Implant Introducer Anchor Release for Stable Vertebral Deployment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing implants used to stabilize vertebral bodies during deployment can twist or become misaligned, leading to improper placement and bone cement leakage, due to insufficient rotational security between the implant and introducer device.

Innovation Solution

A system with an introducer device and implant featuring a tensioning element and anchor mechanism that securely couples and decouples in a controlled manner, ensuring the implant remains attached during deployment and bone cement application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the implant is secured to the introducer device during deployment, then the implant remains stable and properly aligned, but the implant cannot be separated from the introducer device after deployment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of implant during deploymentVSAvoidseparation of implant from introducer device

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement mechanism transitions from a static permanent connection to a dynamic controllable connection. The actuator allows the system to switch between engaged and disengaged states, enabling the implant to be securely held during deployment and then easily separated after deployment by actuating the actuator to disengage the engagement feature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling mechanism is divided into separate functional components: an engagement feature on the implant, a corresponding receiving feature on the introducer device, and an actuator mechanism. This segmentation allows independent control of engagement and disengagement, enabling reliable holding during deployment while permitting separation afterward through actuator operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the implant is loosely attached to the introducer device, then the implant can be easily removed, but the implant may twist or become misaligned during deployment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremoval of implant from introducer deviceVSAvoidalignment of implant during deployment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement mechanism provides dynamic control over the implant-introducer connection. During deployment, the engagement feature maintains precise alignment and prevents twisting. After deployment, actuating the actuator dynamically changes the engagement state to allow easy removal, thus achieving both precision during placement and ease of removal afterward.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement feature acts as an intermediary mechanism between the implant and introducer device. It provides controlled interaction that ensures proper alignment during deployment while allowing controlled separation after deployment through actuator operation, thus mediating between the requirements for precision and ease of removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the implant is securely held during bone cement delivery, then bone cement leakage is prevented, but the implant may be prematurely detached from the introducer device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of bone cement leakageVSAvoidattachment of implant to introducer device

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement mechanism provides stable holding during bone cement delivery to prevent leakage. The actuator allows controlled disengagement when needed, providing feedback control over the attachment state to maintain stability during critical phases while permitting deliberate separation when the procedure is complete.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement feature is designed to maintain secure attachment during bone cement delivery to prevent leakage. The actuator mechanism is prepared in advance to allow controlled disengagement after cement delivery is complete, thus preliminarily ensuring both leakage prevention and controlled detachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20260053639A1Systems For Deploying An Implant

Publication Date: 2026.02.26 STRYKER CORP

AI summary

Systems and methods for deploying an implant. An introducer device includes an actuator, a shaft, a tensioning element coupled to the actuator, and an anchor coupled to the tensioning element. The implant includes a proximal neck configured to be removably disposed within a distal portion of the shaft. The proximal neck defines a notch sized to receive the anchor such that the distal portion of the shaft covers the anchor and prevents separation of the anchor from the notch with the tensioning element in a tensioned state. The actuator is configured to be actuated to release tension on the tensioning element so as to permit removal of the proximal neck from the distal portion of the shaft and separation of the anchor from the notch to decouple the implant from the introducer device. The anchor and the proximal notch may include complementary sloped surfaces to facilitate the separation.