Expandable Interbody Fusion Implant for Adjustable Sizing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional intervertebral fusion devices are costly, time-consuming to manufacture, and can cause issues such as expulsion and subsidence due to improper sizing, leading to poor or delayed fusion results.

Innovation Solution

An expandable intervertebral implant with sloped endplates and a translation member, featuring silicon nitride components, allows for adjustable expansion and improved bone integration through osteoinductive and osteoconductive properties, reducing manufacturing complexity and enhancing fusion stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional fusion devices are made from multiple components with intricate mating features using subtractive manufacturing, then the device can be implanted, but the manufacturing process becomes time-consuming and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing processVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate components (endplates, body, cap) into a single monolithic structure formed by additive manufacturing, eliminating the need for intricate mating features and multiple assembly steps while reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical subtractive manufacturing process with additive manufacturing technology, fundamentally changing the manufacturing approach to build structures layer-by-layer rather than removing material, thereby reducing both time and cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If solid fusion cages are used with fixed sizes, then the device can be implanted, but the device may be undersized or oversized causing expulsion, poor fusion, or subsidence

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefusion stabilityVSAvoidsize adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an expandable mechanism that allows the fusion cage to dynamically change its dimensions from a compressed implantation state to an expanded operational state, enabling the device to adapt to different vertebral body sizes and achieve optimal fit and stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the fusion cage into expandable segments or components that can be assembled in a compact configuration for implantation and then expanded to the required size, providing size adaptability while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple fixed-size cage inventories are maintained, then different size requirements can be met, but manufacturing costs and inventory expenses increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecage size varietyVSAvoidinventory costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal base cage structure that can be expanded to multiple different final sizes, allowing a single inventory item to serve multiple size requirements and thereby reducing the need to maintain separate inventories of different fixed-size cages

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 expandable implant addresses manufacturing inefficiencies and provides stable fusion by allowing adjustable sizing and promoting bone growth, resulting in improved fusion outcomes and reduced inventory costs.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOsteoinduction:

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOsteoconduction:

Implementation Method 3

An expandable intervertebral implant with sloped endplates and a translation member, featuring silicon nitride components, allows for adjustable expansion and improved bone integration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical expansion:

Data Source

PatentUS12458508B2Expandable interbody fusion device

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 CTL AMEDICA CORP

AI summary

An expandable intervertebral implant for an intervertebral fusion is provided. The implant includes a first endplate, a second endplate, a translation member and an auger mounted to the translation member and extending through the second endplate. The first endplate includes a sloped anterior face and a sloped posterior face. The second endplate includes a posteriorly facing sloped surface for matingly engaging the sloped anterior face of the first endplate. The translation member includes an anteriorly facing sloped surface for matingly engaging the sloped posterior face of the first endplate.