Multilevel Lateral Spinal Access System with Disc Anchors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current minimally invasive surgical systems for accessing multiple levels of the spine through a lateral approach are inefficient due to repetitive alignment steps required for each disc, leading to increased operative time and radiation exposure.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising disc anchors in the form of alignment pins is used to align and secure multiple disc levels simultaneously, allowing for combined fluoroscopy alignment steps and reducing the need for sequential tissue retraction, thereby improving surgical efficiency and minimizing redundant steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If sequential tissue retraction is performed for each disc level, then individual disc access is achieved, but operative time and radiation exposure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system places disc anchors in all target disc levels simultaneously before performing any tissue retraction or disc preparation. This preliminary alignment step allows all fluoroscopy imaging to be completed at once, eliminating the need for repeated imaging during sequential processing of each disc level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple alignment operations into a single workflow step by using the centering guide to align and place disc anchors at multiple disc levels simultaneously. This merging of alignment steps reduces the total number of fluoroscopy imaging events and consolidates the setup phase before tissue retraction begins.
2Measurement precision
If sequential fluoroscopy alignment is performed for each disc, then precise alignment is achieved, but radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs all necessary fluoroscopy alignment imaging in advance during the disc anchor placement step, before any tissue retraction or disc preparation occurs. This preliminary imaging approach ensures precise alignment is achieved for all disc levels in a single imaging session, minimizing cumulative radiation exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The centering guide maintains continuous alignment reference across multiple disc levels, allowing the surgical team to perform all alignment imaging and anchor placement in a continuous workflow without interrupting the alignment reference, thereby reducing the number of separate fluoroscopy events required.
3Manufacturing precision
If repeated fluoroscopy imaging is performed for each disc level, then alignment accuracy is maintained, but operating time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes all alignment references and places all disc anchors at every target disc level before beginning any tissue retraction or disc preparation work. This preliminary completion of all alignment tasks ensures accuracy is maintained while eliminating time-consuming repeated imaging during the surgical procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical workflow is segmented into distinct phases: first, all alignment and disc anchor placement is completed using the centering guide; second, tissue retraction is performed; third, disc preparation and implant placement occur. This segmentation allows alignment to be finalized once at the beginning, improving overall surgical efficiency.
4Ease of manufacture
If sequential processing of each disc is performed, then thorough disc preparation is achieved, but workflow efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system completes all alignment and disc anchor placement for every disc level before beginning any disc preparation or tissue retraction. This preliminary organization of all target levels allows the surgical team to proceed with efficient sequential processing of each disc, knowing that alignment is already established and will not require repeated adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
An access system for spinal surgery through a lateral approach comprises a tissue retractor including a center body supporting a centering guide having an elongate opening defining an alignment axis. A pair of retractor blades are movably supported by the center body one blade each on either side of said the centering guide, each retractor blade having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal ends of each retractor blade being configured for placement adjacent a spinal column of a patient. A plurality of elongate disc anchors is provided, each disc anchor being sized for individual removable receipt through the centering guide opening. Each disc anchor has a length such that the distal end of each disc anchor extends distally beyond the distal ends of the retractor blades when each disc anchor is respectively disposed in the centering guide opening.