Expandable Corpectomy Device with Ratchet Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical options for addressing intervertebral disc deterioration, such as vertebral fusion and dynamic stabilization, are highly invasive and require prolonged hospitalization and recovery, with existing corpectomy devices often being rigidly sized to match the distracted cavity, posing challenges in fitting and increasing tissue trauma risk.
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 and a removable shaft for precise adjustment and secure locking, accommodating varying spinal curvatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigidly sized corpectomy device is used to match the distracted cavity, then the device can provide stable support, but it increases the difficulty of fitting and the risk of tissue trauma
Solution Approach 1:
The corpectomy device incorporates an expandable structure with telescoping sections that can be adjusted dynamically to match the size of the distracted cavity. The device is inserted in a compressed state and then expanded in situ using an expander mechanism, allowing it to adapt to the specific cavity dimensions without requiring precise pre-sizing, thereby reducing fitting difficulty and tissue trauma risk while maintaining stable support.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows for parameter changes in its dimensional characteristics through the expanding mechanism. The length and volume of the corpectomy device can be adjusted after insertion to precisely match the distracted cavity dimensions, transforming the device from a fixed-size component to an adjustable one, which resolves the contradiction between reliable support and ease of fitting.
2Reliability
If the cavity is distracted to match a pre-sized corpectomy device, then the device can be securely fitted, but the surgical procedure becomes difficult and lengthy
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to be inserted in a compressed, space-efficient state and then expanded dynamically within the cavity. This eliminates the need for time-consuming cavity distraction procedures to match pre-sized devices, as the expansion occurs in situ after insertion, significantly reducing surgical procedure time while ensuring secure fitting.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is prepared in a compressed state before insertion, which is the preliminary action that enables minimally invasive insertion. The actual sizing and expansion action is deferred to after insertion, allowing the surgeon to insert the device quickly without extensive cavity preparation, thereby reducing overall surgical time while maintaining secure fitting.
3Ease of manufacture
If a pre-sized corpectomy device is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to varying spinal curvatures and cavity sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The corpectomy device is divided into telescoping sections or segments that can slide relative to each other during expansion. This segmentation allows the device to be manufactured in a standardized compressed form while achieving variable expanded sizes to adapt to different cavity dimensions and spinal curvatures, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while enhancing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a static, pre-sized component to a dynamic, adjustable structure that can change its dimensions after insertion. This dynamic capability allows a single manufactured design to serve multiple size requirements and adapt to varying spinal curvatures, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and adaptability.
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 enables minimally invasive, adjustable implantation that reduces tissue trauma and facilitates precise fitting, allowing for customized expansion and stabilization of the spine, thereby alleviating pressure on nerves and improving mobility with reduced recovery time.
Implementation Method 1
The ratchet mechanism prevents the two members from contracting once expanded.
Implementation Method 2
An expanding member moves in relation to a base member in accordance with a rack and pinion type operation.
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.