Expandable Intervertebral Implant Inserter with Securement Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal fusion procedures for managing disc degeneration disease (DDD) often result in mechanical instability and pain due to the degradation of intervertebral discs, as existing devices fail to effectively restore disc height and promote bone growth between vertebrae.
Innovation Solution
An expandable intervertebral implant system, including an insertion instrument, that can be expanded from a collapsed to an expanded configuration using a drive shaft and securement member, securely attaching to both endplates of the implant to restore disc height and facilitate bone growth between vertebrae.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an expandable intervertebral implant is inserted in a collapsed configuration, then the implant can be delivered through a minimally invasive approach, but the implant must subsequently be expanded to restore disc height and stabilize the intervertebral space
Solution Approach 1:
The implant transitions from a static collapsed configuration during delivery to an expanded configuration after implantation. The drive shaft and drive member enable dynamic expansion of the implant body to restore disc height while maintaining structural integrity throughout the transformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsed implant is nested within the insertion instrument for delivery, with the implant body contained within the instrument housing. The securement member with guide rails is nested within the implant structure, allowing compact delivery while enabling subsequent expansion.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the implant is expanded to restore disc height, then mechanical stability is improved, but the risk of damaging the drive shaft or drive member during expansion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The securement member acts as an intermediary between the drive mechanism and the implant body. The guide rails on the securement member constrain the expansion movement, ensuring that the drive shaft and drive member forces are transmitted smoothly without misalignment or excessive stress that could cause damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide channels in the implant body and guide rails on the securement member are designed with precise tolerances to accommodate expansion forces. The geometry of these guiding features is designed beforehand to distribute stresses evenly during expansion, preventing concentration of forces that could damage the drive mechanism.
3Reliability
If the guide rail height is increased to remain in the guide channel during expansion, then the securement is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The securement member is segmented into distinct functional features: guide rails for lateral constraint, drive member engagement features for actuation, and securement features for attachment to the implant. This segmentation allows each feature to be optimized independently for its specific function while simplifying manufacturing of individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide rails serve multiple functions: they constrain lateral movement during expansion, guide the securement member during insertion and expansion, and provide structural support for the securement mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, simplifying overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An insertion instrument is configured to attach and secure to an expandable implant. The insertion instrument includes a securement member that is configured to be secured to the implant both when the implant is in a collapsed configuration and when the implant is in an expanded configuration. The insertion instrument further includes a drive member that is configured to actuate the implant to the expanded configuration.