Expandable Spinal Fusion Device with Slidable Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional spinal stabilization techniques require significant surgical skill and time, and existing implants do not allow for easy insertion through small incisions or adjustment to maintain natural lordosis during posterior surgical approaches.

Innovation Solution

An expandable spinal fusion device with upper and lower sections and a slidable mechanism, featuring slots and grooves for distraction, enabling expansion between vertebrae and allowing for posterior surgical approaches with adjustable size and lordosis maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional spinal stabilization techniques are used, then spinal stability is achieved, but surgical time and skill requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespinal stabilityVSAvoidsurgical time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The implant is divided into multiple sections that can be independently manipulated. The body portion contains an expandable cage structure that can be inserted in a compact state and then expanded within the intervertebral space, allowing for simplified insertion while maintaining stabilization functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The implant transitions from a static pre-formed structure to a dynamic expandable structure. The expandable cage can be adjusted in size after insertion, allowing the surgeon to optimize the fit and stabilization effect without requiring precise pre-measurement and complex insertion procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If conventional implants are used, then spinal stabilization is achieved, but insertion through small incisions becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespinal stabilizationVSAvoidinsertion ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The implant utilizes a nested structure where the expandable cage is contained within the body portion during insertion. This allows the entire implant to be introduced through a smaller incision in a compact configuration, and then expanded in situ to achieve the required stabilization effect

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If fixed-size implants are used, then insertion is simplified, but adjustment for natural lordosis and optimal fit becomes impossible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion simplicityVSAvoidadjustability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The implant incorporates an expandable cage structure that can be dynamically adjusted in size after insertion. This allows the surgeon to insert the implant in a simplified manner and then expand it to the optimal size for maintaining natural lordosis and achieving the best fit for the specific patient anatomy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The implant allows for change in the physical parameter of cage size after insertion. The expandable structure enables adjustment of the implant dimensions to match the specific intervertebral space requirements, providing adaptability for different patient anatomies and surgical needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10610377B2Spinal implant device

Publication Date: 2020.04.07 ATLAS SPINE INC

AI summary

A spinal fusion device that is expandable along a side edge. The device features a top and bottom surface for engaging adjacent vertebrae, a hollow center for stacking of bone or bone growth material, and a slidable mechanism with grooves for expanding or contracting the device along a side edge.