Orthopedic Coupler for Simultaneous Spinal Implant Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal fixation procedures require multiple steps and devices, which can be challenging in restricted spaces like the cervical vertebrae area, increasing the risk of injury and complicating the alignment and positioning of multiple orthopedic components during spinal fusion surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A delivery tool with a coupler device that simultaneously delivers and aligns multiple orthopedic components, such as a vertebral plate and interbody fusion spacer, by using a coupling base and elongate coupling members to maintain spatial relationships and facilitate access, allowing for single-step implantation and reducing the number of devices and steps required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple orthopedic components are delivered separately using traditional multi-step procedures, then flexibility in component selection is maintained, but the surgical procedure becomes more complex and time-consuming, increasing the risk of injury in restricted spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate orthopedic components (vertebral plate and interbody fusion spacer) onto a single delivery tool assembly. The coupling base with elongate coupling members allows simultaneous delivery of multiple components through one surgical access path, reducing the number of separate surgical steps and devices required while maintaining component selection flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery tool is designed as a multi-functional device that can deliver different combinations of orthopedic components through the same basic structure. The coupling base can accommodate various configurations of vertebral plates and interbody fusion spacers, making the delivery tool universally applicable to different spinal fusion scenarios without requiring separate specialized delivery devices for each component type
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple orthopedic components are delivered simultaneously using a coupler device, then the surgical procedure is simplified and alignment is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling base is divided into multiple separate elongate coupling members, each capable of independently engaging with different orthopedic components. This segmentation allows each coupling member to be optimized for its specific component while maintaining overall structural integrity, and enables flexible configuration of different component combinations on the same delivery tool
Solution Approach 2:
The elongate coupling members act as intermediary structures between the coupling base and the orthopedic components. These coupling members provide the mechanical interface that maintains precise spatial relationships and alignment between components during delivery, while allowing for controlled engagement and disengagement of each component
3Manufacturing precision
If a coupler device is used to maintain spatial relationships between components, then positioning accuracy is improved, but access and visibility to the implantation site becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling base is designed with movable elongate coupling members that can dynamically adjust their positions and configurations. This dynamic capability allows the device to maintain precise spatial relationships between components during delivery, while enabling the surgeon to manipulate and reposition the coupling members for better access and visibility during the surgical procedure
Data Source
AI summary
An orthopedic coupling device is used for simultaneous attachment of multiple heterogeneous orthopedic components, such as a spacer and plate, for implantation in the body. The device coupler includes a coupling base, at least one coupling member configured to attach to one an orthopedic spacer while also trapping or clamping an orthopedic fixation plate between the coupling base and the orthopedic spacer. The orthopedic coupler device may have a detachable handle to facilitate access and visibility of the spacer and plate after initial implantation.