Interspinous Process Device with Deployable Wings
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Damage to intervertebral discs and vertebral members due to various conditions leads to pain, neurological deficits, and loss of motion, necessitating a device to stabilize and maintain a predetermined distraction height between spinous processes.
Innovation Solution
A selectively adjustable device with a first wing positioned on one lateral side of the spinous processes and a second wing that deploys from an intermediate member to engage the opposite side, maintaining a predetermined distraction height by contacting the spinous processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the device is designed with a fixed size to maintain predetermined distraction height, then the stability and alignment are improved, but the difficulty of insertion into the interspinous space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a compressed insertion configuration to an expanded operational configuration. The wings are initially stored within the intermediate member during insertion, then deployed outward after positioning to engage the spinous processes laterally, enabling the device to adapt its size dynamically to match different interspinous spaces while maintaining stable distraction height
Solution Approach 2:
The wings are nested within the intermediate member in a compact arrangement for insertion. The second wing is received by the intermediate member in a reduced configuration, allowing the device to pass through the interspinous space in a minimized profile before deployment
2Ease of operation
If the device is designed to be compact for lateral approach insertion, then the ease of insertion is improved, but the ability to engage both lateral sides of spinous processes effectively is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs dynamic deployment of wings after insertion. Once positioned within the interspinous space, the wings are expanded outward to engage the lateral sides of the spinous processes, ensuring reliable bilateral engagement while maintaining ease of insertion through the compact initial configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The device is pre-configured in a compact insertion profile that facilitates lateral approach insertion. After successful positioning within the interspinous space, the wings are then deployed to achieve reliable engagement with the spinous processes
Data Source
AI summary
The present application is directed to devices and methods for spacing and/or positioning spinous processes of vertebral members. The device may include a first wing to position on a first lateral side of spinous processes and a second wing to position on a second lateral side of spinous processes. An intermediate member extends between the wings and fits within the interspinous space. The device may be selectively adjustable from a first orientation with the second wing received by the intermediate member. This first orientation may include a reduced sized to facilitate insertion of the device with a lateral approach into the interspinous space. The device may also be moved to a second orientation with the wing deployed from the intermediate member. The second orientation may provide for the second wing to be positioned on the second side of the spinous process opposite from the first wing. The intermediate member may be positioned within the interspinous space to retain a predetermined distraction height.