Expandable Fusion Implant for Easier Disc Space Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional intervertebral fusion devices require vertebral body distraction to maintain normal disc spacing, making installation difficult due to height discrepancies.
Innovation Solution
An expandable fusion device with endplates, a body portion, and actuation mechanisms that allow for expansion and contraction, enabling installation without initial distraction and maintaining spacing through rotational or linear actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fusion devices are used to maintain normal disc spacing, then intervertebral fusion is achieved, but installation difficulty increases due to height discrepancies requiring pre-distraction
Solution Approach 1:
The fusion device incorporates expandable structures that allow the device to change its height dynamically. The device can be inserted in a collapsed or partially expanded state and then expanded to the desired height to maintain normal disc spacing, eliminating the need for pre-distraction and reducing installation difficulty
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes mechanisms such as threaded rods, cam surfaces, or hydraulic systems that allow continuous adjustment of the device height parameter. This enables the device to be inserted at a reduced height and then expanded to the optimal height for maintaining disc spacing, resolving the contradiction between reliable fusion and ease of installation
2Length of stationary object
If vertebral bodies are distracted to restore disc spacing, then normal disc height is achieved, but the complexity of the installation procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to be pre-loaded or pre-positioned in a compact configuration that facilitates easy insertion into the intervertebral space. After insertion, the device is then expanded to achieve the desired disc spacing, reversing the conventional sequence and eliminating the need for complex pre-distraction procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs nested or telescoping structures where components are positioned within each other in a compact arrangement for insertion. Once in place, the components are deployed or expanded to achieve the full disc spacing height, simplifying the installation procedure while maintaining the required disc height
3Length of stationary object
If fusion devices are dimensioned larger than distraction height to maintain spacing, then normal disc spacing is maintained, but insertion difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a static large-dimensional structure to a dynamic structure that can change size. The device is inserted in a compressed or collapsed state with reduced dimensions, then expanded in situ to the larger dimensions needed for maintaining normal disc spacing, thereby facilitating easier insertion while achieving the desired spacing maintenance
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
Facilitates easy installation and maintains normal intervertebral disc spacing, promoting fusion and spinal stability with adjustable expansion.
Implementation Method 1
the actuation member is configured to transmit a force to the translation member
Implementation Method 2
rotational movement of the actuation member transmits a force to the actuation member
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 body portion, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the first and second endplates capable of being moved in a direction away from the body portion into an expanded configuration or capable of being moved towards the body portion into an unexpanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed and installed in both configurations.