Knit Spinal Implant Crimp Retention and Threaded Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing knit implants are difficult to retain during filling procedures due to the force required to fill and inflate them, necessitating improved retention methods.

Innovation Solution

A system involving an inner tube (lock tube) and outer tube (mesh tip) crimping mechanism to secure the knit implant, with a male/female screw interface for easy withdrawal, and a screw driver for unthreading the lock tube.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the knit implant is filled and inflated with force, then the implant achieves its functional volume and structural integrity, but the implant becomes difficult to retain with respect to the filling instrument

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidretention during filling

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the retention mechanism into two separate components: an inner lock tube that provides initial retention during insertion and filling, and an outer mesh tip that provides secondary retention through crimping. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to solve the overall retention problem.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lock tube is positioned over the implant before filling occurs, establishing retention in advance. The crimping mechanism is pre-configured to engage with the mesh tip and implant, ready to provide additional retention force when needed during the filling process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the implant is securely retained during filling, then the filling procedure can be completed successfully, but the number of steps and complexity increases for withdrawal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure retentionVSAvoidwithdrawal procedure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retention system transitions from a static retained state to a dynamic release state through the unthreading mechanism. The screw threads allow controlled movement and transformation of the retention force, enabling easy withdrawal by simply rotating the lock tube to disengage the threads and release the crimped implant.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The complex mechanical crimping retention system is replaced with a simpler threaded screw mechanism for withdrawal. Instead of requiring complex mechanical operations to release the implant, the system uses rotational motion of a screw driver to unthread and release the lock tube, significantly simplifying the withdrawal procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If a crimping mechanism is used to secure the implant, then retention is improved, but the number of steps required for the procedure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretention securityVSAvoidnumber of steps

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The locking and crimping functions are merged into a single integrated mechanism. The lock tube and mesh tip work together as a unified retention system where the crimping action and locking action occur simultaneously during insertion, eliminating the need for separate locking and crimping steps while maintaining secure retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The crimping mechanism is designed to automatically engage and secure the implant during the insertion process itself. The mesh tip and lock tube self-adjust and self-crimp as they are inserted and positioned, eliminating the need for additional manual crimping operations or separate securing steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Facilitates secure retention and easy release of knit implants during surgical procedures, simplifying the method and reducing the number of steps required for withdrawal.

Implementation Method 1

The lock tube puller utilizes frictional force between the device and the inner wall to bond the two together for withdrawal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

crimping the outer tube onto the knit implant after placement over the inserted inner tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCrimping: Deformation

Implementation Method 3

A male/female screw interface can be provided to accomplish the withdrawal of the inner lock tube out of the crimp zone

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScrew thread mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentUS12409048B2Knit spinal implant retention and release system and method

Publication Date: 2025.09.09 SPINEOLOGY INC

AI summary

An implant retention system for a knit surgical implant can include an elongated hollow mesh tip, including a flanged section at a distal end thereof and an internal threaded section proximal to the flanged section, and an elongated hollow lock tube, including a non-threaded section at a distal end thereof and an external threaded section proximal to the non-threaded section. The mesh tip can be threaded over the lock tube to define a crimp section between the flanged section and the non-threaded section that engages a portion of the knit surgical implant to retain the knit surgical implant in engagement with the lock tube.