Interspinous Implant Removable End Portion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current interspinous process implants for treating spinal stenosis are invasive and do not allow for reduction in size after implantation, which can lead to prolonged recovery and discomfort for patients.
Innovation Solution
An interspinous process implant system with a detachable proximal end portion that can be removed post-implantation, utilizing various connection methods such as threaded, frangible, interference fit, or interlocking structures, allowing for reduction in size and profile after installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a permanent interspinous process implant is used, then the implant provides continuous support and stability, but the implant maintains a large size and profile that can cause prolonged discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The implant body is divided into two separate portions: a main body portion that remains in the interspinous space to provide continuous support, and a removable body portion that can be detached after implantation to reduce the overall size and profile of the device
Solution Approach 2:
The removable body portion is designed to be discarded after serving its temporary purpose during the initial healing phase, allowing the patient to experience reduced discomfort and improved mobility while the main body portion continues to provide stabilization
2Length of stationary object
If a removable body portion is added to the implant, then the implant size can be reduced after implantation, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The implant body is segmented into a main body portion and a removable body portion connected by a separable connection, allowing size reduction while maintaining relatively simple individual components that can be manufactured and assembled straightforwardly
3Loss of substance
If biodegradable materials are used for the removable body portion, then the implant can be fully absorbed by the body over time, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The removable body portion is made from biodegradable material with controlled composition and degradation rate parameters, allowing it to maintain structural integrity during the initial healing period while gradually being absorbed by the body over time
Solution Approach 2:
By separating the implant into biodegradable removable portion and non-biodegradable main body portion, the manufacturing precision requirements are distributed across different materials with appropriate properties for each function
Data Source
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AI summary
An interspinous process implant is disclosed that includes an elongated threaded implant body defining a longitudinal axis and having a main body portion with opposed proximal and distal end portions, and a removable body portion operatively connected to the proximal end portion of the main body portion, a distal anchor assembly including two deployable anchor blades mounted for pivotal movement between a stowed position located within an interior cavity of the main body portion and a deployed position radially extending from the main body portion, and a proximal anchor assembly including an anchor collar mounted for longitudinal movement along the longitudinal axis of the implant body between a first position spaced apart from the distal anchor assembly and a second position approximated with the distal anchor assembly.