Nested Sleeve Surgical Instrument for Spinal Implant Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical methods for treating spinal disorders are cumbersome and costly, often requiring complex instrumentation that prolongs surgery and risks damage to soft tissues during implant placement in the spine.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument system featuring a dual sleeve configuration with an inner toothed sleeve for positive docking with tissue and a radiolucent outer sleeve for safe navigation, along with a bone tap mechanism that prevents accidental deployment until the desired location is reached, facilitating percutaneous implant placement and minimizing tissue damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex instrumentation is used for spinal implant placement, then implant stability is improved, but surgery duration increases and soft tissue damage worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument is divided into three main members: an outer member defining a first passageway, an intermediate member defining a second passageway, and an inner member defining a third passageway. Each member can be independently manipulated and locked at different positions, allowing staged delivery and placement of spinal implants while minimizing soft tissue disruption and reducing overall surgery time
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate member is disposed within the outer member, and the inner member is disposed within the intermediate member, creating a nested configuration. This allows multiple functional components to be delivered through a single percutaneous access point, reducing the number of separate incisions and soft tissue disruptions while maintaining implant stability
2Reliability
If complex instrumentation is used for spinal implant placement, then implant stability is improved, but soft tissue damage worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented three-member design allows each component to be delivered through its own dedicated passageway, enabling precise control over tissue interaction. The outer member with first passageway, intermediate member with second passageway, and inner member with third passageway can be staged to minimize soft tissue disruption while ensuring stable implant placement
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument members are designed with smooth outer surfaces and tapered distal ends that facilitate percutaneous delivery through minimal incisions. The flexible yet rigid construction allows the instrument to navigate tissue planes with minimal trauma while maintaining the structural integrity needed for stable implant placement
3Object-affected harmful factors
If percutaneous delivery is used, then soft tissue damage is minimized, but device control worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The proximal ends of the outer and intermediate members include locking mechanisms that can be engaged before final implant delivery. This preliminary locking secures the nested configuration during navigation and positioning, providing enhanced control and stability during the percutaneous delivery process before the instrument is withdrawn
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument members are designed to be movable relative to one another during delivery, allowing dynamic adjustment of the nested configuration. The members can be independently advanced or retracted within their respective passageways, providing the operator with precise control over instrument deployment and implant placement while maintaining minimal tissue disruption
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple passageways are used, then implant placement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate member is nested within the outer member, and the inner member is nested within the intermediate member, with each member defining its own passageway. This nested arrangement allows three distinct passageways to be delivered through a single percutaneous access point, achieving precise implant placement at multiple locations without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Each member of the three-member instrument serves multiple functions: the outer member provides structural support and defines the first passageway, the intermediate member defines the second passageway and can be locked to the outer member, and the inner member defines the third passageway and can be locked to the intermediate member. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate instruments for each passageway, managing device complexity while maintaining implant placement precision
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument comprises a first member including an inner surface defining a passageway and a lock. A second member is disposable within the first passageway. The second member comprises an inner surface defining a passageway and extending between a first end comprising a lock and a second end configured to engage tissue. A third member is disposable within the second passageway. The third member extends between a first end and a second end configured to penetrate tissue and form a cavity therein. The first lock is engageable with the second member to prevent relative movement of the second member and the second lock is engageable with the third member to prevent relative movement of the third member. Systems and methods are disclosed.