Intervertebral Implant Insertion Instrument with Ramp Distraction Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intervertebral implant insertion instruments face challenges such as difficulty in distracting intervertebral spaces, especially with degenerative conditions, and the risk of implant fracture due to excessive force required for insertion, as well as limited compatibility with various implant sizes and inadequate protection against compression and shear forces.
Innovation Solution
An instrument featuring opposed ramps with a distraction guide that maintains a constant initial angle, allowing for controlled separation of vertebrae and safe implant placement, while enabling easy extraction without compressive or shear forces, using a modular design with clamp jaw components and threaded engagement mechanisms to accommodate different implant sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional distraction instruments are used to separate vertebrae, then intervertebral space distraction is achieved, but the procedure becomes complex and invasive with increased risk of injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple distraction instruments into a single integrated implant insertion instrument. The instrument includes an inserter body with ramp mechanisms that can distract the intervertebral space and deliver the implant in one unified device, eliminating the need for separate distraction tools and reducing surgical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The implant insertion instrument is designed to perform multiple functions: it can distract the intervertebral space using ramp mechanisms, hold the implant securely, and deliver the implant into the distracted space. This multi-functional design replaces several specialized instruments with one versatile tool
2Ease of operation
If excessive force is applied to insert the implant, then implant placement is achieved, but the implant may fracture or cause surgical complications
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument performs preliminary distraction of the intervertebral space using ramp mechanisms before implant insertion. By pre-expanding the space and preparing the reception site, the implant can be placed with minimal force, eliminating the need for high-impact insertion that could cause fracture
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp mechanisms act as intermediaries between the inserter body and the vertebrae. The ramps gradually separate the vertebral bodies through mechanical advantage, creating a controlled distraction that prepares the space without requiring excessive force on the implant itself
3Ease of operation
If the instrument design is simplified for easy use, then ease of operation improves, but compatibility with various implant sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument features a modular design where the distraction guide can be positioned at different locations along the inserter body. This segmentation allows the same basic instrument structure to accommodate implants of varying heights by adjusting the guide position, maintaining both simplicity and versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument incorporates adjustable and movable components, including the repositionable distraction guide and flexible ramp mechanisms. These dynamic elements allow the instrument to adapt to different implant dimensions while maintaining ease of operation through consistent control mechanisms
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
Facilitates safe and efficient insertion of intervertebral implants across a range of sizes, reducing the risk of implant damage and surgical complications by minimizing force requirements and maintaining a consistent lordotic angle during distraction, allowing for secure implant placement and easy removal of the instrument.
Implementation Method 1
inserting the distal tips of the opposed ramps between the adjacent bodies, thereby creating an initial interbody cavity between the adjacent bodies; expanding the interbody cavity
Implementation Method 2
threaded engagement mechanisms to accommodate different implant sizes
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for inserting an implant into a cavity is disclosed, which may include advancing an implant insertion instrument toward a pair of adjacent bodies, the implant insertion instrument having two opposed ramps, wherein each ramp has a distal tip and wherein the longitudinal axes of the opposed ramps are separated by an initial angle; inserting the distal tips of the opposed ramps between the adjacent bodies, thereby creating an initial interbody cavity between the adjacent bodies; expanding the interbody cavity while maintaining the initial angle between the longitudinal axes of the opposed ramps; placing the implant in a final location between the adjacent bodies; transferring a compressive force urging the adjacent bodies together from the opposed ramps to the implant; and extracting the implant insertion instrument from the interbody cavity.