Expandable Interbody Spinal Fusion Device with Integrated Self-Piercing Fixation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current intervertebral implants often migrate after implantation, necessitating supplemental fixation, which complicates surgery and increases the risk of structural failure and nonunion in spinal fusion procedures.

Innovation Solution

A stand-alone expandable interbody spinal fusion device with an integrated fixation mechanism, featuring a superior and inferior component and expansion mechanisms that allow for self-piercing screw mechanisms to engage the surrounding vertebrae, eliminating the need for additional fixation hardware.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If current intervertebral implants are used, then spinal fusion can be achieved, but the implants often migrate after implantation requiring supplemental fixation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplant stabilityVSAvoidfixation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the interbody implant and fixation mechanism into a single integrated device. The implant includes integrated fixation elements such as screws or hooks that are part of the same structure as the interbody spacer, eliminating the need for separate fixation hardware and reducing surgical complexity while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The implant is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides spinal fusion support, maintains disc space height, and provides self-fixation through integrated fixation mechanisms. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized fixation devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If supplemental fixation is used to prevent migration, then implant stability improves, but surgical complexity and risk of structural failure increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplant stabilityVSAvoidsurgical risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the implant and fixation elements into one device, the patent reduces the number of surgical steps and hardware components, thereby reducing surgical complexity and the risk of complications associated with multiple implants and procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The implant includes self-fixation mechanisms that automatically engage with the vertebral bodies upon insertion, providing stability without requiring additional surgical intervention or separate fixation procedures, thereby reducing surgical risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Strength

If traditional interbody fusion is performed, then spinal stability can be achieved, but bone graft migration or expulsion may occur due to insufficient initial strength

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebone graft strengthVSAvoidfusion success rate

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated fixation mechanisms provide preliminary stabilization of the bone graft within the implant structure before the bone has had time to heal and gain strength. This preliminary support prevents migration or expulsion of the bone graft during the early healing phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The fixation elements are integrated into the implant structure itself, providing immediate mechanical support to the bone graft and preventing its displacement until sufficient osseous union occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If expandable mechanisms are added to the implant, then immediate stability and ease of insertion are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion easeVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The implant incorporates an expandable mechanism that transitions from a compressed insertion state to an expanded functional state. This dynamic design allows the implant to be easily inserted in a compact form and then expand within the disc space to provide immediate stability and proper fit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The expandable mechanism allows the implant to be nested in a compact configuration for insertion, then unfold or expand to its full functional size within the disc space, reducing insertion complexity while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS11207192B2Stand-alone expandable interbody spinal fusion device with integrated fixation mechanism

Publication Date: 2021.12.28 SUDDABY LOUBERT S

AI summary

A stand-alone expandable interbody spinal fusion device including a superior component, an inferior component, an expansion mechanism arranged to displace the superior component in a first direction relative to the inferior component, and a self-piercing screw mechanism arranged within the superior component or inferior component. When torque is applied to the expansion mechanism, torque is transferred 90 degrees thereby displacing a threaded rod or toothed shaft in a first direction thereby displacing the superior component in a first direction relative to the inferior component. When torque is applied to the self-piercing screw mechanism, torque is transferred 90 degrees thereby displacing a self-piercing screw body in a first direction to engage an anchor layer and the bone material of vertebrae thereby holding the interbody spinal fusion device it in place within a disc space.