Nested Disc Instruments via Shape Memory Guides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current discectomy procedures using manual instruments are cumbersome, risky, and inefficient due to the need for repeated insertion and removal of instruments, which can cause nerve damage and trauma to surrounding tissues, and pose challenges in distinguishing between nucleus, annulus, and bone tissues during minimally invasive spinal surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A tissue manipulation system comprising a guide member and tissue manipulation tools, including a pusher member and tissue disruptors or extractors, that can be deployed in a minimally invasive manner to disrupt and remove intervertebral disc tissue, with features like shape memory materials for guiding tools along pre-defined paths and radiopaque materials for visibility under imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual instruments are used for discectomy, then the procedure can be performed with simple tools, but repeated insertion and removal causes nerve damage and trauma to surrounding tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs nested instruments where inner instruments can be inserted into and removed from outer instruments. This allows multiple tools to be delivered through a single access point and enables removal of disrupted tissue without withdrawing and reinserting instruments repeatedly, thereby reducing trauma to surrounding tissues and nerves while maintaining procedural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pre-formed curved guide members that are inserted first to establish a predetermined path through the disc. Subsequent instruments follow this pre-established path, eliminating the need for repeated pathfinding and instrument repositioning, thus reducing mechanical trauma to nerves and tissues while maintaining ease of instrument delivery
2Device complexity
If manual instruments are used for discectomy, then the equipment is simple, but it is difficult to distinguish between nucleus, annulus, and bone tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates radiopaque materials into the instruments and guide members, making them visible under fluoroscopic imaging. This allows the surgeon to visually distinguish between different tissues (nucleus, annulus, bone) and to track instrument position in real-time, enabling accurate tissue differentiation without adding significant complexity to the equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces radiopaque imaging as an intermediary medium between the surgeon and the tissue. This allows indirect visualization of tissue types and instrument positions that would otherwise be indistinguishable, enabling accurate tissue differentiation while maintaining relative simplicity of the physical instruments
3Productivity
If repeated insertion and removal of instruments is performed, then tissue can be removed piece by piece, but the procedure becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses nested instruments where multiple tools can be inserted and removed as a single unit. This allows continuous disruption and removal of tissue without repeated withdrawal and reinsertion cycles, significantly reducing procedure time and improving productivity while maintaining the ability to remove tissue in controlled portions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous useful action by maintaining instruments in place within the disc space. The nested instrument system allows the surgeon to perform disruption and removal operations continuously without interrupting the procedural flow, thereby eliminating time losses associated with repeated instrument handling
4Ease of operation
If traditional instruments are used, then the access procedure is straightforward, but precise placement and control are challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pre-formed curved guide members that are inserted first to establish a predetermined path through the disc. Subsequent instruments follow this pre-established path, which simplifies the access procedure while ensuring precise and accurate instrument placement throughout the nuclear space, eliminating the challenge of real-time pathfinding
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 system enables precise and efficient disruption and removal of intervertebral disc tissue with reduced trauma and risk of nerve damage, improving the accuracy and safety of minimally invasive spinal procedures by guiding tools through pre-defined paths and enhancing visibility during surgery.
Implementation Method 1
the distal end portion of the guide member is changeable from a deployment configuration for insertion into the intervertebral disc space to a deployed configuration within the intervertebral disc space
Implementation Method 2
radiopaque materials for visibility under imaging
Data Source
AI summary
Discectomy or disc preparation system that includes a guide member that is changeable from a deployment configuration for insertion into an intervertebral disc space to a deployed configuration upon being deployed into the intervertebral disc. The system also includes at least one tissue manipulator, such as cutting, scraping and extraction elements, that can be moved or tracked longitudinally along the guide member into and through the intervertebral disc space.