Expandable support device and method of use
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intervertebral spacers have limitations, including fixed dimensions and challenges with expandable designs that require improved surgical insertion and expansion mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A central mechanism comprising a proximal and distal ring structure with ramps and endplates that allow for relative translation, enabling vertical expansion and contraction, and engagement features for secure assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed dimension intervertebral spacers are used, then manufacturing and insertion are simple, but adaptability to different surgical needs is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The intervertebral spacer is designed with expandable rings that can transition from a compressed insertion state to an expanded operational state. The rings include ramps and engagement features that allow controlled expansion while maintaining structural integrity, enabling the device to adapt to different surgical requirements after insertion.
2Manufacturing precision
If expandable spacers are used, then adaptability and surgical precision are improved, but device complexity and difficulty of insertion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer is divided into multiple expandable rings with engagement features between them. Each ring can move independently along the expansion axis, allowing controlled expansion through incremental engagement of the ramps and features, which simplifies the overall expansion mechanism while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable rings are designed to nest within each other in the compressed state for insertion, then expand outward to their operational dimensions. This nesting arrangement allows the complex expandable structure to be inserted through smaller incisions while maintaining the precision benefits of the expansion mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If expandable spacers require large incisions for insertion, then ease of insertion is improved, but patient trauma and surgical invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer is designed in a dynamically compressed state for insertion that reduces its profile to fit through smaller incisions. After insertion, the device transitions to its expanded operational state, eliminating the need for large incisions while maintaining ease of insertion through the minimally invasive approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable rings are nested within each other during the insertion phase, creating a compact profile that can pass through smaller surgical incisions. Once positioned, the rings expand to their full operational dimensions, providing the necessary support without requiring large initial incisions.
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
Facilitates surgical insertion through small incisions and allows for controlled expansion and contraction of the device, enhancing surgical precision and efficacy in intervertebral fusion procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The proximal ring structure and the distal ring structure may comprise ramps. Endplates may comprise ramps that are complementary to ramps in the ring structures.
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable orthopedic support device and methods of using the device are disclosed. The device can have rigid structural components that can translate longitudinally with respect to each other, and in so doing can change the vertical height of the device. The structural components can be driven by a drivescrew mechanism to change the vertical height of the device.