Dual-Shield Spinal Access for Safe Disc Entry and Nerve Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The anatomic window of Kambin's triangle for safe disc access is limited, and existing spinal surgical tools face challenges in safely introducing implants and protecting nervous tissue during microsurgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A dual-shield system comprising an outer shield with a larger diameter for initial access and an inner shield with a smaller diameter for nerve protection, allowing safe insertion and visualization of instruments into the intervertebral space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If a standard microsurgical tube with inner diameter of 16-30 mm is used for spinal decompression, then adequate working space and visualization are achieved, but the risk of nerve damage increases and tissue trauma is greater
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested shield configuration where an inner shield (diameter 5-12 mm) is positioned within an outer shield (diameter 12-30 mm). The inner shield extends past the outer shield to reach the disc level, creating a protective barrier that shields nervous tissue from instruments while maintaining adequate working space for microsurgical procedures.
2Ease of operation
If the anatomic window of Kambin's triangle is enlarged by resecting the superior articular process, then safe disc access is improved, but the complexity of the procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The access system is segmented into multiple functional components: an outer shield for initial access and visualization, and an inner shield for nerve protection and instrument guidance. This segmentation allows the procedure to maintain the benefits of enlarged access window while distributing the complexity across modular components that can be independently positioned and adjusted.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a percutaneous approach is used for minimal tissue damage, then tissue trauma is reduced, but direct visualization and control are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The outer shield acts as an intermediary structure that enables both percutaneous access and direct visualization. It provides a stable, visualized corridor from the skin surface to the disc level, allowing the surgeon to maintain direct visual control while benefiting from the minimal tissue disruption of a percutaneous approach.
4Reliability
If the inner shield extends past the outer shield to shield nerves, then nerve protection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inner shield is designed with localized protection features where it extends past the outer shield specifically at the nerve exposure zone. This local quality enhancement provides targeted nerve protection without requiring the entire shield structure to be overly complex, maintaining simplicity in regions where full protection is not needed.
Data Source
AI summary
An access device for accessing an intervertebral disc having an outer shield comprising an access shield with a larger diameter (˜16-30 mm) that reaches from the skin down to the facet line, with an inner shield having a second smaller diameter (˜5-12 mm) extending past the access shield and reaches down to the disc level. This combines the benefits of the direct visual microsurgical/mini open approaches and the percutaneous, “ultra-MIS” techniques.