Intervertebral Cage Tool With Distal Limiter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal implant devices lack a versatile and efficient tool for the controlled insertion and expansion of intervertebral cages across various surgical approaches, including posterior, transforaminal, and lateral methods, often requiring multiple instruments and compromising precision and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A single tool with a two-step procedure for insertion and expansion, featuring a distal limiter for controlled articulation and a slider mechanism that allows for secure positioning and expansion of intervertebral cages, compatible with both expandable and non-expandable implants, and usable in open or minimally invasive surgeries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple instruments are used for insertion and expansion of intervertebral cages, then the functionality and adaptability are improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (insertion, positioning, expansion, and removal) into a single instrument. The instrument includes an implant holder for securing the cage, an expander screw for expansion, and a distal limiter for controlling articulation during insertion. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate instruments while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument is designed as a universal tool that can perform multiple operations on different types of intervertebral cages (expandable and non-expandable). The same instrument can be used for insertion, positioning, expansion, and even removal of implants, making it adaptable to various surgical scenarios and cage designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple instruments are used for insertion and expansion, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
By combining all necessary functions into one instrument, the surgeon only needs to handle and learn one tool rather than multiple instruments. The instrument integrates the implant holder, expander mechanism, and distal limiter into a single unified device that can perform all required operations sequentially.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal design allows the same instrument to work with both expandable and non-expandable cages, as well as different surgical approaches (posterior, transforaminal, lateral). This reduces the cognitive load and training required for surgeons while maintaining broad adaptability.
3Device complexity
If a single tool is used for insertion and expansion, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument is segmented into functional modules: an implant holder for securing the cage, an expander screw for expansion, and a distal limiter for controlling articulation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while being integrated into a single instrument, enabling adaptability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument incorporates dynamic elements such as the movable distal limiter that can be adjusted during insertion to control articulation, and the expander screw that can be activated when needed. This dynamic capability allows the single instrument to adapt to different surgical scenarios and cage types.
4Manufacturing precision
If controlled articulation is implemented during insertion, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distal limiter acts as an intermediary mechanism between the surgeon's control and the cage articulation. It provides controlled articulation during insertion by limiting the range of motion, ensuring precise positioning without requiring complex active control systems. The limiter can be easily adjusted or removed based on surgical needs.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool assembly includes at least one tube and a slider disposed on a distal portion of the at least one tube. The slider includes a distal limiter movable between an extended position, in which the limiter protrudes distally from the slider, and a contracted position, in which the limiter does not protrude distally from the slider.