Expandable Spinal Interbody Device Axial Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal interbody and intravertebral devices are static in size, making them unsuitable for microsurgery and lacking in strength, reliability, and simplicity, as they are often too large for precise vertebral spacing and do not allow for patient-specific adjustments.
Innovation Solution
Development of expandable spinal interbody and intravertebral devices that can dynamically change their radial profile through axial compression, allowing for controlled expansion and retraction, enabling micro-motion and serving as both fusion and artificial disk platforms, with bio-compatible materials and minimally invasive delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If static sized spinal devices are used to properly bridge the gap between adjacent vertebrae, then the device provides structural support, but the device becomes too large for microsurgery and arthroscopic surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The spinal device incorporates an expandable structure that transitions from a compressed delivery state to an expanded deployed state. The device includes a body with a lumen and an expandable cage structure that can be compressed for delivery through small incisions and then expanded within the vertebral space to provide the necessary structural support, thereby resolving the contradiction between initial small size for minimally invasive access and final large size for structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable cage structure is nested within a delivery system in a compressed state. The device includes a distal portion with a lumen that can receive and transport the compressed expandable structure, allowing the device to be delivered through a minimally invasive approach and then deployed to its functional size at the target site.
2Device complexity
If static sized spinal devices are used, then the device is simple in design, but the device cannot allow for patient-specific adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates an expandable mechanism that allows the surgeon to adjust the final dimensions of the device after delivery. The expandable cage structure can be expanded to different degrees to match the specific vertebral gap and patient anatomy, providing adaptability without requiring multiple pre-manufactured sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows for parameter changes in its physical dimensions through the expansion mechanism. The cage structure can be expanded radially or axially to adjust the device size, spacing, and positioning to match patient-specific anatomical requirements, transforming a single-size device into a customizable implant.
3Ease of operation
If expandable spinal devices are used to reduce size for minimally invasive surgery, then the device can be easily inserted, but the device lacks strength, reliability and simplicity of design
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses a dynamic expansion mechanism where the cage structure transitions from a compressed low-profile state for easy delivery through small incisions to an expanded high-strength state at the implantation site. The expansion is achieved through a controlled mechanism that maintains structural integrity throughout the transition.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a segmented or modular cage structure that can be compressed for delivery and then expanded at the target site. The segmentation allows the device to fold or compress into a compact configuration for minimally invasive delivery while maintaining the ability to form a strong, stable structure when deployed within the vertebral space.
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
These devices provide enhanced strength, reliability, and simplicity, allowing for precise vertebral spacing and micro-motion, improving surgical efficacy and patient-specific adjustments, while being suitable for minimally invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The interbody/intravertebral body device is expandable from a first radial profile into a second radial profile through axial compression of segments of the vertebral interbody/intravertebral body device
Implementation Method 2
Each segment includes a central plate or body to which are pivotally attached plate or leaf structures. Pivoting of the structures provides a collapsed or unexpanded position of the first circumference and an open or expanded position of the second circumference.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for insertion into a spinal (intervertebral or intravertebral) space is expandable from a first circumference to a second circumference through axial compression of segments of the device, particularly once the device has been properly situated within a vertebral space. The interbody/intravertebral body device is characterized by a plurality of axially stacked, individual segments that are provided on a central insertion and deployment rod. Each segment includes a central plate or body to which are pivotally attached plate or leaf structures. Pivoting of the structures provides a collapsed or unexpanded position of the first circumference and an open or expanded position of the second circumference.