Helical-Cutter Surgical Instrument for Spinal Site Preparation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments are inadequate for efficiently preparing surgical sites for spinal procedures, particularly in treating spinal disorders such as degenerative disc disease, disc herniation, osteoporosis, spondylolisthesis, stenosis, scoliosis, kyphosis, tumor, and fracture, as they fail to effectively cut, remove, and process tissue for implant placement.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument comprising a rotating cutter with a helical cutting geometry, a stationary auger, and a grinder, combined with suction and irrigation, to facilitate cutting, macerating, and removing tissue debris, creating a space for spinal implants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing surgical instruments are used for tissue preparation, then the surgical procedure can be performed, but the tissue processing efficiency is insufficient and the surgical site preparation is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument is divided into multiple functional members: a first member with a first cutting surface for initial tissue cutting, a second member with a second cutting surface for further processing, and a third member with an outer surface for final tissue transfer. This segmentation allows each member to perform a specific function in the tissue processing sequence, improving overall efficiency and preparation quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The second member is positioned within or adjacent to the first member, and the third member surrounds both, creating a nested configuration. This nested structure allows the cutting surfaces to work in sequence on the same tissue sample without requiring multiple separate instruments, thereby improving processing efficiency while maintaining preparation reliability.
2Ease of operation
If multiple separate instruments are used for cutting, removing, and processing tissue, then each function can be performed, but the overall surgical time increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions (cutting, removing, and processing tissue) are merged into a single integrated surgical instrument. The first member, second member, and third member work together in sequence within one instrument housing, eliminating the need to switch between multiple separate instruments and reducing surgical time while maintaining comprehensive tissue processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical instrument is designed as a universal device that can perform multiple functions: the first cutting surface cuts tissue, the second cutting surface further processes it, and the third member transfers and removes the processed tissue. This multi-functionality in a single instrument reduces surgical time and improves operational efficiency.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional cutting methods are used, then tissue can be removed, but the tissue is not adequately processed into smaller particles for optimal implant placement
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument employs dynamic interaction between the first cutting surface, second cutting surface, and third member through sequential engagement. The second member is configured to rotate or move relative to the first member, and the third member rotates relative to the outer surface, creating dynamic processing action that efficiently reduces tissue to smaller particles while maintaining control over particle size for optimal implant placement.
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
The instrument efficiently processes tissue into smaller particles for removal, preparing the surgical site for implant placement, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of spinal fusion and fixation treatments.
Implementation Method 1
A surgical instrument includes a first member defining an axis and including a cutting surface. A second member includes a cutting surface that is rotatable relative to the first member.
Implementation Method 2
The culling surface of the second member is rotatable relative to the outer surface to transfer the cut tissue along the axis.
Implementation Method 3
combined with suction and irrigation, to facilitate cutting, macerating, and removing tissue debris
Implementation Method 4
combined with suction and irrigation, to facilitate cutting, macerating, and removing tissue debris
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument includes a first member defining an axis and including a cutting surface. A second member includes a cutting surface that is rotatable relative to the first member. A third member includes an outer surface. The cutting surface of the second member is rotatable relative to the outer surface to transfer the cut tissue along the axis. Systems and methods are disclosed.