Offset Arm Vertebral Distractor-Inserter for Single-Handed Spinal Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current disc replacement and spinal fusion surgeries require multiple tools for accessing and positioning implants, which can complicate the procedure and increase the risk of adjacent segment degeneration due to reduced spinal motion.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional vertebral distractor-inserter device with laterally offset arms and a driving rod allows for single-handed operation to distract vertebrae and insert a flanged implant, ensuring controlled depth and attachment to vertebral bone, thereby simplifying the surgical process and maintaining spinal motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple tools are used to prepare the intervertebral space and implant the disc, then the surgical procedure can be performed with proper positioning and preparation, but the complexity of the procedure increases and the risk of adjacent segment degeneration increases due to reduced spinal motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple surgical tools into a single integrated distractor-inserter device that can perform distraction, implant positioning, and depth control functions simultaneously, reducing the number of separate tools needed while maintaining precise implant placement
Solution Approach 2:
The distractor-inserter device is designed with universal functionality to perform multiple surgical tasks including distracting the vertebrae, positioning the implant, controlling implantation depth, and maintaining spinal motion, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tools
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple tools are used during the surgical procedure, then proper preparation and implantation can be achieved, but the surgical time and procedure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging distraction and insertion functions into one device, the surgical workflow is streamlined and continuous, eliminating the time required to exchange between multiple tools while maintaining accurate implant placement through integrated positioning mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary distraction of the vertebrae and positioning of the implant in a single setup, preparing the intervertebral space and placing the implant without requiring sequential tool changes, thereby reducing surgical time while ensuring proper placement
3Ease of operation
If a distractor tool is used to hold vertebrae apart, then the implant can be positioned in the distracted space, but an additional tool is required for implant placement
Solution Approach 1:
The distractor-inserter device merges the distraction function with the insertion function, allowing the surgeon to maintain vertebral distraction and insert the implant using the same device, eliminating the need for a separate implant placement tool
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed with universal functionality to both distract the vertebrae and insert the implant through its driving rod mechanism, providing ease of operation by handling multiple tasks in one tool rather than requiring separate specialized instruments
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is a vertebral distractor-inserter comprising a pair of arms comprising a first arm having a proximal end and a distal end and a second arm having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end of the first opposing arm is laterally offset from the distal end of a second arm thereby comprising a pair of laterally offset opposing arms, a driving rod extending between the pair of laterally offset opposing arms, and a drive mechanism in mechanical communication with the driving rod. A vertebral distractor-inserter comprising a pair of opposing arms, a housing in mechanical communication with the arms and rotatable about an axis extending between the arms, and a driving rod extending through at least a portion of the housing and between the arms. A vertebral distractor-inserter adapted for single-handed use. A vertebral distractor-inserter having an implant depth adjustor. Methods for distracting adjacent vertebrae and inserting an implant using the device described herein.