Intervertebral Insertion Tool with Fluid Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intervertebral insert systems face challenges in delivering fluids directly to the intervertebral space during spinal stabilization or fusion procedures, often requiring fluids to flow through a hollow spacer or cage, which can limit fluid delivery and structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
The system includes an insertion tool with a fluid delivery path that allows direct delivery of fluids to the intervertebral space through openings along the outer surfaces of the tool, eliminating the need for fluids to pass through a hollow spacer, and featuring a tapered section for gradual distraction and rotation of the insert into position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If fluids are delivered through a hollow spacer or cage, then the insert can maintain structural integrity, but fluid delivery to the intervertebral space is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is segmented into multiple functional components: a shaft for insertion, a separate fluid delivery system with openings along its length, and a distal end structure for coupling to the insert. This segmentation allows the fluid delivery function to be independent from the insert structure itself, enabling direct fluid delivery without requiring a hollow spacer.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool acts as an intermediary device that bridges the gap between the fluid source and the intervertebral space. The fluid delivery path within the tool provides a direct conduit for fluid to reach the target space, eliminating the need for fluid to travel through the insert structure itself.
2Quantity of substance
If a hollow spacer is used for fluid delivery, then fluid can be delivered to the intervertebral space, but structural integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the fluid delivery function (performed by the tool) from the structural support function (performed by the solid insert), the system maintains structural integrity while enabling complete fluid delivery. The solid insert provides strength without compromising fluid delivery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool serves as an intermediary that delivers fluid directly to the intervertebral space without requiring the insert to be hollow. This mediator approach allows the insert to remain solid and structurally sound while still achieving the fluid delivery objective.
3Ease of operation
If the insert is inserted directly without a tapered section, then insertion is simpler, but gradual distraction and rotation are difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The tapered section performs preliminary distraction of the vertebral bodies before the insert is fully inserted. This preliminary action creates the necessary space and alignment for subsequent insert placement and rotation, making the overall procedure easier despite the added structural feature.
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered section uses a curved, gradually narrowing geometry to facilitate smooth insertion and rotation. This curved profile allows the tool to navigate the insertion path more easily and enable controlled rotation of the insert into its final position.
4Quantity of substance
If fluid delivery openings are positioned along the outer surfaces of the tool, then direct fluid delivery to the intervertebral space is achieved, but the tool structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid delivery openings are distributed along the length of the tool shaft, utilizing the longitudinal dimension to provide multiple delivery points. This dimensional approach allows comprehensive fluid distribution to the intervertebral space without requiring complex lateral structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer surfaces of the tool shaft incorporate localized openings at specific positions along its length. These locally positioned openings provide targeted fluid delivery to different regions of the intervertebral space, achieving complete fluid distribution through simple localized modifications rather than complex overall structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for insertion of an intervertebral insert into an intervertebral space is provided. The tool includes a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the shaft is configured to be coupled to the intervertebral insert. The tool includes a tapered section located at the distal end of the shaft, the tapered section tapering toward the longitudinal axis of the shaft and away from the proximal end of the shaft. The tool further includes a recess formed in the tapered section, the recess configured to receive the intervertebral insert such that at least a portion of the intervertebral insert is located within the recess when the intervertebral insert is coupled to the shaft.