Modular Implant Driver Cartridge System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal fixation techniques require multiple instruments and steps for screw placement, increasing the risk of infection and reducing surgical efficiency due to handling and reprocessing of instruments, which can lead to loss of sharpness and variable effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A modular apparatus with a cartridge system that houses and aligns multiple instruments and implants, allowing for sequential use while maintaining sterility and reducing handling, featuring a drive assembly that moves instruments coaxially to form threaded holes and secure implants without direct user handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate instruments are used for screw placement (awl, drill bit, tap, driver), then each instrument can be optimized for its specific function, but the number of steps and handling increases, leading to higher infection risk and reduced surgical efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate instruments (awl, drill bit, tap, driver) into a single integrated drill driver assembly. The driver body houses interchangeable cutting elements that can be sequentially engaged with the bone, eliminating the need to switch between multiple separate instruments during the screw placement procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The drill driver assembly is designed as a universal tool that can perform multiple functions: creating pilot holes, drilling enlarged holes, and driving screws. The interchangeable cutting elements allow the same driver body to adapt to different surgical requirements, replacing the need for multiple specialized instruments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate instruments are used for screw placement, then each instrument can be optimized for its specific function, but the handling and reprocessing required increases, leading to loss of sharpness and variable effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate instruments (awl, drill bit, tap, driver) into a single integrated drill driver assembly. The driver body houses interchangeable cutting elements that can be sequentially engaged with the bone, eliminating the need to switch between multiple separate instruments during the screw placement procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting elements are pre-sterilized and pre-assembled into the driver body before surgery. This preliminary preparation ensures that the instruments are ready for immediate use without requiring handling or reprocessing during the procedure, maintaining their sharpness and effectiveness throughout the surgery.
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional multi-step screw placement is used, then thorough bone preparation can be achieved, but the time required and infection risk increase due to multiple instrument passages into the surgical site
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate instruments (awl, drill bit, tap, driver) into a single integrated drill driver assembly. The driver body houses interchangeable cutting elements that can be sequentially engaged with the bone, eliminating the need to switch between multiple separate instruments during the screw placement procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The drill driver assembly allows for continuous surgical action by keeping the instrument in place while sequentially engaging different cutting elements. This eliminates the repeated insertion and removal of instruments, maintaining continuous sterile barrier integrity and reducing infection risk while completing all necessary bone preparation steps.
4Ease of manufacture
If non-sterile or pre-sterile screws are used, then cost and availability are improved, but direct handling by operating room staff increases, raising infection risk and potential damage to gloves
Solution Approach 1:
The drill driver assembly is designed to automatically capture and advance the screw into the bone without requiring manual handling by the surgeon. The screw is fed through the driver body and secured by a capture mechanism that advances it automatically, eliminating direct contact between the surgeon's hands and the screw.
Solution Approach 2:
The driver body acts as an intermediary between the screw and the surgeon's hands. The screw is loaded into the driver assembly, which then controls its placement and advancement into the bone, preventing direct handling by the surgical staff while maintaining proper positioning and insertion force.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for inserting implants in a bone comprising a frame having a cartridge receiving chamber and a barrel. A cartridge defining a plurality of chambers is positioned in the cartridge receiving chamber so the chambers are selectively alignable with a longitudinal passage of the barrel. At least one instrument is positioned in one of the chambers, and a plurality of implants is positioned in the other chambers. A drive assembly is engageable with the instrument and the implants. The drive assembly is slidably and rotatably disposed in the frame and is moveable between a retracted position, an engaging position wherein the distal end of the drive assembly is positioned to engage the selected one of the instrument and the implants, and an extended position wherein the drive assembly extends through the chamber to transport the selected one of the instrument or the implant from the chamber to the distal end of the barrel.