Expandable Interspinous Spacer for Dynamic Spinal Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal stabilization technologies are inadequate as they often require invasive procedures, do not effectively preserve natural spinal motion, and are prone to displacement or migration, particularly in cases involving facet joint disorders or compromised spinal structures.
Innovation Solution
The development of an expandable interspinous spacer system that can be minimally invasively implanted and adjusted, featuring a balloon or mesh design that can be inflated or self-expanding to distract vertebrae, with optional anchoring mechanisms to secure the device in place, allowing for adjustable and removable stabilization of spinal motion segments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional spine fusion or rigid stabilization devices are used, then spinal stability is improved, but natural spinal motion is lost and adjacent segments experience increased stress
Solution Approach 1:
The interspinous spacer is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to adapt to physiological spinal motion. The device can compress and expand within the interspinous space, accommodating flexion, extension, and lateral bending movements while maintaining stabilization. This dynamic design eliminates the need for complete fusion while providing necessary support.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If minimally invasive implantation is used, then tissue disruption is reduced, but device positioning precision and security are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The interspinous spacer is designed with a nested structure featuring an inner core member and an outer spacer body. This nested configuration allows the device to be delivered through a minimally invasive approach while maintaining structural integrity and positioning accuracy. The inner core provides a track for the outer spacer, ensuring proper alignment within the interspinous space.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the spacer is made expandable, then adjustability and distraction control are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interspinous spacer incorporates an expandable structure that can be inflated or expanded after implantation to achieve the desired distraction and compression forces. This pneumatic or hydraulic mechanism allows for precise adjustment of the spacer volume and firmness, enabling customization to patient-specific needs while maintaining a relatively simple overall device design.
4Stability of the object's composition
If anchoring mechanisms are added to prevent migration, then device stability is improved, but implantation complexity and tissue disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The interspinous spacer utilizes the natural constraints of the interspinous space and flexible anchoring elements that conform to the spinous process surfaces. The device leverages the anatomical boundaries and soft tissue structures to maintain positioning without requiring extensive bone anchoring, thereby preventing migration while minimizing tissue disruption and maintaining a less invasive profile.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems and methods for dynamically stabilizing the spine are provided. The devices include a radially expandable spacer having an undeployed configuration and a deployed configuration, wherein the spacer has axial and radial dimensions for positioning between the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae. The systems include one or more spacers and a mechanical actuation means for delivering and deploying the spacer. The methods involve the implantation of one or more spacers within the interspinous space.