Expandable Interbody Fusion Device Spacing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current interbody fusion devices lack the ability to effectively maintain or reestablish proper spacing between vertebral bodies, particularly in cases of damaged or diseased disc structures, leading to potential neurological and structural impairments.
Innovation Solution
An expandable interbody fusion device with a body member and moveable side members, coupled via a movement mechanism, allowing for expansion or contraction using an expansion tool to maintain optimal spacing between vertebral bodies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed interbody fusion device is used, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to maintain proper spacing between vertebral bodies is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by designing an expandable interbody fusion device with moveable side members that can change size during insertion and operation. The device transitions from a compressed insertable state to an expanded functional state, allowing it to adapt to different spinal anatomies and maintain proper spacing between vertebral bodies while providing structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into distinct components including a body member, moveable side members, and a movement mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform specific functions: the body member provides structural support, the side members adjust to maintain spacing, and the movement mechanism enables controlled expansion, thereby resolving the contradiction between simplicity and functional capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an expandable interbody fusion device is used, then the ability to maintain spacing is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movement mechanism is designed to be self-contained within the device structure, utilizing internal components such as threaded rods and nuts that allow the side members to expand and contract without requiring external actuators or complex control systems. This self-service approach enables customizable expansion while minimizing the addition of external complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The moveable side members serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, maintain proper spacing between vertebral bodies, and enable adjustable expansion to fit different patient anatomies. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing device complexity while enhancing adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If the side members are made moveable, then the spacing adjustment capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical coupling mechanisms with a threaded rod and nut system that provides smooth, controlled movement of the side members. This substitution simplifies the coupling mechanism while maintaining ease of operation, as the threaded mechanism allows for precise spacing adjustment through simple rotational motion rather than complex mechanical linkages.
Data Source
AI summary
An interbody fusion device including a body member, at least one side member engaging the body member, and at least one movement mechanism that engages at least one side member and the body member. A surgical method for maintaining a space between two vertebral bodies in a spine, including the steps of obtaining a medical device, such as an interbody fusion device, and inserting and coupling an expansion tool into an opening within the medical device. The surgical method also including slidingly inserting the medical device into a space between two vertebral bodies and rotating the expansion tool to move the at least one side member in a direction relative to the body member. The method may further include detaching the expansion tool from the medical device and removing the tool from the space between the two vertebral bodies in the spine.