Minimally Invasive Surgical System with Dynamic Guide Wire Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current minimally invasive surgical systems for implanting bone fixation devices often require multiple incisions and cause tissue trauma due to fixed geometric paths, which limits surgeon control and increases the risk of misalignment and trauma to soft tissues.
Innovation Solution
A Minimally Invasive Surgical System (MISS) that uses pedicle screw assemblies, yokes, closure caps, and a connecting rod, along with tools like dilation tools, docking sleeves, yoke manipulators, and a rod inserter to accurately and precisely implant bone anchors and connecting members through minimal incisions, allowing for flexible insertion paths and reduced tissue trauma.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed geometric path is used to guide the connecting element into position, then the installation process is simplified, but tissue trauma increases and surgeon control is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The guide wire and dilator assembly provides a dynamic, adjustable path rather than a fixed geometric constraint. The surgeon can vary the path of least resistance through soft tissues by adjusting the insertion angle and depth, allowing adaptation to different tissue conditions while maintaining procedural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changing the insertion parameters (angle, depth, path) of the guide wire and dilator to optimize the trajectory through tissues. This enables the surgeon to select different paths based on patient anatomy and tissue characteristics, reducing trauma while keeping the installation process straightforward
2Ease of operation
If multiple incisions are made to access the surgical site, then adequate access is provided, but patient trauma and recovery time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The guide wire insertion and dilator placement are combined into a single continuous procedure through one incision. The guide wire is inserted first, then the dilator is advanced over the guide wire, merging multiple steps into one access point and eliminating the need for separate incisions
Solution Approach 2:
The guide wire serves as an intermediary element that facilitates the insertion of the dilator through a single incision. By establishing a pilot path with the guide wire, the system enables subsequent instrument passage without requiring additional incisions, thereby reducing patient trauma
3Manufacturing precision
If a predetermined path is used for connecting element insertion, then alignment is improved, but adaptability to misaligned vertebrae is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a rigid predetermined path to a dynamic, adjustable path. The surgeon can vary the insertion trajectory by manipulating the guide wire and dilator angles, allowing adaptation to misaligned vertebrae while maintaining adequate alignment through real-time adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of forcing vertebrae to align with a predetermined path, the system inverts the approach by allowing the path to adapt to the existing vertebral alignment. The guide wire and dilator can be inserted at varying angles to accommodate the natural position of misaligned vertebrae
4Speed
If the connecting element follows a direct predetermined path, then insertion speed is increased, but surgeon control and tissue preservation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic control over the insertion path while maintaining efficient progression. The surgeon can adjust the guide wire and dilator trajectory in real-time to follow the path of least resistance, preserving both speed and control by adapting to tissue characteristics rather than forcing a fixed path
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-stage minimally invasive surgical procedure and associated instruments are disclosed. First, the surgical site is prepared. After preparation, the bone screws or anchors are attached to the bone. Subsequent to insertion of the screws, a rod or connecting member is positioned within the yoke portion of the bone screw. Caps are then placed in a pre-lock position within the yokes. The bone screws may be compressed together or distracted along the rod or connecting member, thereby setting the final spacing of the bones or bone segments. Finally the caps are moved to a final lock position to fix the screws to the rod or connecting member to maintain the bones in position relative to each other.