Expandable Spinal Support Device Radial Expansion Cement Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vertebroplasty and spinal fusion techniques face challenges such as cement leakage, limited chemical composition for fracture zones, and the need for additional hardware, which can lead to complications like pain and long-term motor and sensory deficiencies.
Innovation Solution
An expandable support device that can be deployed in the spine to provide radial expansion, allowing for intravertebral or intervertebral stabilization without the need for direct cement injection, using a design with struts and a locking pin for secure fixation, and can be filled with bone growth factors or cement to promote healing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cement mixture is thinned out to improve injection through small diameter needles, then ease of operation is improved, but cement leakage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the cement delivery system by using an expandable balloon catheter that transitions from a compressed low-profile state for insertion to an expanded state for cement delivery. This allows the cement to be delivered through a controlled expansion mechanism rather than direct needle injection, maintaining viscosity while enabling delivery through small access points.
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable balloon acts as an intermediary device between the cement mixture and the vertebral body. The balloon is inflated within the fracture cavity to create a contained space, and the cement is then injected into this enclosed space rather than directly into the fracture, preventing leakage while facilitating complete filling.
2Strength
If cement mixture viscosity is maintained for structural support, then strength is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in injection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cement delivery process into two distinct phases: first, the balloon is inflated to create a contained cavity; second, the cement is injected into this pre-formed cavity. This segmentation allows the cement to maintain its natural high viscosity for structural support while being delivered through a controlled process rather than direct injection into the fracture.
3Reliability
If additional hardware is used for spinal fusion and fixation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single device: the expandable balloon catheter serves both as the delivery mechanism for the cement and as the structural support element itself. Once inflated and filled with cement, the balloon-cement composite provides both immediate structural support and promotes long-term fusion, eliminating the need for separate rods, screws, and cages.
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable balloon device is designed to perform multiple functions: it creates the treatment cavity, delivers the cement, provides immediate structural support, and promotes bone fusion. This multi-functional approach replaces multiple specialized hardware components with a single versatile device.
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
The expandable support device reduces the risk of cement leakage, allows for improved bone structure support, and minimizes tissue disruption during implantation, providing effective stabilization and promoting bone growth without the need for additional hardware.
Implementation Method 1
The expandable support device can be configured, for example by design of the cells, voids or holes in the wall, to expand radially when compressed longitudinally
Data Source
AI summary
An expandable support device for tissue repair is disclosed. The device can be used to repair hard or soft tissue, such as bone or vertebral discs. A method of repairing tissue is also disclosed. The device and method can be used to treat compression fractures. The compression fractures can be in the spine. The device can be deployed by compressing the device longitudinally resulting in radial expansion.