Lateral Spinal Fixation System Reducing Operating Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical methods for treating spinal disorders often require multiple procedural steps and patient repositioning, leading to increased operating time and radiation exposure due to the need for precise alignment and fixation of spinal constructs.
Innovation Solution
A minimally invasive surgical system and method that allows for percutaneous delivery and fixation of spinal rods and fasteners along specific trajectories without rotating the patient, using a lateral orientation to align pedicle and cortical trajectories, reducing the need for fluoroscope guidance and patient repositioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional surgical methods are used for spinal fixation, then precise alignment and fixation can be achieved, but multiple procedural steps and patient repositioning are required, leading to increased operating time and radiation exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional posterior approach to a lateral approach, changing the surgical dimension. This lateral trajectory allows simultaneous access to both pedicles and interbody space without requiring patient repositioning, thereby reducing operating time while maintaining alignment precision through image-guided navigation
Solution Approach 2:
The method performs pedicle screw placement and interbody implant insertion through pre-planned trajectories before final fixation. Image-guided navigation is established beforehand to guide all subsequent implantations, eliminating the need for repeated repositioning and fluoroscopic imaging during the procedure
2Reliability
If traditional surgical methods are used for spinal fixation, then proper fixation can be achieved, but patient repositioning is required, leading to increased radiation exposure due to fluoroscope guidance
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral approach enables continuous implantation of all spinal fixation components (pedicle screws, rods, and interbody implants) without interrupting the surgical workflow for patient repositioning. Image-guided navigation provides continuous spatial guidance, eliminating repeated fluoroscopic exposure while maintaining fixation reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Image-guided navigation serves as an intermediary system that provides precise spatial information for all implantations. This navigation system replaces repeated fluoroscopic imaging, reducing radiation exposure while ensuring accurate placement of fixation components
3Reliability
If multiple procedural steps are used for spinal construct implantation, then comprehensive fixation can be achieved, but the complexity of the procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical procedure is segmented into distinct percutaneous steps: pedicle screw insertion, rod attachment, and interbody implant insertion. Each component is delivered through separate percutaneous trajectories, allowing modular assembly that simplifies the overall procedure while maintaining comprehensive fixation stability
Data Source
AI summary
A method for treating a spine comprises the steps of: percutaneously delivering a first fastener along a pedicle trajectory disposed in alignment with a first vertebral level of vertebrae; fastening the first fastener with the first vertebral level adjacent a lateral portion of the vertebrae; percutaneously delivering a first spinal rod adjacent to the first fastener; connecting the first spinal rod with the first fastener; percutaneously delivering a second fastener along a cortical trajectory disposed in alignment with the first vertebral level; fastening the second fastener with the first vertebral level adjacent a contra-lateral portion of the vertebrae; percutaneously delivering a second spinal rod adjacent to the second fastener; and connecting the second spinal rod with the second fastener. Systems and implants are disclosed.