Expandable Spinal Implant With Fluid-Driven Control Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spinal interbody and intravertebral devices are static in size, making them unsuitable for microsurgery and arthroscopic procedures, as they need to be large to effectively bridge vertebral gaps, limiting their applicability and surgical flexibility.
Innovation Solution
Development of expandable spinal implants with a top and bottom support assembly and a control mechanism that allows the device to transition between a collapsed and expanded position, enabling adjustable placement and alignment between vertebral bones, facilitating easier insertion and customized fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If static sized spinal devices are made large to bridge vertebral gaps, then they provide adequate structural support, but they cannot be used in microsurgery or arthroscopic surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The spinal device transitions from a static size to a dynamic, adjustable size through an expandable mechanism. The device is inserted in a compressed state and then expanded to its functional size within the vertebral space, allowing it to be used in both minimally invasive procedures and traditional spinal surgeries.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs a nested structure where the support members are positioned within a containment structure during insertion, similar to nested dolls. The containment structure is then removed or expanded to allow the support members to achieve their full functional size and configuration.
2Reliability
If static sized spinal devices are made large to provide adequate support, then they maintain structural stability, but they limit surgical flexibility and minimally invasive approaches
Solution Approach 1:
The device provides structural reliability in its expanded state while enabling surgical flexibility through its compressed insertion state. The dynamic expansion mechanism allows the device to transition from a compact form suitable for minimally invasive approaches to a fully supported configuration within the vertebral space.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is prepared in a preliminary compressed state that facilitates easy insertion through small incisions and narrow surgical corridors. Once positioned, the device is then expanded to provide the necessary structural support, separating the insertion phase from the support-providing phase.
3Adaptability or versatility
If expandable devices are designed to be adjustable in size, then they accommodate varying patient anatomy, but they increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable mechanism provides customizable fit through controlled adjustment of support member dimensions. The device includes actuation mechanisms that allow the surgeon to expand the device to the specific size required for each patient's anatomical variations, while the overall structure remains relatively simple and robust.
Data Source
AI summary
An expandable implant includes a top support configured to engage a first portion of vertebral bone, a bottom support configured to engage a second portion of vertebral bone, and a control assembly coupled to the top support and the bottom support and configured to control relative movement between the top support and the bottom support. The control assembly includes a control member including a head and a body portion. The head includes a recess and the body portion includes at least one access port in fluid communication with the recess to enable delivery of fluid to an interior of the implant via the recess and at least one access port.