Expandable Member for Anatomical Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for inserting between anatomical structures often face challenges such as excessive invasion, damage to adjacent structures, and over-distraction, which complicates their use for stabilization or as a precursor for other surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical implantation device comprising a hollow, expandable member made of soft, inflatable material that can be inserted in a collapsed state and expanded using fluid to lock between anatomical structures, providing stabilization and shock absorption without causing damage, and can be used for various procedures including supporting vertebrae or creating space for prostheses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a device is inserted between anatomical structures to stabilize and distract them, then stabilization and space creation are achieved, but excessive invasion and damage to adjacent structures occur
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a phase transition mechanism, transforming from a compressed solid state during insertion to an expanded solid state after implantation. This dynamic state change allows the device to minimize invasion during insertion and maximize stabilization after placement, resolving the contradiction between reliable stabilization and avoiding damage to adjacent structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes temperature-induced phase transition to change its physical state and dimensions. By controlling the temperature parameter, the device transitions from a low-volume compressed state suitable for minimally invasive insertion to a high-volume expanded state that provides effective stabilization and distraction, thereby achieving both goals without compromising adjacent structures.
2Ease of operation
If a device is inserted to distract anatomical structures, then space is created for surgical procedures, but over-distraction occurs causing harm
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a phase transition mechanism that responds to temperature changes, providing inherent feedback control. As the device expands through phase transition, the process can be monitored and controlled by adjusting temperature parameters, allowing precise control over the degree of distraction and preventing over-distraction that could cause harm to anatomical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
By controlling the temperature parameter during and after implantation, the degree of device expansion can be precisely regulated. This parameter control enables the surgeon to achieve the exact amount of distraction needed for the surgical procedure without risking over-distraction, as the phase transition process can be stopped or reversed by adjusting temperature.
3Strength
If a rigid device is used for stabilization, then structural support is provided, but shock absorption capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device undergoes a phase transition from compressed to expanded state, fundamentally changing its mechanical properties. In the expanded state, the device maintains structural integrity for stabilization while the phase transition mechanism itself provides shock absorption capability through the energy required for the phase change and the resulting material properties, thus achieving both strength and shock absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes materials with phase transition properties that combine the characteristics of both rigid structural support and energy absorption. These composite material properties allow the device to provide strong structural support for stabilization while simultaneously absorbing shock through the phase transition process, resolving the contradiction between strength and shock absorption.
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
The device effectively stabilizes anatomical structures by preventing collapse and absorbing shock, allowing for secure implantation without causing damage to the surrounding anatomy, and can be used in multiple surgical contexts, including vertebrae support and distraction for other procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the expandable member is expandable upon contact with fluid
Implementation Method 2
providing stabilization and shock absorption without causing damage
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4B
Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
A surgical implantation procedure and device according to which an expandable member is inserted between anatomical structures, and is expanded into engagement with the structures. The expansion is terminated when the member is in engagement with the structures.