Height-Adjustable Vertebral Endplate Shaver for Single-Instrument Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vertebral endplate preparation tools with static blades require multiple instruments to decorticate vertebral endplate surfaces, increasing the likelihood of procedural complications and inefficiencies, while existing tools with height adjustable blades suffer from ease of use and compatibility with cannulas.
Innovation Solution
A vertebral endplate preparation tool with height adjustable blades that can controllably move outward and inward radially, allowing a single instrument to decorticate vertebral endplates, featuring a handle, controller, and control shaft for adjusting blade height, and includes a cannula for surgical procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple static vertebral endplate preparation tools are used to decorticate vertebral endplate surfaces, then adequate endplate preparation can be achieved, but procedural complexity increases and the likelihood of complications increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming static blades into dynamically adjustable blades. The blade assembly includes a blade holder and blade with adjustable radial positioning, allowing the blade height to be varied during the procedure. This enables a single instrument to perform the function of multiple static instruments, reducing procedural complexity while maintaining adequate endplate preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a single vertebral endplate preparation tool that can accommodate multiple blade heights and configurations. The adjustable blade mechanism allows one instrument to replace multiple static instruments with different blade heights, making the tool versatile for various endplate preparation needs while reducing the number of instrument changes required.
2Reliability
If multiple static vertebral endplate preparation tools are used, then adequate endplate preparation can be achieved, but the number of instrument insertions and removals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic blade adjustment mechanism allows the surgeon to change blade heights without removing the instrument from the cannula. The blade holder can be rotated or adjusted to position different blades radially, enabling continuous endplate preparation across multiple heights while the instrument remains in place, thus reducing procedural time.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument is designed with multiple blades of different heights pre-installed on the blade holder. This preliminary preparation allows the surgeon to selectively engage different blades as needed during the procedure without requiring instrument changes, thereby saving time and maintaining adequate endplate preparation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If height adjustable blades are implemented, then a single instrument can be used to decorticate vertebral endplates, but ease of use and compatibility with cannulas deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The blade assembly is segmented into a blade holder and individual replaceable blades. This segmentation allows the blades to be independently adjusted or replaced without affecting the entire instrument. The modular design simplifies the adjustment mechanism and makes the instrument easier to operate while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustment mechanism is designed to be user-friendly, allowing quick and easy blade height changes through simple rotational or sliding movements. The blade holder can be easily manipulated to position different blades radially, maintaining ease of operation despite the added versatility of height adjustment.
4Adaptability or versatility
If height adjustable blades are implemented, then a single instrument can be used to decorticate vertebral endplates, but compatibility with cannulas deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The blade assembly is nested within the cannula-compatible housing of the vertebral endplate preparation tool. The blade holder and adjustable blades are contained within the instrument shaft, allowing the entire assembly to pass through the cannula in a compact configuration. The blades extend radially only when needed for endplate contact, maintaining compatibility with the cannula while providing height adjustability.
Data Source
AI summary
A vertebral endplate preparation (decorticating) tool has height adjustable blades at a distal end of a shaft assembly for decorticating/shaving vertebral endplate material from spinal vertebrae, translates axial movement of a control rod o the shaft assembly of the vertebral endplate preparation tool with height adjustable blades into radial blade height change (extension and retraction) through a controller of a handle assembly. The blades may also be configured for collecting and removing shaved vertebral endplate material. The blades controllably move outward radially from the distal end of the shaft assembly and controllably move inward radially into the distal end of the shaft assembly upon manipulation of the controller. Radial blade extension and retraction from the distal end may be accomplished via mutual angled dovetail features of the blades and the distal end, or via pins of the distal end of the shaft assembly situated in angled slots of the blades.