Interspinous Spacer With Pivotable Clamping Wings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current interspinous devices for treating lumbar spinal stenosis are bulky, require complex delivery instrumentation, and are not easily adaptable for both fusion and non-fusion procedures, necessitating a more invasive and cumbersome approach.
Innovation Solution
A clamping interspinous spacer system with a main body, pivotable wings, and a screw mechanism that allows for adjustable clamping diameters to securely engage spinous processes, enabling minimally invasive implantation and easy adaptation for both fusion and non-fusion procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current interspinous devices are used, then spinal stenosis can be treated, but the devices are bulky and require complex delivery instrumentation
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional components: a main body portion, a first clamp assembly with first wing, and a second clamp assembly with second wing. Each component can be independently positioned and secured, allowing for simplified delivery instrumentation while maintaining treatment effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assemblies are designed to be movable relative to the main body, allowing the device to transition from a compressed delivery state to an expanded deployed state. The first and second wings can be positioned at different angles and distances from the main body, providing dynamic adaptability during implantation and treatment.
2Reliability
If current interspinous devices are used, then spinal stenosis can be treated, but the devices are not easily adaptable for both fusion and non-fusion procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed with universal applicability to both fusion and non-fusion procedures. The main body and clamp assemblies can be configured for use in either procedure type, and the device can be adapted to work with various fixation methods including screws, hooks, and cages, making it versatile for different surgical approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable clamp assemblies allow the device to be dynamically adjusted and reconfigured during surgery to suit different procedural requirements. The first and second wings can be positioned independently to accommodate various anatomical configurations and surgical techniques for both fusion and non-fusion procedures.
3Reliability
If current interspinous devices are used, then spinal stenosis can be treated, but the implantation procedure is invasive and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented design with separate main body and clamp assemblies allows for minimally invasive delivery through a smaller incision. The components can be delivered separately and assembled in situ, reducing surgical trauma and simplifying the implantation procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is delivered in a compressed, low-profile configuration that facilitates minimally invasive insertion. Once positioned, the clamp assemblies are deployed outward to engage the spinous processes, transitioning from a small delivery profile to a stable treatment configuration without requiring large incisions or complex manipulation.
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
The system provides effective distraction and stabilization of the spinal interspace with reduced invasiveness, allowing for easier implantation and versatility in surgical procedures, thereby addressing the limitations of existing devices.
Implementation Method 1
The screw is positionable within the main body and includes a distal end that positions the first wing between a first position and a second position
Implementation Method 2
The first wing pivotably couples to a distal portion of the main body
Data Source
AI summary
An interspinous process spacer includes a main body, a first wing, and a screw. The main body includes a first securing member extending from a top portion of the main body that engages a first vertebra and a bottom portion of the main body that engages a second vertebra. The first wing pivotably couples to a distal portion of the main body and includes a second securing member extending parallel to the first securing member to form a first clamp. The screw is positionable within the main body and includes a distal end that positions the first wing between a first position and a second position. The first clamp includes a first diameter in the first position and a second diameter in the second position.