Integrated Spinal Fusion Cage with Bone Graft Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for delivering bone graft material during spinal surgery are inefficient, causing imprecise insertion, potential harm to patients, and require separate devices for graft delivery and fusion cage placement, leading to restricted biologic material distribution and increased trauma to nerve structures.
Innovation Solution
An integrated device comprising a tubular member and plunger for simultaneous delivery of bone graft material through a fusion cage, allowing direct flow into the disc space and detachment of the cage, enabling precise and efficient delivery of particulate bone graft of varying sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If separate devices are used for graft delivery and fusion cage placement, then device functionality is maintained, but surgical time increases and trauma to nerve structures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the bone graft delivery device and fusion cage placement device into a single integrated instrument. The delivery device includes a hollow shaft that can receive bone graft material and a fusion cage that can be attached to the shaft, allowing both functions to be performed with one device rather than requiring separate instruments for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device serves multiple functions: it can deliver bone graft material through its hollow shaft, place the fusion cage into the intervertebral space, and both functions are performed using the same instrument. This multi-functional design eliminates the need to switch between separate devices during the surgical procedure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate devices are used for graft delivery and fusion cage placement, then device simplicity is maintained, but biologic material distribution becomes restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the bone graft delivery device and fusion cage placement device into a single integrated instrument. The delivery device includes a hollow shaft that can receive bone graft material and a fusion cage that can be attached to the shaft, allowing both functions to be performed with one device rather than requiring separate instruments for each function.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional delivery methods are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but insertion precision decreases and harm to patients increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the bone graft delivery device and fusion cage placement device into a single integrated instrument. The delivery device includes a hollow shaft that can receive bone graft material and a fusion cage that can be attached to the shaft, allowing both functions to be performed with one device rather than requiring separate instruments for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for near-simultaneous and integrated delivery of bone graft material during the placement of surgical cages or other medical implants in a patient's spine. The integrated fusion cage and graft delivery device according to various embodiments delivers and disperses biologic material through a fusion cage to a disc space and, without withdrawal from the surgical site, may selectably detach the fusion cage for deposit to the same disc space. The integrated fusion cage and graft delivery device is formed such that a hollow tube and plunger selectively and controllably place bone graft material and a fusion cage in or adjacent to the bone graft receiving area.