Optical Trial Device for Intervertebral Disc Sizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for selecting and verifying the appropriate size and shape of intervertebral disc implants are inadequate due to the enclosed nature of the intervertebral disc space, leading to misalignment and contamination issues, and insufficient assessment of vertebral endplate preparation, which can result in improper fit and increased costs due to discarded implants.
Innovation Solution
An intervertebral trial device with optically transparent or translucent components that allows direct visualization of the disc space and endplates, equipped with imaging devices and handles for precise positioning and imaging, enabling accurate assessment of endplate preparation and implant fit through real-time imaging and data processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluoroscopy or x-ray is used to verify trial implant placement, then implant positioning can be assessed, but the image is distorted by the opaque implant which shields or obscures the anatomical matching
Solution Approach 1:
The trial implant incorporates radiolucent or fluorescent materials that change their imaging characteristics, allowing the implant to be visible for positioning verification while simultaneously allowing passage of imaging beams to visualize the underlying anatomical structures and endplate preparation quality
Solution Approach 2:
The trial implant uses composite construction combining radiopaque components for structural integrity and positioning visibility with radiolucent or fluorescent components in specific regions to allow imaging of the endplate preparation and anatomical matching beneath the implant
2Measurement precision
If the intervertebral disc space is enclosed and inaccessible, then implant selection is difficult, but direct visualization of the disc space and endplates is needed for accurate assessment
Solution Approach 1:
The trial implant includes fluorescent markers or phosphorescent materials that glow under specific lighting conditions, enabling direct visualization of the implant position, orientation, and fit against the endplates without requiring extensive dissection or exposure of the enclosed disc space
Solution Approach 2:
The trial implant serves as an intermediary object that can be inserted through minimally invasive approaches into the enclosed disc space, providing a platform for indirect visualization and assessment of endplate preparation while maintaining ease of insertion and removal
3Loss of time
If an improperly sized implant is selected, then surgical time is saved initially, but the implant must be discarded due to contamination from bodily fluids contact
Solution Approach 1:
The trial implant is designed as a disposable device made from inexpensive materials that can be safely discarded after single use, eliminating the risk and cost of discarding expensive permanent implants due to contamination. The trial implant allows complete verification of fit and sizing before committing the permanent implant
Solution Approach 2:
The trial implant enables all necessary assessments of implant sizing, shaping, and positioning to be completed beforehand using the same contaminated device, so that when the permanent implant is introduced, no further verification is needed and it can be immediately secured without risk of contamination
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
Enhances the accuracy of selecting the appropriate implant size and shape, reduces contamination risks, and improves the quality of vertebral endplate preparation, thereby ensuring better surgical outcomes and minimizing implant wastage.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the upper trial vertebral end plate surface, the lower trial vertebral end plate surface, and the perimeter wall can have at least a portion thereof that is optically transparent or translucent
Data Source
AI summary
An optical trial implant device that can be used to determine an appropriate size for an intervertebral disc implant can be configured so that one or more portions of the device can be optically transparent or radiolucent. The device can include an imaging device that can be used to view and image the intervertebral space through the optically transparent portion(s) of the device. The device can be used to determine the extent and quality of preparation of an intervertebral space between adjacent vertebral bodies for a surgical procedure, such as a disc replacement or spinal fusion procedure. The acquired image information can be transmitted to a mobile computing device for display in real time and/or stored for future use. The information may also be used to determine parameters indicating the quality of endplate surface preparation.