Expandable Fusion Device Endplate Expansion Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional intervertebral fusion devices require vertebral body distraction for installation, making it difficult to maintain normal disc spacing and spinal stability without over-sizing the fusion device.
Innovation Solution
An expandable fusion device with a central ramp and endplates that can be expanded within the intervertebral disc space, allowing for installation without initial distraction, and maintaining normal disc spacing through adjustable expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional fusion devices are used, then vertebral body distraction is required for installation, but this makes it difficult to maintain normal disc spacing and increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The fusion device incorporates an expandable structure that transitions from a compressed delivery configuration to an expanded deployed configuration. The endplates are initially close together during insertion through a narrow delivery system, then expand outward after positioning to achieve the final disc space height, eliminating the need for pre-distribution and simplifying the installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable fusion device is designed to be nested within a delivery system during insertion. The endplates and central ramp are contained within a compact configuration that allows passage through a narrow delivery catheter, then expand to their full functional size after positioning in the disc space, enabling minimally invasive installation.
2Length of stationary object
If fusion device height is increased to maintain normal disc spacing after distraction, then disc spacing is maintained, but installation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device height is dynamic rather than fixed. During insertion, the endplates are in a compressed state with minimal separation, allowing easy passage through the delivery system. After positioning, the endplates expand to the appropriate height to maintain normal disc spacing, combining the benefits of easy insertion with proper spacing maintenance.
3Ease of operation
If vertebral body distraction is performed to install fusion device, then fusion device can be inserted, but initial disc spacing is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The device is prepared in a compressed state before insertion, allowing it to pass through a narrow delivery system. Once positioned in the disc space, the device expands to its functional configuration, establishing the proper disc spacing. This preliminary compression allows insertion without disrupting the disc space, followed by expansion to restore and maintain proper spacing.
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
Enables efficient installation and maintenance of normal disc spacing and spinal stability, facilitating intervertebral fusion while avoiding the need for initial vertebral body distraction.
Implementation Method 1
The central ramp may be capable of moving in a first direction to push the first and second endplates outwardly and into an unexpanded configuration
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In one embodiment, the fusion device includes a central ramp, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the central ramp capable of being moved in a first direction to move the first and second endplates outwardly and into an expanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed down an endoscopic tube.