Multi-volume Balloon for Spinal Interventions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal fusion procedures often lead to overloading of adjacent intervertebral discs due to the lack of an intervertebral disc between fused vertebral bodies, resulting in accelerated degeneration and the need for re-operation, while existing treatments for degenerative disc disease (DDD) fail to provide uniform pressure distribution and retain mobility.
Innovation Solution
A multi-volume balloon system with individually adjustable and expandable single volumes, allowing for variable content volumes and customizable support within the vertebral column, which can be inserted into intervertebral disc spaces or vertebral bodies to restore anatomy and stabilize the spine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional spinal fusion procedures are used to restore vertebral spacing, then proper vertebral spacing is restored and nerve pressure is relieved, but adjacent intervertebral discs become overloaded and degenerate faster
Solution Approach 1:
The balloon is divided into multiple independent volumes (first volume, second volume, third volume) that can be inflated separately to different pressures. This segmentation allows differential support distribution across multiple disc levels, preventing overload on any single adjacent disc while maintaining proper vertebral spacing.
2Reliability
If a prosthetic disc is used to replace a degenerated disc, then disc function is restored, but uniform pressure distribution is not achieved due to years of prior damage
Solution Approach 1:
Different volumes of the balloon can be inflated to different pressures and volumes to provide customized local support. The first volume, second volume, and third volume can each be adjusted independently to compensate for non-uniform pressure distribution caused by prior disc damage, achieving optimal local quality at each treatment level.
Solution Approach 2:
The balloon system allows dynamic adjustment of volume and pressure in each chamber after implantation. This enables the system to adapt to changing mechanical requirements and achieve uniform pressure distribution over time, addressing the non-uniformity caused by years of prior damage.
3Reliability
If traditional surgical procedures are used to treat degenerative disc disease, then severe pain is treated, but mobility is lost and re-operation rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The balloon system provides dynamic, adjustable support that can be modified as the patient's condition evolves. Unlike rigid fusion constructs, the balloon can adapt to preserve natural spinal motion, maintaining ease of operation and mobility while treating pain effectively.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The multi-volume balloon system provides personalized support and load distribution, reducing the need for re-operation by maintaining disc health and preserving spinal mobility, while allowing for adjustable and customizable treatment based on the progression of disc degeneration.
Implementation Method 1
Pressure distribution on the damaged intervertebral disc may no longer be uniform
Implementation Method 2
vertebral bodies may need varying support in different locations
Data Source
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AI summary
An inflatable balloon for diagnostics and treatment of diseased discs or fractured bones. The balloon is a multi-volume balloon comprised of a plurality of adjustable and expandable single volumes. Further disclosed are methods of forming, expanding, and implanting the multi-volume balloon for proper placement and stabilization of the diseased discs or fractured bones. Still further disclosed are kits for aligning and stabilizing a bone, disc, or spinal motion segment.