Lateral Disc Cutter Blade Geometry for Faster Endplate Preparation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical techniques for spinal fusion procedures are time-consuming due to the inefficient removal of intervertebral disc tissue from vertebral endplates, which limits the exposure and preparation of the bone growth area for fusion.
Innovation Solution
A lateral disc cutter with blades oriented parallel to the mid-plane of the intervertebral disc and configured with a convex profile to enhance contact with the endplates, allowing for increased exposure and reduced passes required for decortication and morcellation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional disc cutters fan radially outward from a pivot point close to a central axis of the access tube, then the device structure is simple, but the cutting edge contacts the vertebral endplates along an inherently limited span requiring several passes
Solution Approach 1:
The blade is reoriented from a radial configuration (fanning outward from a central pivot point) to a lateral configuration (extending perpendicular to the central axis). This dimensional change allows the cutting edge to contact the vertebral endplates along a significantly increased span, reducing the number of passes required while the linkage mechanism manages the complexity of achieving this orientation
2Productivity
If the blade extends into contact with the vertebral endplate in the superior/inferior direction, then the line of contact between the blade and endplate is increased, but the time and number of passes needed to prepare the endplates is still significant
Solution Approach 1:
The blade is given a convex profile that substantially conforms to the concave shape of the vertebral endplate. This curved surface design maximizes the contact area between blade and endplate during each pass, enabling more effective decortication per stroke and reducing the total time required for preparation
Solution Approach 2:
A linkage mechanism is employed to dynamically adjust and maintain the blade's lateral orientation as it extends into contact with the endplate. This dynamic adjustment ensures optimal contact geometry throughout the motion, maximizing the line of contact and reducing the number of passes needed
Data Source
AI summary
A lateral disc cutter for morcellating and decorticating tissue of an intervertebral disc from between adjacent vertebrae. The device can be arranged in a retracted configuration for insertion via an access tube, and in an extended configuration for cutting of tissue in the target region. The blades may be extended to contact the concave endplate in an orientation that is substantially parallel to a mid-plane of the intervertebral disc. Blades of the device may be configured with a convex profile that substantially conforms to the concave shape of the endplate for enhanced contact length between the blade and the endplate.