Nested Tissue Distraction Device for Spinal Disc Height Restoration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current minimally invasive surgical techniques for spinal procedures, particularly for intervertebral disc treatment, face challenges such as limited access due to posterior osteophytes and the need for large implants to restore disc height, which can cause trauma to nerve roots.
Innovation Solution
The development of tissue distraction devices with elongated members that can change configuration from generally linear to less linear, allowing for automatic expansion and reduced invasiveness, along with deployment systems that facilitate minimally invasive implantation and support structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If large cage-like implants are used to restore disc height, then disc space height restoration is improved, but surgical invasiveness increases and tissue trauma occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is designed with a nested structure where the elongated member can be inserted through a delivery system in a compressed state, then expanded within the disc space to achieve full height restoration without requiring a large incision
Solution Approach 2:
The implant transitions from a compressed delivery state to an expanded deployed state, allowing it to be minimally invasive during insertion while achieving full functional height for disc space restoration after deployment
2Object-affected harmful factors
If minimally invasive techniques are used, then surgical trauma is reduced, but access to the disc space is limited by posterior osteophytes
Solution Approach 1:
The implant uses a longitudinal insertion approach through the disc space rather than requiring lateral or posterior access, allowing delivery through a narrow corridor that bypasses the obstruction of posterior osteophytes while still enabling full disc height restoration
3Ease of operation
If large incisions are made for implant insertion, then implant placement is facilitated, but tissue disruption and blood loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is nested within a delivery system that guides it through a small incision, eliminating the need for large open incisions while maintaining ease of implant placement through the constrained delivery pathway
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
These devices enable effective tissue distraction and support, reducing surgical trauma, blood loss, and pain while allowing for the restoration or maintenance of disc space height, thus improving the safety and efficacy of spinal procedures.
Implementation Method 1
with the shaping member being configured to automatically move from the generally linear configuration to the generally less linear configuration
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for distracting tissue. The devices and methods may include insertion of first and second elongated members into the space between two tissue layers, with an augmenting elongated member at least partially inserted therebetween to form a distraction device between the tissues to be distracted. At least one of the first and second elongated members may be formed of a flexible core member with a plurality of rigid veneer members spaced along the length of the core member. At least one of the elongated members may include a shaping member that automatically moves from a generally linear configuration to a generally less linear configuration. A deployment catheter may include a deformable distal end to allow augmentation of the tissue distraction device during implantation. An injection aid may be provided for introducing a filler material into an interior defined by a deployed tissue distraction device.