Expandable Fusion Device Endoscopic Spinal Stability
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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 without over-sizing the fusion device.
Innovation Solution
An expandable fusion device with a central ramp and endplates that can be inserted in a minimally distracted or non-distracted state, expanding to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, allowing for endoscopic placement and expansion within the intervertebral disc space.
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 restore spinal stability
Solution Approach 1:
The fusion device transitions from a compressed insertion state to an expanded functional state after implantation. The device is inserted in a low-profile configuration and then expanded within the disc space to achieve the target height, allowing easy installation without distraction while maintaining proper disc spacing.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes its height parameter from a compressed state during insertion to an expanded state after implantation. This parameter transformation allows the device to be inserted through a narrow pathway and then expand to the required height to maintain normal disc spacing without requiring vertebral body distraction.
2Manufacturing precision
If the fusion device is dimensioned larger in height than the initial distraction height, then normal disc spacing can be maintained, but this makes it difficult to install the fusion device in the distracted intervertebral space
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed with dynamic height adjustment capability, transitioning from a compressed insertion configuration to an expanded functional configuration. This allows the device to be inserted in a compact form and then expanded to the larger height needed for maintaining normal disc spacing.
Solution Approach 2:
The fusion device is inserted in a compressed or nested configuration that fits within the available distraction space, and then expanded to its full height. This nesting approach allows the larger device to be installed through a smaller effective insertion profile.
3Ease of operation
If vertebral body distraction is performed to restore disc space height, then the disc space can be accessed, but the height difference complicates fusion device installation
Solution Approach 1:
The fusion device incorporates dynamic height adjustment, allowing it to be inserted in a compressed state through the distracted disc space and then expanded to the target height. This eliminates the need to match the device height to the distraction height, simplifying the installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is prepared in a pre-compressed or pre-nested configuration before insertion, allowing it to pass through the distracted disc space easily. The expansion to final height occurs after insertion, separating the insertion and positioning steps for greater surgical control.
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.