Minimally Invasive Intervertebral Implant Insertion via Kambin Triangle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for introducing intervertebral implants are often associated with open surgical procedures, leading to higher costs, longer hospital stays, and patient discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A minimally invasive procedure using a posterolateral approach through Kambin's triangle, facilitated by a foraminoplasty performed using dilation tubes, to introduce an access cannula and drill bit, allowing for the placement of intervertebral implants while protecting exiting and traversing nerves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If open surgical procedures are used to introduce intervertebral implants, then the implants can be securely placed, but patient trauma increases, hospital stay lengthens, and recovery time extends
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical approach is segmented into distinct phases: creating a foraminoplasty opening, inserting a dilator, advancing an access cannula, and finally placing the implant. This segmentation allows each step to be performed minimally invasively while maintaining secure implant placement through precise control at each stage
Solution Approach 2:
A foraminoplasty opening and access cannula serve as intermediaries between the surgeon and the implant placement site. These intermediaries provide a controlled pathway that protects surrounding tissues while enabling secure implant insertion, thus reducing patient trauma without compromising placement reliability
2Ease of operation
If open surgical procedures are used, then complete access to the surgical site is achieved, but tissue disruption increases and recovery time extends
Solution Approach 1:
The approach transitions from traditional anterior or posterior access to a posterolateral dimension through Kambin's triangle. This dimensional change provides adequate surgical access through a smaller opening, reducing tissue disruption while maintaining ease of operation for implant placement
Solution Approach 2:
A foraminoplasty opening is created preliminarily before implant insertion. This preliminary action establishes a controlled access pathway that minimizes tissue disruption while providing sufficient access for subsequent implant placement procedures
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional approaches are used to access the intervertebral space, then the procedure is straightforward, but exiting and traversing nerves are at risk of injury
Solution Approach 1:
The foraminoplasty opening, which could potentially expose nerves to injury, is instead used to create a protected pathway. The controlled opening allows visualization and protection of exiting and traversing nerves while maintaining procedural simplicity for implant placement
Data Source
AI summary
A dilation introducer for orthopedic surgery is provided for minimally invasive access for insertion of an intervertebral implant. The dilation introducer may be used to provide an access position through Kambin's triangle from a posterolateral approach. A first dilator tube with a first longitudinal axis is provided. An access cannula may be introduced over the first dilator tube. A drill may be inserted through the access cannula and used to perform a foraminoplasty. Surgical instruments may pass through the access cannula to operate on an intervertebral disc and/or insert an intervertebral implant.