Inflatable Disk Implant Anchoring via Threaded Port
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical implants for herniated intervertebral disks are prone to shifting and have high failure rates due to inadequate anchoring, leading to ineffective long-term outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A surgical implant featuring an inflatable bladder with a self-hardening polymeric filler and an externally threaded inlet port that is anchored between vertebrae using a setscrew, with an hourglass-shaped inlet port design to prevent migration and a peripheral groove for secure placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional implants are used to replace the nucleus pulposus, then the disk can be reconstructed, but the implant shifts and migrates leading to high failure rates
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into distinct functional segments: an inflatable bladder for disk reconstruction and an externally threaded inlet port for anchoring. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specialized function optimally - the bladder provides disk replacement while the threaded port ensures stable anchoring between vertebrae, preventing migration.
Solution Approach 2:
The inlet port is pre-threaded with external threads before implantation, allowing it to be screwed into the annulus fibrosis during surgery. This preliminary preparation of the anchoring mechanism ensures that the implant can be securely fixed in place before the bladder is inflated, establishing stable positioning from the outset.
Solution Approach 3:
The bladder transitions from a deflated state during implantation to an inflated state after positioning. This parameter change (volume expansion) allows the implant to be easily inserted in a compact form and then expand to fill the disk space, providing reconstruction while the threaded port remains anchored in place.
2Reliability
If sutures are used to anchor the implant, then the implant can be secured, but the failure rate is high
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the soft tissue anchoring mechanism (sutures) with a mechanical threading system. The externally threaded inlet port screws into the annulus fibrosis, providing a rigid mechanical anchor that is far more durable and reliable than suture-based anchoring, eliminating the high failure rates associated with sutures.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant combines a flexible bladder material with a rigid threaded port structure. This composite design allows the soft bladder to be inflated for disk reconstruction while the hard threaded port provides permanent mechanical anchoring, creating a hybrid system that leverages the advantages of both material types.
3Reliability
If caps, covers, and tethers are attached to the annulus fibrosis, then the implant can be anchored, but the anchoring is problematic and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the anchoring function from separate components (caps, covers, tethers) and integrates it directly into the inlet port structure. The externally threaded inlet port itself serves as the anchoring mechanism, eliminating the need for additional anchoring components and simplifying the overall device while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The inlet port merges multiple functions into a single component: it serves as both the access port for injecting filler material into the bladder and as the anchoring mechanism through its external threads. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate anchoring components, reducing device complexity while improving fixation reliability.
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 implant provides stable reconstruction of the intervertebral disk, preventing migration and ensuring long-term spinal stability by mutually anchoring the bladder and inlet port, thereby reducing pain and restoring mobility.
Implementation Method 1
a self-hardening, polymeric filler is admitted into the bladder to permanently inflate it
Implementation Method 2
A setscrew is screwed into the threaded bore for plugging the threaded bore to retain the filler within the bladder
Implementation Method 3
The inlet port has an "hourglass" shape with a peripheral groove near its midpoint for receiving the raised marginal edges of adjacent vertebrae to prevent the migration of the inlet port
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical implant for repairing an intervertebral disk. The implant includes an inflatable bladder and an externally threaded inlet port connected to the bladder. The inlet port has a threaded bore through which a filler is admitted into the bladder to inflate it. A setscrew is screwed into the threaded bore for plugging the threaded bore to retain the filler in the bladder.