Expandable Intervertebral Devices for Minimally Invasive Bone Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable devices for vertebral disc replacement and fusion lack the ability to allow ample placement of bone growth materials, require complex delivery systems, and are often not suitable for minimally invasive procedures, limiting their effectiveness and increasing patient risk.
Innovation Solution
The development of an intervertebral device with a delivery system that allows for the placement of therapeutic agents and includes a top planar surface that moves at varying rates during expansion, enabling a complex angle with the bottom surface, suitable for various surgical approaches, including minimally invasive procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional implantable devices are used for vertebral disc replacement, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to place bone growth materials is limited and delivery systems become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the intervertebral device inside the delivery system during implantation. The device is contained within the delivery system's lumen, allowing it to be transported and positioned through minimally invasive access paths. After deployment, the delivery system is removed, leaving the intervertebral device in place. This nesting approach enables complex device functionality without requiring equally complex delivery mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-loading bone growth materials into the intervertebral device before implantation. The materials are positioned within the device's body during manufacturing or pre-procedure preparation, so that when the device is implanted, the materials are already in place and ready to facilitate bone fusion. This eliminates the need for complex post-implantation material delivery systems.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional implantable devices are used for vertebral disc replacement, then the device structure is simple, but surgical access requires larger incisions increasing infection risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the surgical approach into two separate steps: first, creating a small minimally invasive access path to reach the target vertebral space; second, deploying the intervertebral device through this small access. The device itself is designed to be self-contained and self-expanding, eliminating the need for large incisions that would expose deeper tissues to infection risk while still allowing adequate deployment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes dimensionality change by designing the intervertebral device to expand from a compressed low-profile state during delivery to an expanded functional state after implantation. This dimensional transformation allows the device to pass through small minimally invasive access paths and then expand to fill the vertebral space effectively, achieving both minimally invasive access and adequate device functionality without requiring large incisions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed geometric configuration devices are used, then manufacturing is simple, but positioning adaptability to different surgical approaches is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by designing the intervertebral device with movable components that allow angular adjustment between the top surface and bottom surface. The device transitions from a fixed geometric configuration during manufacturing to a dynamically adjustable configuration during implantation. This enables the device to be positioned at different angles to match various surgical approaches (anterior, posterior, lateral) while maintaining structural integrity and functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing the intervertebral device to perform multiple functions: it can be deployed through various surgical approaches (anterior, posterior, lateral), adjusted to different angles, and provides both structural support and bone growth facilitation. The device's adjustable angular configuration and expandable design make it a universal solution that can adapt to different patient anatomies and surgical preferences, replacing the need for multiple specialized device variants.
Data Source
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AI summary
Intervertebral devices and systems, and methods of their use, are disclosed having configurations suitable for placement between two adjacent vertebrae, replacing the functionality of the disc therebetween. Intervertebral devices and systems contemplated herein are implantable devices intended for replacement of a vertebral disc, which may have deteriorated due to disease for example. The intervertebral devices and systems are configured to allow for ample placement of therapeutic agents therein, including bone growth enhancement material, which may lead to better fusion between adjacent vertebral bones. The intervertebral devices and systems are configured for use in minimally invasive procedures, if desired.