Neuroprotective Stent for Spinal Nerve Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating spinal conditions such as disc herniation and spinal stenosis often result in pain and loss of mobility, with a need for improved devices and methods to protect neurovascular structures in the spine.
Innovation Solution
A neuroprotective stent or device is placed within the intervertebral foramen, featuring a tubular body with a hinge region and flange for attachment, made from materials like PEEK, titanium, or stainless steel, designed to resist compression and impingement, and optionally includes a spacer for expanding the lumen to alleviate nerve pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If surgical removal of herniated disc material and bone graft fusion is performed, then spinal stability is improved, but postoperative adhesions and nerve impingement may occur
Solution Approach 1:
A neuroprotective stent is introduced as an intermediary device between the herniated disc material and the nerve root. The stent acts as a physical barrier that prevents direct contact and adhesion formation while allowing passage of neural structures, thus protecting nerves from impingement during and after fusion surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The neuroprotective stent is designed as a segmented or mesh-like structure that can be positioned around the nerve root. This segmentation allows the device to conform to anatomical structures while maintaining its protective function, preventing adhesions without completely enclosing the neural elements.
2Stability of the object's composition
If bone graft and spine fusion are performed to stabilize the spine, then spinal stability is improved, but loss of mobility occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The neuroprotective stent is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to accommodate physiological motion. The stent can expand, contract, and flex with spinal movement, maintaining its protective function while preserving normal spinal biomechanics and mobility during and after fusion.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a neuroprotective stent is placed in the intervertebral foramen to protect nerves, then nerve protection from compression is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The neuroprotective stent is constructed as a flexible, thin-walled tubular structure that can be crimped for delivery and then expanded in situ. This simple yet effective design provides neural protection without requiring complex mechanical components, making the device easy to implant while maintaining high protective functionality.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the stent lumen is expanded to alleviate nerve pressure, then nerve protection is improved, but the device requires additional components and steps
Solution Approach 1:
The stent is designed with inherent expandability through a simple balloon catheter mechanism. The balloon is inflated to expand the stent lumen and alleviate nerve pressure, then deflated and removed, leaving the expanded stent in place. This dynamic approach provides temporary expansion force without requiring permanent complex expansion mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods for protecting the neurovascular structures about the vertebral column are provided. One embodiment of the invention comprises a neuroprotective stent or device adapted for placement in an intervertebral foramen of a vertebral column and configured to resist compression or impingement from surrounding structures or forces. The stent or device may further comprise a flange or hinge region to facilitate attachment of the device to the vertebrae or to facilitate insertion of the device in the foramen, respectively.