Expandable Catheter Distal Cap for Disc Space Evaluation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 mandrel that allows for the adjustment and expansion of a distal cap portion within the intervertebral disc space, enabling precise assessment and evaluation of the disc space post-discectomy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current tools are used for discectomy evaluation, then the procedure can be completed, but accurate evaluation of the disc space and assessment for further procedures cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The device changes the physical state of the评估 medium from liquid to expanded gel-like state, allowing the assessment tool to adapt its volume and shape to fill the disc space completely, thereby improving measurement accuracy and assessment reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The assessment device transitions from a compressed delivery state to an expanded assessment state within the disc space. The expandable body can be inflated or extended to occupy the full disc space volume, enabling accurate evaluation of the treated area and assessment for further procedures
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-length assessable body is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to varying disc space volumes and configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The assessable body is designed with expandable characteristics, allowing it to change its volume and shape in response to the disc space geometry. The body can be inflated or extended to match the specific disc space dimensions, providing adaptability without requiring multiple fixed-size devices
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameters of the assessable body (volume, shape, density) are made changeable through expansion mechanisms. This allows a single device structure to adapt to varying disc space configurations by modifying its own parameters rather than requiring multiple fixed configurations
3Ease of operation
If the distal cap portion is fixed relative to the catheter, then the device is easier to manufacture, but it cannot be repositioned to assess different regions of the disc space
Solution Approach 1:
The distal cap portion is designed with movable characteristics relative to the catheter, allowing repositioning along the catheter length. This mobility enables assessment of different disc space regions without requiring multiple fixed devices, while the movable connection maintains manufacturing feasibility through standard mechanical coupling mechanisms
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 carried at the distal end of the elongated catheter. The expandable body includes a distal cap portion. The system further includes a mandrel extending through the elongated catheter and the expandable body and attached to the distal cap portion. The mandrel is movable within the elongated catheter and the expandable body to reposition the distal cap portion relative to the distal end of the elongated catheter while the expandable body is positioned within the intervertebral disc space.