Guidewire-Capturing Instrument for Single-Step Pedicle Screw Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pedicle screw insertion procedures require multiple instruments, increasing the risk of infection and complicating the surgical process due to the need for multiple sterilizations and instrument switches, as well as the risk of accidental tissue breach and guidewire kinking or fracture.
Innovation Solution
A guidewire-capturing instrument that integrates a handle, wire housing, and clutch mechanism, allowing for a single instrument to capture, release, advance, and retract a guidewire, facilitating a single-step pedicle screw insertion process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple instruments are used for pedicle screw insertion, then the surgical procedure can be performed with conventional methods, but the risk of infection increases and the surgical process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate surgical instruments into a single integrated guidewire-capturing instrument that can perform multiple functions: capturing the guidewire, advancing it, inserting the pedicle screw, and securing the guidewire in place. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate instruments, thereby reducing infection risk and simplifying the surgical process
2Productivity
If multiple instruments are used for pedicle screw insertion, then conventional surgical methods can be followed, but the surgical time increases due to multiple instrument switches
Solution Approach 1:
The guidewire-capturing instrument is designed as a universal multi-functional tool that can capture, advance, and secure the guidewire, as well as facilitate pedicle screw insertion, all within a single instrument system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to switch between multiple specialized instruments during the procedure, thereby reducing surgical time and improving operational efficiency
3Reliability
If multiple instruments are used for pedicle screw insertion, then conventional procedures can be performed, but the risk of guidewire kinking or fracture increases
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument integrates the guidewire capture mechanism and advancement function into a single unified system. The wire housing with its aperture captures the guidewire securely, and the integrated clutch mechanism advances it in a controlled manner, eliminating the need for multiple handling steps that could cause kinking or fracture
4Productivity
If a single instrument is used for pedicle screw insertion, then surgical time is reduced and infection risk is minimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single instrument is divided into distinct functional modules: a handle for operator control, a wire housing for guidewire capture and advancement, and a clutch mechanism for controlled motion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system manageability and reducing the complexity burden of integration
Data Source
AI summary
A guidewire capturing device may include a handle that may have a central aperture extending in an axial direction therethrough. The device may also include a wire housing having a wire aperture extending in the axial direction therethrough, the wire aperture may have a guidewire positioned therewithin. The wire housing may be at least partially contained within the central aperture and selectively movable in the axial direction within the central aperture from a first position to a second position. The device may include a clutch, which may be connected to the handle and selectively movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, the engaged position corresponding to a threaded engagement between the wire housing and the clutch, and the disengaged position corresponding to free axial movement of the wire housing within the central aperture between the first position and the second position.