Expandable Cage with Compound-Angled Ramps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current interbody fusion devices require precise dimensions for insertion into the intervertebral space, which can be challenging when the space has collapsed, necessitating additional hardware and invasive surgical techniques.
Innovation Solution
An expandable intervertebral body fusion device that can be inserted in a collapsed state and expanded in situ to a larger dimension, using compound-angled ramps and a drive mechanism to increase the distance between adjacent vertebrae and provide support during bone fusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If an interbody implant is inserted into the intervertebral space at full dimensions, then the implant can provide immediate structural support, but the surgical procedure becomes more invasive requiring larger incisions and greater tissue disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into two functional states: a compressed insertion state for minimally invasive delivery and an expanded functional state for structural support. The implant body is segmented into expandable chambers that can be inflated or extended after placement to achieve full dimensions within the intervertebral space.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant transitions from a static small dimension form to a dynamic expanded form after insertion. This dynamic transformation allows the implant to adapt its size in situ, providing structural support only when needed while maintaining minimal invasiveness during the surgical insertion phase.
2Volume of stationary object
If the intervertebral space has collapsed, then the available space for implant placement is reduced, but creating an opening large enough for a full-sized implant requires additional invasive hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is pre-compressed to a reduced size before insertion, allowing it to pass through the collapsed intervertebral space without requiring additional expansion hardware. After successful placement, the implant is then expanded to its functional dimensions, eliminating the need for complex pre-expansion devices or large incisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant utilizes a dimensional transformation approach, transitioning from a compact one-dimensional insertion profile to a three-dimensional expanded structure within the intervertebral space. This dimensional change allows the implant to navigate through collapsed spaces while still achieving full volumetric support.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If minimally invasive techniques are used with small incisions, then tissue disruption is minimized, but inserting an interbody implant becomes challenging when the intervertebral space is collapsed
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is segmented into a compressed delivery configuration and an expanded functional configuration. This segmentation allows the implant to be delivered through small incisions in a compact form while still providing full structural support after expansion, resolving the conflict between minimal tissue disruption and effective implant placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant's physical parameters (size, volume, dimensions) are changed between delivery and functional states. By controlling the expansion parameters after insertion, the implant can be delivered through minimally invasive pathways while achieving the necessary structural dimensions to address the collapsed intervertebral space.
Data Source
AI summary
An expandable cage for placement between adjacent vertebrae having two or more upper and lower end plates having compound-angled slots, ramps or rails, and a drive means having corresponding compound-angled slots, ramps or rails configured to slidingly engage the compound-angled slots, ramps or rails of the two or more upper and lower end plates, wherein movement of the drive means in a first direction moves the two or more upper and lower end plates away from each other both vertically and horizontally to expand both a height and a width of the expandable cage from a collapsed state to an expanded state.