Expandable Spinal Interbody Assembly with Control Mechanism
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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 adjustability.
Innovation Solution
Development of expandable spinal implants with a top support assembly, bottom support assembly, and a control assembly that allows the devices to transition between a collapsed and expanded position, enabling adjustable placement and alignment between vertebral bones, utilizing materials like metals, plastics, or composites for bio-compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If static sized spinal devices are made large to properly bridge the gap between adjacent vertebrae, then the structural support capability is improved, but the ease of insertion and adaptability to different surgical approaches deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spinal device transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one by incorporating expandable elements that can change size after insertion. The device is inserted in a compressed state and then expanded to provide structural support, allowing it to adapt to different surgical approaches and patient anatomies while maintaining the necessary structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs a nested configuration where the expandable cage is contained within an outer shell or delivery system. This allows the device to be inserted in a compact form and then deployed to its functional size, enabling easier insertion through smaller incisions and surgical approaches while providing adequate structural support once deployed.
2Strength
If static sized spinal devices are made large to properly bridge the gap between adjacent vertebrae, then the structural support capability is improved, but the adaptability to varying patient needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates dynamic expansion capabilities that allow it to be adjusted to different sizes and configurations after insertion. This enables the same device to adapt to varying patient anatomies and surgical requirements while maintaining structural support, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-size device options.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows for parameter changes in its physical dimensions and structural configuration through expansion mechanisms. By changing the size and shape parameters after insertion, the device can be customized to fit different patient needs and surgical approaches, providing both structural support and adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If spinal devices are made expandable to facilitate easier insertion, then the ease of insertion and adaptability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional components including the expandable cage, outer shell, and control mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall assembly and insertion process, reducing the practical complexity despite the enhanced functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs an intermediary outer shell or delivery system that facilitates the insertion of the expandable cage. This intermediary structure simplifies the insertion process by providing a unified interface for surgical tools while containing the more complex expandable mechanism, effectively masking the complexity during the insertion phase.
Data Source
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AI summary
An expandable implant includes a top support assembly defining an upper surface configured to engage a first portion of vertebral bone; a bottom support assembly defining a lower surface configured to engage a second portion of vertebral bone; and a control assembly coupled to the top support assembly and the bottom support assembly and configured to control relative movement between the top support assembly and the bottom support assembly between a collapsed position and an expanded position. In the collapsed position, the upper surface is generally parallel to the lower surface, and in the expanded position, a portion of the upper surface extends at an acute angle relative to a portion of the lower surface.