Integrated Spinal Access Assembly for Stable Multilevel Decompression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current minimally invasive spinal procedures face challenges in effectively accessing and treating the spinal canal, particularly in performing procedures bilaterally and at multiple levels from a single access point, with existing systems often requiring multiple instruments and causing spinal instability post-operatively.
Innovation Solution
The development of integrated systems that combine multiple instruments, such as a portal cannula, trocar, depth guide, and stabilization component, into a single assembly. This assembly includes a portal grip that can be slidably attached to the portal cannula, locked at various positions, and maintained securely even when exposed to body fluids, allowing for percutaneous access and minimally invasive procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional open surgery is performed to correct spinal stenosis, then the spinal canal can be adequately decompressed, but the patient experiences extensive muscle damage, prolonged recovery time, and spinal instability
Solution Approach 1:
The procedure is divided into distinct stages: percutaneous access creation, intracanal navigation, and decompression execution. The access device includes separate functional components (cannula, stylet, dilators) that can be sequentially deployed, allowing precise targeting while minimizing soft tissue disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
A percutaneous access device serves as an intermediary tool, creating a controlled pathway through the paraspinal muscles to reach the spinal canal. This mediator allows instrument delivery without requiring direct muscle detachment, thereby preserving stabilizing structures while enabling effective decompression.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate instruments are used for percutaneous spinal procedures, then procedural flexibility is maintained, but device complexity increases and procedure time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional components are merged into a single integrated access device assembly. The cannula, stylet, and dilators are designed to work together as a coordinated system, reducing the number of separate instruments needed while maintaining procedural flexibility through controlled deployment of each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The access device is designed with multi-functionality, where the same basic structure accommodates various instrument deliveries and procedural needs. The cannula can receive different working instruments, and the assembly can be adapted for various decompression techniques, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices.
3Ease of operation
If percutaneous access is created without stabilization components, then the procedure is simpler, but the portal grip cannot be securely locked at various positions along the spinal canal
Solution Approach 1:
The access device incorporates dynamic positioning capabilities with the portal grip able to slide along the cannula and lock at various positions. This dynamic system allows the operator to adjust the grip position during the procedure to optimize stability for different working angles and instrument deliveries, while maintaining relatively simple overall device architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods for performing minimally invasive spinal procedures are described herein. The systems, devices, and methods may be used to percutaneously access the spinal canal and perform a spinal procedure in multiple locations along the canal, e.g., bilaterally and/or at multiple levels from a single access point. The systems and devices may integrate various instruments for performing the procedures, thus improving their ease of use, reducing procedural complexity, and minimizing procedure time.