Minimally Invasive Disc Augmentation via Contrast Evacuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating intervertebral disc injuries and degeneration require invasive procedures, involving large holes in the disc annulus for implantation and subsequent repair, which weaken the tissue, increase surgical time and cost, and often necessitate pre-procedure imaging that disrupts intradiscal pressure.
Innovation Solution
A minimally invasive method using a hypodermic needle to introduce contrast media into the nucleus pulposus for imaging and evacuation, followed by the introduction of disc augmentation biomaterial without removing any tissue, allowing the annulus to self-seal, thus avoiding the need for repair and reducing surgical complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a large hole is cut in the disc annulus to allow implant introduction, then the implant can be implanted into the disc, but the annular tissue is weakened and requires subsequent repair
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin, flexible needle instead of a large rigid opening tool. The needle creates a minimal puncture that allows implant delivery while maintaining the structural integrity of the annulus. The small puncture tract flexes with the surrounding tissue and does not create a large weak zone requiring repair.
2Ease of manufacture
If a large hole is cut in the disc annulus for implantation, then the implant can be introduced, but surgical time increases due to the need for repair
Solution Approach 1:
By using a thin needle that creates a minimal puncture rather than a large hole, the procedure eliminates the time-consuming repair step. The small puncture tract requires no suturing, plugging, or other repair measures, thereby reducing overall surgical time.
3Measurement precision
If contrast media is introduced into the intervertebral disc for imaging, then disc imaging can be performed, but intradiscal pressure remains elevated for hours or days
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the contrast media from the disc immediately after imaging by applying negative pressure through the needle. This rapid removal of contrast media quickly restores normal intradiscal pressure, avoiding the prolonged pressure elevation that would otherwise occur as the contrast media slowly diffuses out over hours or days.
4Ease of operation
If a large hole is cut in the disc annulus, then implant introduction is facilitated, but the procedure becomes more complex requiring repair steps
Solution Approach 1:
The thin needle serves as both the access tool and the delivery mechanism. Its flexibility allows it to navigate to the target site and deliver the implant through its hollow core. The minimal puncture it creates requires no additional repair devices or procedures, thereby simplifying the overall procedure despite maintaining ease of implant introduction.
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
This approach minimizes tissue damage, reduces surgical time and cost, and allows for effective disc augmentation without disrupting the natural tissue, providing a more efficient and less invasive treatment for intervertebral disc issues.
Implementation Method 1
evacuating the contrast media and other flowable material from the nucleus via vacuum extraction. The vacuum extraction is applied to the nucleus through a hypodermic needle.
Implementation Method 2
aspirating at least the contrast media from the nucleus to reduce an intradiscal pressure within the nucleus
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for of treating intervertebral discs are disclosed. In one embodiment, a minimally invasive method of treating an intervertebral disc is provided. A contrast or imaging media is introduced into a nucleus of the intervertebral disc without removing any of the nucleus. The intervertebral disc is imaged with the contrast media within the nucleus. Then the contrast media is evacuated from the nucleus to reduce intradiscal pressure. Finally, a disc augmentation biomaterial is introduced into the nucleus. The disc augmentation biomaterial is introduced in such a manner that the disc augmentation biomaterial is maintained within the nucleus without having to repair an opening in the annulus surrounding the nucleus.