Multi-portal spinal surgery systems with endoscopic visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical techniques for implanting interbody spacers in spinal fusion procedures often result in significant trauma at the implantation site, leading to increased recovery time and patient discomfort, due to difficulties in precise placement and minimally invasive methods.
Innovation Solution
The development of multi-portal surgical systems that utilize endoscopic visualization and minimally invasive instruments, such as cannulas with tissue-mapping probes and expandable interbody fusion implants, to facilitate precise placement and reduce tissue trauma.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional surgical techniques are used for implanting interbody spacers, then the surgical procedure can be performed with standard equipment, but significant trauma occurs at the implantation site leading to increased recovery time and patient discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical system divides the implantation procedure into multiple portal access points, allowing different instruments to be introduced through separate minimally invasive pathways. This segmentation enables precise placement of interbody spacers while minimizing trauma to any single tissue region, as each portal is strategically positioned to access specific anatomical targets without requiring large incisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from traditional single-portal or open surgical approaches to a multi-portal three-dimensional access strategy. By utilizing multiple entry points distributed across different spatial dimensions, the system can deliver instruments and implants to the target site through minimally invasive pathways, reducing tissue disruption while maintaining surgical efficacy.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If minimally invasive methods are used to reduce tissue trauma, then patient recovery time may be reduced, but precise placement of interbody spacers becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical system incorporates real-time feedback mechanisms including imaging guidance and instrument tracking that provide continuous information to the surgeon about instrument position and implant placement. This feedback loop enables precise control of minimally invasive instruments, ensuring accurate spacer placement despite the constraints of small incisions and limited direct visualization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs intermediary devices such as guide wires, alignment tools, and imaging systems that mediate between the surgeon's external control and the internal implantation process. These intermediaries transmit positional information and mechanical guidance through the minimally invasive access pathways, enabling precise implant placement without requiring large open incisions.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple portals are used for surgical access, then precise placement and visualization can be improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-portal surgical system employs universal instruments and standardized portal access devices that can perform multiple functions across different surgical steps. Each portal adapter and instrument is designed to accommodate various tools and provide consistent guidance, reducing the need for specialized equipment for each specific task and thereby managing overall system complexity despite the multi-portal approach.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-portal method for treating a subject's spine includes distracting adjacent vertebrae using a distraction instrument positioned at a first entrance along the subject to enlarge an intervertebral space between the adjacent vertebrae. An interbody fusion implant can be delivered into the enlarged intervertebral space. The interbody fusion implant can be positioned directly between vertebral bodies of the adjacent vertebrae while endoscopically viewing the interbody fusion implant using an endoscopic instrument. The patient's spine can be visualized using endoscopic techniques to view, for example, the spine, tissue, instruments, and implants before, during, and after implantation, or the like. The visualization can help a physician throughout the surgical procedure to improve patient outcome.