Expandable Fusion Device With Central Ramp
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional intervertebral fusion devices require vertebral body distraction for installation, making it difficult to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, as they are typically dimensioned larger than the initial distraction height.
Innovation Solution
An expandable fusion device with a central ramp and endplates that can be inserted in a minimally distracted or non-distracted state, allowing for expansion within the intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, facilitated by endoscopic insertion and expansion mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fusion devices are dimensioned larger than the initial distraction height to maintain normal disc spacing, then disc spacing maintenance is improved, but device installation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fusion device incorporates an expandable structure with a central ramp and endplates that can be dynamically adjusted after insertion. The device transitions from a compressed insertion state to an expanded functional state, allowing the height to be adjusted in-situ to match the target disc spacing while maintaining ease of installation through the initial compressed configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable fusion device can be inserted in a compressed or collapsed state within a delivery system, similar to nested dolls. The endplates and central ramp are configured to nest together during insertion, reducing the insertion profile, and then expand to the final functional configuration once positioned in the intervertebral space
2Ease of operation
If vertebral body distraction is performed to install conventional fusion devices, then device insertion is facilitated, but spinal stability restoration becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device allows for dynamic height adjustment after insertion, enabling the surgeon to first insert the device in a compressed state and then expand it to the appropriate height to restore normal disc spacing and spinal stability, eliminating the need for pre-distriction
3Ease of operation
If fusion devices are installed with initial distraction, then device placement is easier, but normal disc spacing maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable structure allows the device to be inserted in a compressed state and then expanded to the precise target height, enabling accurate disc spacing maintenance. The device can be adjusted in-situ to achieve the exact spacing required, improving precision over fixed-size devices
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 the installation of the fusion device without initial distraction, maintaining normal disc spacing and promoting intervertebral fusion by allowing for adjustable height expansion to match the anatomical needs, facilitating effective spinal stability restoration.
Implementation Method 1
The central ramp may be capable of moving in a first direction to push the first and second endplates outwardly
Data Source
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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.