Drill Assembly for Spinal Cord Stimulator Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Percutaneous spinal cord stimulators are susceptible to axial movement within the spinal column, leading to potential dislodgement and ineffective pain management due to their axial extension through the spinal column.
Innovation Solution
A drill assembly and guide wire system are used to stabilize the stimulators by creating access points and securing monofilaments within the epidural space, allowing for precise placement and anchoring of the leads to prevent movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If percutaneous electrodes are extended axially through the spinal column to reach the epidural space, then the electrodes can be positioned to deliver electrical pulses for pain control, but the electrodes become susceptible to axial movement and dislodgement when the patient moves
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the anchoring function into multiple segments: the drill assembly creates bony anchors in the vertebrae, the guide wire assembly provides continuous support through the epidural space, and the lead wires are secured at multiple points. This segmentation distributes the stabilizing force across multiple structural elements, preventing single-point failure and reducing axial movement while preserving patient mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The drill assembly creates bony anchors in the vertebrae before the electrodes are fully positioned. These pre-formed anchors serve as stable attachment points that prevent subsequent axial movement. The guide wire is also preliminarily positioned to establish a stable pathway before the final electrode placement, ensuring that the electrodes remain secured during patient movement.
2Reliability
If the electrodes are secured firmly to prevent axial movement, then stability is improved, but the complexity of the implantation procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple functions into integrated assemblies: the drill assembly combines drilling, anchoring, and guide wire placement functions; the guide wire assembly integrates the guide wire, magnet, and retrieval mechanisms. This consolidation reduces the number of separate steps and components needed, simplifying the overall procedure while maintaining electrode stability through the combined action of these multi-functional assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide wire assembly includes a magnet that self-aligns with a corresponding magnet in the drill assembly, automatically establishing the correct positioning and depth without requiring complex measurement or alignment procedures. The drill assembly also features self-regulating depth control mechanisms that prevent over-drilling, reducing the need for complex control systems and simplifying the implantation process.
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
The system effectively secures spinal cord stimulators in place, ensuring consistent voltage application and reducing the risk of dislodgement, thereby enhancing pain management efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
A magnet is disposed on a proximal end of the guide wire assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for implanting and stabilizing spinal cord stimulators in an epidural space of the spinal column of a patient to prevent or limit axial movement of the stimulators once implanted in the epidural space. The system includes a drill assembly, a guide wire assembly, and a guide wire receiver. The drill assembly includes a cannula, a drill for creating access points in the patient's spinal column for implanting the stimulators, and an incremental drill adjuster for drilling into the patient's lamina a pre-set, discrete distance. The guide wire assembly includes a hollowed guide wire sleeve, a guide wire housed within the sleeve, and a magnet disposed on a proximal end of the guide wire assembly. The guide wire receiver includes a scoop for receiving and catching the magnet to assist in feeding the stimulators through the epidural space.