Expandable Spinal Access Conduit for Vertebrae Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional minimally invasive spinal surgery techniques face challenges in accessing and stabilizing vertebrae due to the limited space provided by narrow cannulas, which restricts the ability to perform procedures like spinal fixation, leading to increased trauma and longer recovery times.
Innovation Solution
An expandable conduit system that can be inserted in a reduced profile configuration and expanded to a larger size at the surgical site, allowing for increased access and visualization, enabling the fixation of adjacent vertebrae with minimal disruption to surrounding tissue through the delivery of fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a narrow cannula is used to minimize incision size and muscle stripping, then the trauma to surrounding tissue is reduced, but the space for visualization and instrument manipulation becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The access device transitions from a compressed low-profile configuration for insertion to an expanded configuration at the surgical site, dynamically changing its cross-sectional area to provide adequate working space while minimizing initial trauma
Solution Approach 2:
The access device is inserted in a compressed state within a smaller envelope, then deployed to expand outward, similar to nested dolls where a smaller structure contains a larger structure that is revealed upon deployment
2Length of moving object
If a narrow cannula is used to provide a small entry profile, then the incision size is reduced, but the cannula is insufficient to perform one level spinal fixation procedures requiring visualization of two vertebrae and introduction of screws and rods
Solution Approach 1:
The access device dynamically changes from a compact insertion profile to an expanded operational profile, enabling versatile spinal fixation procedures including visualization of multiple vertebrae and manipulation of screws and rods
Solution Approach 2:
The cross-sectional area parameter of the access device is changed from a small value during insertion to a large value at the surgical site, enabling different functional requirements to be met at different stages of the procedure
3Ease of operation
If traditional surgical procedures with large incisions are used to access vertebrae, then adequate space for procedure performance is provided, but significant trauma, blood loss, and extended recovery times occur
Solution Approach 1:
The access device provides adequate surgical space only at the distal end where needed, while maintaining a small proximal incision, thereby reducing blood loss and recovery time compared to traditional large incisions that expose the entire surgical field
Data Source
AI summary
In a method of treating the spine of a patient, an access device is inserted into the patient with the access device in a first configuration having a first cross-sectional area at a distal portion thereof. The access device is actuated to a second configuration having an enlarged cross-sectional area at the distal portion thereof such that the distal portion extends across at least a portion of each of two adjacent vertebrae. A stabilization of the vertebrae is then achieved using either translaminar facet screw fixation or transfacet pedicle screw fixation.