Expandable Catheter for Intervertebral Disc Space Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tools are inadequate for accurately evaluating the extent of discectomy procedures and assessing the intradiscal space for further interventions like fusion or arthroplasty in degenerated disc disease.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an elongated catheter with an expandable body and a securing mechanism, allowing for insertion and expansion within the intervertebral disc space to assess the extent of discectomy and guide additional procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional discectomy tools are used, then the surgical procedure can be performed, but accurate evaluation of discectomy extent and intradiscal space assessment cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The assessment tool is divided into distinct functional segments: an elongated catheter for access, an expandable body for space occupation and measurement, and a securing mechanism for attachment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall system manageability during the surgical procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable body transitions from a compressed delivery state to an expanded assessment state within the intervertebral disc space. This dynamic transformation enables the tool to adapt its size and shape to the specific anatomical space being assessed, providing accurate volumetric measurements while remaining navigable through the surgical access path.
2Measurement precision
If the expandable body is inserted and expanded within the intervertebral disc space, then precise volumetric assessment is enabled, but the risk of damaging surrounding structures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elongated catheter is inserted and positioned within the intervertebral disc space before the expandable body is deployed. This preliminary positioning ensures accurate placement and orientation of the assessment tool, allowing the expandable body to be inflated only at the correct location and orientation, thereby avoiding damage to surrounding neural and vascular structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable body provides real-time feedback through its expansion characteristics and interaction with the disc space boundaries. By monitoring the expansion pressure and volume, the surgeon can assess the intradiscal space characteristics and stop expansion when appropriate limits are reached, preventing over-expansion that could damage surrounding structures.
3Reliability
If a secure attachment mechanism is used to fix the expandable body to the catheter, then tool stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The securing mechanism is designed to automatically engage and secure the expandable body to the elongated catheter without requiring separate attachment steps or additional components. The mechanism utilizes the existing structural elements of the catheter and expandable body to create a self-securing connection, maintaining tool stability while avoiding the complexity of external fastening systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for assessing an intervertebral disc space comprises an elongated catheter with proximal and distal ends and an expandable body attached to the distal end of the elongated catheter. The expandable body includes proximal and distal end portions. The system further comprises a securing mechanism encircling at least one of the proximal or distal end portions of the expandable body to tighten the expandable body against the elongated catheter.