Integrated Spinal Screw Insertion Assembly for Guidewire Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bone anchor installation procedures are time-consuming, cumbersome, and prone to errors, such as guidewire dislodgment and damage to anatomical structures, due to multiple steps requiring fluoroscopic guidance and potential kinking of guidewires.
Innovation Solution
Surgical instruments with handle assemblies that allow for simultaneous rotation and axial translation of a stylet and elongate shaft, featuring predefined fixed positioning features and depth adjusters to securely advance bone anchors, reducing the number of steps and minimizing guidewire displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional multi-step bone anchor installation procedure is used, then the bone anchor can be securely fixed to bone, but the surgical time increases and the procedure becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate surgical instruments (needle driver, guidewire inserter, tap driver, anchor driver) into a single integrated bone anchor implantation device. The device integrates a stylet for trajectory establishment, a guidewire for positioning, a tap for pilot hole creation, and a bone anchor driver all in one unit, allowing sequential operations without removing the stylet or guidewire between steps, thereby reducing surgical time while maintaining fixation reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning the stylet and guidewire within the bone anchor assembly before insertion. The stylet is inserted first to establish the trajectory, followed by the guidewire to define the precise path, and then the bone anchor is pre-assembled and ready for insertion in the correct orientation, eliminating the need for multiple separate instrument changes and reducing overall surgical time
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate steps are performed for bone anchor installation, then each step can be controlled precisely, but the risk of guidewire dislodgment and anatomical damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging all insertion functions into a single integrated device, the patent eliminates the risks associated with multiple separate steps. The stylet, guidewire, and bone anchor are manipulated as a coordinated assembly, preventing guidewire dislodgment that occurs when removing and reinserting separate instruments. The integrated design maintains continuous control of the trajectory throughout the entire insertion process
Solution Approach 2:
The stylet serves as an intermediary element that is retained within the bone anchor assembly during the entire insertion process. It acts as a mediator between the operator's control and the bone anchor, allowing precise trajectory control while preventing direct manipulation that could dislodge the guidewire or cause anatomical damage. The stylet remains in place throughout, providing continuous structural support and guidance
3Productivity
If a single integrated device is used for bone anchor installation, then surgical efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the stylet is positioned within the bone anchor assembly, the guidewire is positioned within the stylet, and the bone anchor is positioned over the guidewire. This nested arrangement allows all components to be manipulated as a single unit while maintaining the functional independence of each element. The nested design reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate instruments while improving surgical efficiency through integrated operation
4Ease of operation
If the stylet and bone anchor are advanced simultaneously, then the procedure is simplified, but the risk of guidewire kinking and damage to anatomical structures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by first establishing the trajectory with the stylet, then positioning the guidewire along the stylet, and only then assembling the bone anchor over the guidewire. This sequential preliminary arrangement ensures that the guidewire is securely positioned before the bone anchor is inserted, preventing guidewire kinking that would occur if the bone anchor were advanced before the guidewire was in place. The preliminary positioning of all components eliminates the need for simultaneous advancement and reduces the risk of anatomical damage
Data Source
AI summary
In general, surgical instruments described herein can include a handle assembly having an elongate shaft extending distally therefrom. The handle assembly can be configured to axially translate a carrier assembly that secures a stylet extending therethrough. Translation of the stylet can be made relative to a distal end of the elongate shaft. The surgical instruments can include various carrier assemblies for positioning the distal end of the stylet relative to the distal end of the elongate shaft based on a length of bone anchor to be installed by the surgical instrument.