Expandable Corpectomy Device with Rack and Pinion Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical options for addressing intervertebral disc deterioration, such as vertebral fusion and dynamic stabilization, are invasive and require prolonged hospitalization and recovery, with corpectomy devices often being rigidly sized to match pre-distracted vertebrae cavities, posing challenges in fitting and tissue trauma.
Innovation Solution
A longitudinally adjustable corpectomy device with a rack and pinion mechanism and ratchet system allows incremental expansion within the intervertebral cavity, featuring pivotable endplates that can self-adjust to accommodate varying spinal curvatures, enabling securement at desired increments and preventing contraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If corpectomy devices are manufactured at various fixed heights to match distracted vertebrae cavities, then the device can provide stable structural support, but the surgical procedure becomes difficult and lengthy requiring precise pre-distracted cavity matching
Solution Approach 1:
The corpectomy device incorporates an expandable structure with telescoping sections that allow the device to change its length dynamically. The device is initially inserted in a compressed state and then expanded in situ using an expander mechanism, transforming a static fixed-height device into a dynamic adjustable one that adapts to the distracted cavity dimensions without requiring precise pre-distracted matching
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into multiple telescoping sections that can slide relative to each other. This segmentation allows the device to be compressed for insertion and then expanded to various heights within the cavity, providing both ease of insertion and post-insertion adjustability without requiring complex pre-surgical planning
2Reliability
If the vertebrae cavity is distracted to accommodate a sized corpectomy device, then the device can be securely fitted, but the procedure increases risk of trauma to surrounding tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The device is prepared in a compressed state before insertion, allowing it to pass through the surgical approach with minimal distraction of the vertebrae cavity. After insertion, the device is expanded to its final size within the cavity, eliminating the need for extensive pre-surgical distraction that causes tissue trauma
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping sections are nested within each other in a compressed configuration for insertion. Once inside the cavity, the sections are extended outward, allowing the device to achieve its full size and secure fit without requiring the cavity to be pre-distracted to accommodate the final device dimensions
3Ease of manufacture
If corpectomy devices are rigidly sized for pre-distracted cavities, then manufacturing is simplified, but the device lacks adaptability to individual spinal anatomy variations
Solution Approach 1:
The device maintains a simple manufactured form in its compressed state but gains adaptability through its expandable mechanism. The telescoping sections can be extended to various lengths and the endplates can be oriented at different angles, allowing a single manufactured device to adapt to various spinal anatomy variations without requiring multiple custom-sized devices
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows change in its key dimensional parameter (length) after manufacturing. The telescoping mechanism enables the device to be adjusted from a compressed length to multiple expanded lengths, and the pivotable endplates allow angular adjustments, providing adaptability to individual spinal anatomy while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device facilitates less invasive surgical procedures by allowing precise adjustment and securement within the intervertebral cavity, reducing tissue trauma and improving fit to individual spinal anatomy, thus enhancing surgical efficiency and patient recovery.
Implementation Method 1
A longitudinally adjustable corpectomy device with a rack and pinion mechanism and ratchet system allows incremental expansion within the intervertebral cavity
Implementation Method 2
The ratchet mechanism prevents the two members from contracting once expanded
Implementation Method 3
featuring pivotable endplates that can self-adjust to accommodate varying spinal curvatures
Data Source
AI summary
The instant invention is a longitudinally adjustable corpectomy device which fits within the intervertebral distracted channel. A ratchet mechanism allows for an extendable member to adjust to a longer length to accommodate a distracted channel. The ratchet type mechanism allows the members to move in a unidirectional movement to prevent the two members from contracting once expanded.