Intervertebral Spacer Insertion With DTS Guide Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical devices and methods for implanting intervertebral spacers between vertebral bodies lack effective guidance for proper insertion of awl tools, driver tools, and bone screws, leading to challenges in stabilizing and securing the spacers during spinal fixation procedures.
Innovation Solution
The development of an intervertebral spacer insertion system that includes a Drill, Tap, and Screw guide (DTS guide) and an inserter tool, which features angled fastener channels and wings to align and guide fasteners into the spacer, ensuring accurate placement and stabilization without additional apertures or recesses in the spacer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional surgical devices and methods are used for implanting intervertebral spacers, then the procedure can be performed with simpler equipment, but the precision and accuracy of fastener insertion into the spacer is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a guide member as an intermediary component that mediates between the fastener (bone screw) and the intervertebral spacer. The guide member includes a guide channel that receives and guides the fastener, ensuring precise alignment and insertion into the spacer's fastener channel. This intermediary structure resolves the precision issue without requiring complex modifications to the spacer itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical device is segmented into distinct functional components: the intervertebral spacer, the guide member, and the fastener. The guide member can be separately positioned and adjusted to provide guidance, while the spacer maintains its primary function of spacing and stabilization. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together as a system.
2Measurement precision
If additional apertures or recesses are added to the intervertebral spacer for guidance, then the alignment and guidance of fasteners can be improved, but the structural integrity and simplicity of the spacer is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying the spacer with additional apertures or recesses, the patent uses a separate guide member as an intermediary to provide alignment guidance. The guide member's guide channel aligns with the spacer's fastener channel, providing precise guidance without altering the spacer's basic structure or compromising its structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The guidance function is moved from the two-dimensional surface of the spacer to a three-dimensional guide channel in the guide member. This dimensional transition allows for more precise guidance through the channel's internal geometry, while the spacer itself remains structurally simple and intact.
3Productivity
If manual insertion methods are used for fasteners, then the surgical procedure can be performed with simpler tools, but the time and effort required for proper alignment and insertion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member serves as a mediator that facilitates the insertion process by providing a pre-aligned guide channel. The fastener is inserted through this channel, which automatically maintains proper alignment with the spacer's fastener channel, reducing the skill and time required for accurate insertion by the surgeon.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide member is positioned and aligned in advance before fastener insertion. The guide channel is pre-oriented to match the required insertion angle and position, so that when the fastener is introduced, the alignment is already established. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex real-time alignment maneuvers during insertion.
Data Source
AI summary
An insertion assembly may include a DTS guide and an inserter tool configured to couple an intervertebral spacer having a fastener channel configured to receive a fastener and a locking member channel with a first engagement feature. The inserter tool may include a second engagement feature configured to engage the first engagement feature and removably couple the inserter tool with the intervertebral spacer. The DTS guide may include a shaft lumen configured to receive the inserter tool and slidably couple with the inserter tool. The DTS guide may also include a DTS guide channel configured to receive the fastener and a DTS guide wing. The DTS guide wing may abut against a surface of the intervertebral spacer to align the DTS guide channel with the fastener channel and guide the fastener through the DTS guide channel and into the fastener channel.