Extendable Bone Fusion Device with Coupling Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bone fusion systems for vertebrae fusion in the spine require invasive surgical procedures, leading to long recovery periods and challenges in retaining bone graft material in the correct position for effective bone growth.
Innovation Solution
A bone fusion system featuring extendable plates with a central rib and a minimally invasive delivery apparatus, allowing for secure positioning between vertebrae using an insertion instrument and a coupling mechanism, with extendable tabs to support bone growth and stabilize the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fusion cages are used with invasive surgical procedures, then bone fusion stability is achieved, but recovery time is prolonged and surgical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fusion device is divided into multiple tabs (first tab, second tab, third tab, fourth tab) that can be independently extended to engage with adjacent vertebrae. This segmentation allows for minimally invasive insertion through a single intervertebral space while achieving stable fixation at multiple points, reducing surgical trauma and recovery time compared to traditional invasive approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The fusion device incorporates extendable tabs with drive mechanisms that allow the device to transition from a compact insertion configuration to an expanded stabilization configuration. The tabs can be extended post-insertion to engage with the vertebral bodies, providing dynamic adaptation that enables minimally invasive placement while achieving robust bone fusion stability.
2Reliability
If bone graft material is placed in traditional fusion cages, then bone growth is stimulated, but the material is difficult to retain in the correct position
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extends the retention mechanism from a two-dimensional cage surface to a three-dimensional structure with tabs that protrude into the vertebral bodies. The tabs create additional retention surfaces and mechanical interlocking features that secure the bone graft material in multiple dimensions, preventing displacement while maintaining contact with the vertebral bone for effective bone growth stimulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fusion device incorporates a porous coating on its surface, including on the tabs, which facilitates bone ingrowth and secures the bone graft material. The porous structure provides mechanical interlocking and biological integration, ensuring the bone graft remains in the correct position while promoting reliable bone growth and fusion.
3Loss of time
If minimally invasive procedures are used, then recovery time is reduced, but device positioning precision and security are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a delivery apparatus as an intermediary tool that enables precise positioning of the fusion device during minimally invasive procedures. The delivery apparatus includes alignment features and controlled release mechanisms that ensure accurate placement of the device and its tabs within the intervertebral space, achieving positioning precision comparable to invasive procedures while maintaining the benefits of minimally invasive access.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the need for complex mechanical insertion techniques with a controlled delivery system that uses minimal mechanical force. The delivery apparatus allows the device to be inserted through a small incision and then deployed with precise control, achieving accurate positioning without the trauma and positioning challenges associated with traditional invasive mechanical insertion methods.
Data Source
AI summary
A bone fusion method, system and device for insertion between bones that are to be fused together and/or in place of one or more of the bones, such as, for example, the vertebrae of a spinal column. The bone fusion device comprises one or more extendable tabs having a central rib. The bone fusion device includes one or more support channels configured to receive an insertion instrument that is then secured to the bone fusion device via a coupling mechanism. As a result, the coupled device is able to be securely positioned between vertebrae using the insertion instrument with minimal risk of slippage.