Dual-Shield Spinal Disc Access for Visualization and Nerve Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal surgical techniques face challenges in safely accessing the intervertebral disc space due to the limited dimensions of the Kambin's triangle and the need for precise protection and visualization of surrounding tissues, especially nervous tissue, during procedures like microsurgical decompression and bone resection.
Innovation Solution
A dual-shield system comprising an outer shield with a larger diameter for tissue separation and visualization, and an inner shield with a smaller diameter for nerve protection, allowing safe insertion and protection of nervous tissue while enabling direct visual control and minimal trauma.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a direct visual microsurgical or mini open approach is used, then visualization and dexterity are improved, but patient morbidity and recovery time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested shield configuration where an inner shield is positioned within an outer shield. The outer shield provides initial protection and guidance, while the inner shield extends further to provide continued protection at the disc level. This nested arrangement allows for enhanced visualization and access while maintaining protective barriers throughout the procedure, thereby reducing patient morbidity despite improved surgical capability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If percutaneous ultra-MIS techniques are used, then patient morbidity is reduced, but visualization and dexterity are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-shield system acts as an intermediary structure that bridges the gap between percutaneous access and open surgical capabilities. The shields provide a protected corridor that maintains the minimally invasive percutaneous approach while creating a stable, visualized workspace. This intermediary structure enables real-time visualization and instrument manipulation without requiring larger incisions, thus preserving the low morbidity benefit of percutaneous techniques.
3Loss of time
If a single-stage percutaneous approach is used, then procedure time is reduced, but safety and protection during traversal are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The outer shield is deployed first to create an initial protective corridor and guide the subsequent inner shield placement. This preliminary action establishes a safe pathway before the inner shield extends further to the disc level. By performing this staged deployment within a single surgical session, the system maintains continuous protection throughout the procedure while avoiding the need for multiple separate interventions, thus balancing safety with procedural efficiency.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3D
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 (~5-12mm) 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.