Interspinous Spacer With Deployable Wing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current interspinous spacers for spinal stenosis treatment require larger incisions and invasive surgical techniques, leading to longer recovery times, as they lack efficient minimally invasive solutions for effective placement and stabilization between spinous processes.
Innovation Solution
An implantable spacer with a movable wing and actuator assembly that can be deployed from a compact undeployed configuration to a deployed configuration, allowing for lateral stabilization and self-locking within the interspinous process space, facilitating minimally invasive surgical procedures through a small incision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional interspinous spacers are used, then effective stabilization and distraction of spinous processes is achieved, but large incisions and invasive surgical techniques are required
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer is divided into distinct functional segments: a body portion for initial insertion and stabilization, and movable wings that can be deployed independently after implantation. This segmentation allows the main body to be inserted through a minimally invasive approach while the wings are subsequently deployed to provide full stabilization without requiring a large incision for the entire device
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer incorporates movable wings that can transition from a retracted state during insertion to a deployed state after implantation. This dynamic configuration enables the device to be inserted in a compact form through small incisions, then expanded in situ to provide the necessary stabilization and distraction forces
2Ease of operation
If the spacer is designed for minimally invasive insertion, then smaller incisions are used, but the device complexity increases to enable deployment after implantation
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer employs a self-deployment mechanism where the wings are automatically positioned and locked into place through the natural movement and compression of the spinous processes after implantation. The device utilizes the physiological forces present in the spinal column to trigger and complete the deployment sequence without requiring additional complex actuation systems
Solution Approach 2:
The movable wings are nested within or adjacent to the spacer body in a compact configuration that minimizes the insertion profile. The wings are arranged to fold against or within the body structure, allowing the entire assembly to pass through small incisions before being deployed to their functional positions
3Ease of operation
If the spacer requires post-implantation deployment, then minimally invasive insertion is enabled, but the duration of the surgical procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer is pre-configured with deployment features and locking mechanisms that are prepared during manufacturing but remain inactive during insertion. The deployment sequence is predetermined and triggered automatically by the mechanical environment after implantation, eliminating the need for lengthy manual adjustment procedures and reducing overall surgical time
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
An implantable spacer for placement between adjacent spinous processes is provided. The spacer includes a body and a wing rotatably connected to the body. The wing includes two U-shaped configurations that together define a substantially H-shaped configuration for retaining the spacer between adjacent spinous processes. An actuator assembly is connected to the body and to the wing with the proximal end of the spacer being connectable to a removable driver that is configured to engage the actuator assembly. While connected to the spacer, the driver is rotatable in one direction to deploy the wing from an undeployed to a deployed configuration and in an opposite direction to undeploy the wing. In the deployed configuration, the spacer acts as a space holder opening up the area of the spinal canal, maintaining foraminal height, reducing stress on the facet joints and relieving pain for the patient.