incision size and tissue damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The channel width is made dynamically adjustable between a first width (when the deformable portion is in a first state) and a second width (when the deformable portion is in a second state). This allows the device to adapt its structural configuration to different operational requirements, enabling minimally invasive insertion while maintaining stability during fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameter of channel width is changed by deformingly altering the deformable portion between two states. This parameter change enables the device to transition from a compact configuration during insertion to an expanded configuration for stable rod reception, resolving the contradiction between minimal invasion and structural stability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the channel width is kept small for minimally invasive insertion, then tissue damage is reduced, but the ability to accommodate the connecting rod is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The channel width transitions dynamically between a first width suitable for minimally invasive insertion and a second width that accommodates the connecting rod. The deformable portion enables this dynamic adaptation, allowing the device to serve multiple functional requirements at different stages of the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable portion can be positioned within the hollow tube, creating a nested structure where the deformable element is contained within the overall device framework. This nesting allows compact storage during insertion while enabling expansion for rod reception.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual alignment of vertebrae is performed, then precise positioning is achieved, but surgical time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs alignment automatically through its deformable mechanism. As the deformable portion transitions between states, it self-adjusts to position the channel and receiving structure, eliminating the need for manual alignment operations by the surgeon.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical alignment operations are replaced by the automated deformable mechanism. The deformable portion's mechanical transition inherently performs the alignment function that would otherwise require manual manipulation, reducing surgical complexity and time.
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 spinal stabilization with reduced tissue damage and smaller incisions, allowing for more precise alignment and fixation of vertebrae while minimizing the need for manual alignment, thus improving surgical efficiency and patient recovery.
Implementation Method 1
The deformable portion can be deformed from a first state to a second state. The width of the channel can change when the deformable portion is deformed from the first state to the second state.
Data Source
AI summary
The present teachings provide one or more surgical implements for repairing damaged tissue, such as through a fixation procedure. A system for a percutaneous procedure is provided. The system can include a bone fastener including a receiver. The system can include a device having a first end, a second end and a middle portion. The first end, middle portion and second end can be disposed along a longitudinal axis, and the second end can be connected to the receiver. The middle portion can have a pair of deformable leg members extending between the first and second ends. The leg members can define a channel having a width. The leg members can be selectively movable between a retracted state and an expanded state with the width of the channel greater in the expanded state than in the retracted state.