Expandable Spinal Access Device for Minimally Invasive Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional spine surgery methods cause significant trauma due to large incisions and muscle stripping, leading to scarring, pain, and extended recovery times, while minimally invasive techniques using narrow cannulas are insufficient for procedures requiring visualization of multiple vertebrae and large spinal fixation devices.
Innovation Solution
A method involving percutaneous access using a guidewire to deliver implants and fasteners, with an expandable access device that enlarges to accommodate surgical instruments and visualization tools, allowing for minimally invasive procedures with reduced tissue disruption and improved access to the spine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a narrow cannula is used to provide small entry profile, then the incision size and muscle stripping are reduced, but the space for observation and manipulation of surgical instruments is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The access device is divided into a proximal portion with constant diameter and a distal portion with variable diameter. The distal portion includes an expanded section that can be actuated to enlarge the working space at the vertebral level while maintaining a narrow entry profile through the skin and muscle tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The access device transitions from a static narrow structure to a dynamic expandable structure. The distal portion can be actuated to change its cross-sectional area, allowing the surgeon to create sufficient working space at the target location while maintaining minimal tissue disruption during insertion.
2Loss of time
If a narrow cannula is used to minimize incision size, then recovery time is reduced, but visualization of multiple vertebrae and installation of large fixation devices becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The access device separates the entry pathway (constant diameter proximal portion) from the working space (variable diameter distal portion). This allows the narrow entry to maintain minimal recovery time while the expanded distal section provides adequate space for visualization and manipulation of large fixation devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The access device utilizes the longitudinal dimension to resolve the contradiction. The proximal portion maintains a constant narrow diameter for minimal invasion, while the distal portion expands in the radial dimension to provide sufficient working space, effectively adding spatial freedom without increasing the entry profile.
3Ease of operation
If traditional large incisions are made to access vertebrae, then sufficient space for surgical procedures is provided, but significant trauma, scarring, and pain are caused
Solution Approach 1:
The access device creates a dynamic working space that is narrow during insertion (minimizing trauma) and expands at the distal end when actuated (providing surgical access). This dynamic transformation allows minimal invasive entry while maintaining adequate operating space at the vertebral level.
Solution Approach 2:
The access device acts as an intermediary structure between the narrow percutaneous entry and the larger working space required at the vertebrae. It mediates the transition from minimal invasion to sufficient surgical access, allowing procedures to be performed through a small incision without compromising the needed working space.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for treating the spine. A guidewire is advanced through the skin of a patient along a percutaneous path to a target location of a vertebra. An implant is advanced over the guidewire to the target location of the vertebra. The implant is coupled with the vertebra at the target location. An elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end is advanced until the distal end is adjacent the target location, the elongate body having an inner surface defining a passage extending therethrough. A procedure is performed at the target location.