Expandable Intervertebral Implant Nested Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional intervertebral implants require invasive procedures, causing significant tissue disruption, blood loss, and longer recovery times due to their large size and need for sizable working channels, which are not adequately addressed by current minimally-invasive alternatives.
Innovation Solution
An expandable intervertebral implant with superior and inferior members that nest together to minimize deployment size, allowing in-situ distraction, realignment, and stabilization of the spine through a minimally-invasive approach, utilizing a screw-actuated wedge structure for expansion and secure seating on intervertebral endplates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional monolithic and/or multi-piece interbody spacers are used, then spinal stabilization and fusion can be achieved, but sizable working channels, soft tissue disruption, and significant bone resection are required
Solution Approach 1:
The implant comprises a superior member and an inferior member that nest against one another in a compact configuration for minimally-invasive insertion. After insertion into the intervertebral space, the members are separated to expand the implant to its functional size, providing spinal stabilization without requiring large working channels or extensive tissue disruption
Solution Approach 2:
The implant transitions from a compact nested state during insertion to an expanded separated state during function. The superior and inferior members are initially positioned in a nested configuration to minimize insertion profile, then separated along the longitudinal axis to achieve the required spinal distraction and stabilization
2Reliability
If conventional intervertebral implants are used, then spinal fusion can be achieved, but significant bone resection and soft tissue disruption are necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The superior and inferior members are designed to nest against one another, allowing the complete implant to be inserted through a minimally-invasive approach. This nested configuration enables delivery through small incisions without requiring significant bone resection or soft tissue disruption, while still achieving spinal fusion
Solution Approach 2:
The implant is divided into separate superior and inferior members that can be independently positioned and inserted. This segmentation allows each member to be delivered through minimally-invasive pathways and then assembled in-situ, reducing the need for extensive surgical exposure and bone resection
3Object-affected harmful factors
If expandable intervertebral implant is used, then minimally-invasive insertion is enabled, but the implant must expand in-situ to provide adequate spinal support
Solution Approach 1:
The superior and inferior members nest against one another to create a compact insertion profile that enables minimally-invasive delivery. The nested configuration is maintained during insertion through the intervertebral space, minimizing tissue disruption while preserving the ability to expand in-situ
Solution Approach 2:
The implant includes a deployment mechanism that transitions the superior and inferior members from a nested compact state to a separated expanded state. This dynamic transformation allows the implant to provide adequate spinal support after insertion while maintaining a small profile during delivery
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables minimally-invasive spinal stabilization and fusion with reduced tissue disruption and blood loss, providing a smaller footprint for insertion and expansion, thereby reducing recovery time and surgical site infections.
Implementation Method 1
rotation of a screw disposed through a housing located at the trailing edge of the expandable intervertebral implant. The screw engages an internally-threaded wedge structure disposed between the superior member and the inferior member, selectively translating the wedge structure along the central axis of the expandable intervertebral implant
Implementation Method 2
The interaction of the wedge structure with the wedge shape or structure of the superior member and/or inferior member, thereby forcing the superior member and the inferior member apart/together with translation of the wedge structure
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides an expandable intervertebral implant that is selectively disposed in the intervertebral space and deployed, thereby in-situ distracting, realigning, and/or stabilizing or fusing a portion of the spine of a patient in the treatment of injury, disease, and/or degenerative condition. The expandable intervertebral implant includes a superior member and an inferior member, each of which has a partially or substantially wedge or prismatic shape and a partially or substantially convex or other-shaped surface that is suitable for engaging the substantially concave surfaces of the associated bony superior and inferior intervertebral endplates. Once disposed in the intervertebral space, the expandable intervertebral implant is actuated and deployed, with the superior member and the inferior member moving apart from one another, seating against the associated intervertebral endplates, and distracting, realigning, and/or stabilizing them to a desired degree. The external surface of each of the superior member and the inferior member is provided with a plurality of ridges or other friction structures, providing purchase with the associated intervertebral endplates.