Inflatable Interbody Fusion Device for Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current interbody fusion devices for spinal surgery require large incisions and significant neurovascular manipulation, leading to complications and prolonged recovery times, as they are not designed for minimally invasive endoscopic procedures.
Innovation Solution
An endoscopically implantable inflatable interbody fusion device with inflatable chambers that can be insufflated with a hardenable material, allowing for deployment through small incisions and customization to fit the vertebral anatomy, providing stability and facilitating bony fusion without the need for extensive surgical dissection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional interbody fusion devices are used, then stable fusion and structural support are achieved, but large incisions and significant neurovascular manipulation are required
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple segments including an outer wall, inner walls defining chambers, and separate inflation lumens. This segmentation allows the device to be inserted in a collapsed state through small incisions and then expanded to provide structural support, resolving the contradiction between ease of insertion and structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a static collapsed state during insertion to a dynamic expanded state providing structural support. The inflatable chambers allow the device to change volume and shape, enabling minimally invasive insertion while achieving the structural integrity needed for fusion support.
2Reliability
If traditional interbody fusion devices are used, then fusion stability is achieved, but prolonged recovery time and tissue disruption occur
Solution Approach 1:
The device replaces traditional mechanical insertion methods with pneumatic inflation. Instead of forcing a rigid device through large incisions, the device is inflated after insertion, reducing surgical trauma and enabling faster patient recovery while maintaining fusion stability.
3Ease of operation
If the device is designed for endoscopic implantation, then minimally invasive surgery is achieved, but the device must be collapsible and inflatable
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs flexible membranes including an outer wall and inner walls that can be collapsed for insertion and inflated for function. These thin-walled structures enable endoscopic implantation while maintaining the structural capacity to provide fusion support when expanded.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the device includes multiple chambers and delivery tubes, then customization and anatomical fit are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device features multiple chambers with different configurations and delivery tubes positioned at specific locations to address local anatomical variations. Each chamber and tube is strategically positioned to provide customized fit for different spinal anatomies, enhancing adaptability while managing complexity through functional specialization.
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
Enables true minimally invasive spinal fusion surgeries by allowing the device to be implanted through small incisions, reducing tissue disruption, pain, and hospital stay duration, while enhancing stability and fusion success through precise anatomical fit and bony ingrowth.
Implementation Method 1
The device includes a plurality of inflatable chambers defined by an outer wall and an inner wall
Implementation Method 2
insufflated with a hardenable material that sets to provide stability and promote bony fusion
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscopically implantable inflatable interbody fusion device, including an inflatable body having a first inner wall and an outer wall, a first cavity defined by the first inner wall, at least one hollow space between the first inner wall and the outer wall, a first delivery tube extending from outside the outer wall into the at least one hollow space, and a second delivery tube extending from outside the outer wall, through the at least one hollow space, and terminating in the first cavity.