Flexible Guide Tube Rotary Cutter for Intervertebral Disc Tissue Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing the nucleus pulposus in intervertebral discs are limited by the inability to differentiate between nucleus and annulus tissues, leading to incomplete removal, tissue trauma, and complications such as device extrusion and interference with bone growth in spinal fusion procedures, particularly when using posterior approaches.
Innovation Solution
A cutting instrument with a flexible guide tube, rotary cutting member, and irrigation port that allows for automatic and precise removal of nucleus tissue while minimizing damage to the annulus and cartilage, featuring a bendable distal end and vacuum-assisted tissue removal to prevent clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual removal methods (rongeurs, curettes) are used to remove nucleus tissue, then the surgeon can remove some nucleus material, but the surgeon cannot differentiate between nucleus and annulus tissues leading to incomplete removal and tissue trauma
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical removal tools (rongeurs, curettes) with an automated radiofrequency cutting system that uses electrical energy to cut tissue. The radiofrequency electrode automatically distinguishes and cuts nucleus tissue based on its different mechanical properties compared to annulus tissue, eliminating the need for manual differentiation and improving both precision and completeness of nucleus removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiofrequency cutting system operates autonomously to cut nucleus tissue without requiring continuous manual intervention. The system self-regulates the cutting process by detecting tissue type and applying appropriate energy levels, allowing complete nucleus removal while preserving annulus tissue without surgeon fatigue or inconsistency.
2Productivity
If repeated insertion and removal of cutting instruments is performed, then nucleus tissue can be removed, but this causes increased tissue trauma and risk of damaging surrounding structures
Solution Approach 1:
The radiofrequency cutting electrode is inserted once and remains in position to continuously cut nucleus tissue through automated operation. This eliminates the repeated insertion and removal cycles of manual tools, maintaining continuous cutting action while minimizing trauma to surrounding annulus and neural structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the discontinuous mechanical cutting action of manual tools with continuous radiofrequency energy-based cutting. The electrical energy allows the electrode to cut tissue continuously without needing to be withdrawn and repositioned, reducing mechanical trauma while maintaining high removal efficiency.
3Ease of manufacture
If nucleus material remains in the disc space after fusion surgery, then the fusion device is easier to implant, but the remaining nucleus material interferes with bone growth by acting as a mechanical and biological barrier
Solution Approach 1:
The radiofrequency cutting system completely extracts nucleus material from the disc space before fusion device implantation. By thoroughly removing all nucleus tissue through automated cutting, the system eliminates the biological and mechanical barriers to bone growth while creating a clean cavity that facilitates proper implantation of the fusion device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs complete nucleus removal as a preliminary step before fusion device implantation. This preliminary action ensures the disc space is fully cleared of nucleus material that would otherwise interfere with bone growth, setting the stage for successful fusion while maintaining ease of subsequent implantation.
4Ease of operation
If posterior approach is used for nucleus removal, then surgical access is simplified, but the remaining nucleus material pushes against the device causing extrusion
Solution Approach 1:
The radiofrequency cutting system completely extracts nucleus material through the posterior approach, leaving no residual tissue that could push against the implanted device. The automated cutting capability ensures thorough removal despite the limited access angle of the posterior approach, preventing future device extrusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cutting with radiofrequency energy-based cutting that can effectively remove nucleus tissue through the posterior approach. The energy-based system overcomes the limitations of manual tool access angles, achieving complete nucleus removal while maintaining the surgical simplicity of the posterior approach.
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
Enables efficient and safe removal of nucleus tissue with reduced trauma to surrounding tissues, improving the success rate of spinal procedures by allowing complete nucleus removal and facilitating bone growth without damaging critical structures.
Implementation Method 1
a cutting head, a rotary cutting member... The rotary cutting member is configured to cut and/or abrade material received through the tissue receiving opening
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum source. The vacuum source is configured to remove cut tissue from the intervertebral disc
Implementation Method 3
an irrigation port located on the exterior of the cutting head
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for removing tissue from an intervertebral disc are disclosed. The apparatus can include an elongated guide tube, a rotary cutting member and a drive shaft. Other apparatus can include an elongated guide tube, an inner guide tube, a cutting head, a rotary cutting member and a drive shaft. The elongated guide tube has a bendable end. The apparatus are generally configured to extend and withdraw a rotary cutting member while controllably bending the bendable end of the guide tube.