Expandable Spinal Stabilization Spacer for Minimally Invasive Implantation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current spinal stabilization technologies are inadequate as they often require invasive implantation procedures, do not effectively preserve natural spinal motion, and are prone to displacement or migration over time, failing to adequately address facet joint disorders and other spinal pathologies.

Innovation Solution

Development of an expandable spacer device that can be minimally invasively implanted between spinous processes, allowing for adjustable distraction and potential fusion, featuring a low-profile configuration for delivery and a higher profile for stabilization, which can be self-expanding or mechanically expanded, and is designed to be removable or adjustable in situ.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If traditional spinal stabilization devices are implanted, then spinal stability is improved, but the invasiveness of the procedure increases and natural spinal motion is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespinal stabilityVSAvoidinvasiveness of procedure

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilizing device is divided into multiple components including superior and inferior spinous process engagement portions, a body portion, and optional anchoring elements. This segmentation allows minimally invasive insertion through separate access points while maintaining overall device stability in the spinal motion segment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device utilizes a nested structure where the body portion is positioned between the superior and inferior spinous processes, with engagement portions extending onto the spinous processes. This nested arrangement within the natural spinal anatomy enables stabilization without requiring extensive surgical exposure or removal of spinal structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Stability of the object's composition

If traditional spinal stabilization devices are used, then spinal stability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespinal stabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single stabilizing device performs multiple functions: it engages both superior and inferior spinous processes, provides distraction between vertebral bodies, offers lateral and apical stabilization, and maintains spinal alignment. This multi-functionality in a single device reduces overall system complexity compared to multiple separate implants

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates dynamic elements including resilient members that allow controlled motion, adjustable distraction capabilities, and flexible engagement portions that adapt to anatomical variations. This dynamic design provides stability while preserving natural spinal motion characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If expandable spacer device is implanted minimally invasively, then ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of stabilization may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveminimally invasive implantationVSAvoidstabilization reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device is pre-formed with engagement portions and resilient members configured to provide immediate stabilization upon insertion. The spinous processes are distracted and positioned before final device securing, ensuring proper alignment and stability from the outset of the minimally invasive procedure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient members and engagement portions are designed to self-adjust and self-secure within the spinous processes after insertion. The device automatically adapts to anatomical variations and maintains stabilization without requiring additional complex securing procedures, thereby maintaining both ease of implantation and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of operation

If the spacer is made expandable with low-profile for delivery, then ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedeliverabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spacer transitions from a compressed low-profile configuration during delivery to an expanded stabilized configuration after implantation. This dynamic shape change is achieved through resilient members that automatically expand the spacer body upon release from the delivery device, providing stabilization without requiring complex mechanical expansion mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8425559B2Systems and methods for posterior dynamic stabilization of the spine

Publication Date: 2013.04.23 BOSTON SCI NEUROMODULATION CORP

AI summary

Devices, systems and methods for dynamically stabilizing the spine are provided. The devices include an expandable spacer having an undeployed configuration and a deployed configuration, wherein the spacer has axial and radial dimensions for positioning between the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae. The systems include one or more spacers and a mechanical actuation means for delivering and deploying the spacer. The methods involve the implantation of one or more spacers within the interspinous space.