Implant Introducer Coupling for Stable Deployment and Release
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implants used to stabilize vertebral bodies during deployment can become misaligned or improperly positioned due to insufficient rotational security with the introducer device, leading to issues like bone cement leakage and improper expansion.
Innovation Solution
A system with an introducer device and implant that includes a tensioning element and anchor mechanism, allowing for secure coupling and intuitive decoupling through a tensioned and released state, preventing unintended separation and facilitating ergonomic removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the implant is secured to the introducer device during deployment, then the implant maintains proper alignment and position, but the implant cannot be removed from the introducer device after deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement mechanism transitions from a static secured state to a dynamic released state through actuator activation. The tensioning element allows the system to dynamically change from engaged (for stability) to disengaged (for removal), resolving the contradiction between maintaining alignment and enabling removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the engagement parameter from secured to released by actuating the actuator, which modifies the state of the tensioning element. This parameter change enables the implant to transition from being firmly held to being removable, solving both requirements.
2Ease of operation
If the implant is not sufficiently secured to the introducer device, then the implant can be easily removed, but the implant may twist or become misaligned during deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement mechanism provides dynamic control where the implant is securely held during deployment (high precision) and can be easily released when needed (easy removal). The actuator enables transition between these states, resolving the contradiction between security and ease of removal.
3Reliability
If the implant remains attached to the introducer device during bone cement delivery, then the implant position is maintained, but the bone cement may leak into undesirable areas or cause premature detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement mechanism allows the system to maintain a secured state during critical phases (preventing leakage) and transition to a released state when appropriate. The actuator provides controlled transition, preventing premature detachment while maintaining position stability during cement delivery.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
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.