Interbody Implantation System Using Shape Memory Materials
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interbody disc replacement and spinal fusion devices are often invasive due to complex structures and bulky designs, making them difficult to place properly, and materials like hydrogels are prone to damage and migration during implantation.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a stabilization system with an interbody insertion guide and insertion rod that allows for minimally invasive posterior surgical approaches, using a compression channel in the guide and shape memory materials to facilitate precise placement of interbody devices between vertebrae, and a flexible rib structure for enhanced fit and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior art disc replacements are made with complex structures and multiple materials to simulate natural disc function, then functional performance is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of implantation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential functional elements needed for disc replacement (load bearing, motion control) rather than attempting to replicate the complete complex structure of natural disc tissue. This allows the device to achieve necessary functional performance while significantly reducing structural complexity and implantation difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different material properties and structural characteristics to specific regions of the device where they are most needed, rather than using uniform complex structures throughout. This localized approach optimizes functional performance in critical areas while minimizing overall device complexity.
2Strength
If prior art disc replacements use bulky designs to ensure structural integrity, then strength and stability are improved, but ease of insertion through small surgical openings deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separable components that can be assembled in a compact configuration for insertion through small surgical openings, then assembled or expanded to their full structural configuration once positioned. This segmentation allows the device to achieve full structural integrity while facilitating minimally invasive insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs dynamic structural characteristics where the device transitions from a compact insertion configuration to a fully deployed functional configuration. This dynamic approach allows the device to pass through small openings in a compressed state while maintaining full structural integrity and stability when deployed in the intervertebral space.
3Reliability
If hydrogel materials are used to simulate natural disc nucleus texture, then biocompatibility and tissue simulation are improved, but resistance to damage and migration during implantation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material construction where hydrogel or other soft tissue-simulating materials are combined with more robust structural materials or encapsulated within protective frameworks. This composite approach maintains the biocompatibility and tissue-simulating properties of hydrogels while providing the structural strength and damage resistance needed during implantation and long-term function.
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 robust and minimally invasive insertion of interbody devices, reducing damage to surrounding tissues and improving the accuracy of device placement, while allowing for the use of various materials like biocompatible polymers and shape memory metals for durability and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
comprised of a flexible material having a shape memory such that the disc may be deformed for insertion through a small area in the spine, then expand to its normal shape once insertion is completed
Data Source
AI summary
A system for implanting an interbody device between adjacent vertebrae comprises an interbody device having a plurality of lobes extending outwardly from a longitudinal rib, and having a relaxed shape approximating the shape of the disc being replaced. An insertion guide has a bore therein from a proximal end to a distal end thereof to accept the interbody device in an unrelaxed shape. The distal end is shaped for insertion into an intervertebral space. The insertion rod may be positioned within the bore of the insertion guide whereby the interbody device is positioned within the intervertebral space by advancing the insertion rod into the insertion guide.