Endosteal Guide Pin with Integrated Trocar Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current pedicle screw implantation tools are complex, leading to difficulties in maintaining the guide pin, increased risk of infection, longer surgery durations, and require a large surgical space due to the need for image guidance, which also increases manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

A simplified instrument comprising a provisional guide pin with a coaxial guide rod and a trocar system that allows for easy placement and removal of the guide pin, reducing the number of parts and spatial requirements, and enabling separate operations for guide pin placement and screw insertion without the need for continuous image guidance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a complex multi-part instrument is used for guide pin insertion and removal, then the guide pin can be maintained and positioned, but the device complexity increases and surgery duration extends

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveguide pin maintenanceVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the guide pin insertion and removal functions into a single integrated instrument. The trocar includes a hollow rod that receives the guide pin, with coupling means that enable both insertion and subsequent removal through the same device, eliminating the need for separate instruments for each operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The trocar is designed as a multi-functional instrument that performs multiple operations: it guides the guide pin during insertion, maintains the guide pin in position, and enables removal of the guide pin. The coupling means provide universal functionality for both securing and releasing the guide pin through the same device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple parts are used in the instrument, then the guide pin can be secured, but the risk of infection increases and surgery duration extends

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveguide pin positioningVSAvoidinfection risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By combining multiple functions into a single instrument, the patent reduces the number of separate parts that need to be inserted and manipulated during surgery. This reduction in the number of foreign objects and manipulation steps directly lowers the infection risk while maintaining reliable guide pin positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If a complex instrument with multiple parts is used, then the guide pin can be inserted and removed, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveguide pin insertion and removalVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into a single instrument, which simplifies the manufacturing process compared to producing and assembling multiple separate components. The single instrument with integrated coupling means reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining ease of operation for guide pin insertion and removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Measurement precision

If image guidance is required for the entire surgery, then precise positioning is achieved, but the spatial requirements in the operating room increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveguide pin positioning precisionVSAvoidsurgical space

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates the guide pin placement operation from the screw insertion operation. The guide pin is first inserted with image guidance to establish precise positioning, then the trocar and guide pin are removed, allowing screw insertion without continuous image guidance. This segmentation reduces the spatial requirements in the operating room.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

5Productivity

If the guide pin and screw insertion operations are combined, then the procedure is streamlined, but the precision and safety are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgery efficiencyVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the procedure into distinct phases: first, the guide pin is inserted with image guidance to ensure precise positioning; second, the guide pin and trocar are removed; third, the screw is inserted through the established guide path. This segmentation maintains positioning accuracy while improving surgical efficiency by allowing the screw insertion to proceed without continuous image guidance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12133668B2Endosteal guide pin, positioning trocar and trocar for removing said pin

Publication Date: 2024.11.05 HIRONDELLE MEDICAL

AI summary

An endosteal guide pin for preparing a guide path for the implantation of a pedicle or orthopaedic screw into a patient's bone. The pin has a head intended to be provisionally implanted in a bone and a guide rod, coaxial with and rigidly secured to the head, ending in a free end intended to be at least level with the skin surface of the patient when the pin is in the implanted position in the bone. The pin has a first coupling part intended at least to secure the pin to and release the pin from at least one portion of a positioning trocar and a second coupling part intended at least to secure the pin to a removal trocar. Also, a trocar for positioning a guide pin, which trocar incorporates the guide pin, and to a trocar for removing the pin.