Surgical Rod Scorer Oscillating Cutting Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical rod cutters apply excessive force, resulting in burrs on the cut edges and inadequate cutting of surgical rods, which can damage surrounding tissue and vasculature during spinal fixation procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical rod scorer with pivotably coupled elongated shaft members and cutting assemblies featuring cutting wheels, allowing for scoring of the rod with minimal force and a clean cut by rotating the scorer around the rod, facilitating separation with a surgical rod bender.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional bolt cutter approach is used to cut surgical rod, then cutting capability is achieved, but excessive force is applied creating burrs on cut edge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional bolt cutter mechanical shearing system with an oscillating scoring system that uses minimal force. The cutting elements score the rod surface through oscillation rather than applying large shearing forces, fundamentally changing the mechanical approach from high-force shearing to low-force surface scoring followed by controlled separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting elements oscillate back and forth to score the surgical rod surface. This periodic oscillating motion allows the cutting elements to progressively score the rod material with minimal force applied at any instant, avoiding the continuous high force application that creates burrs in conventional cutting methods.
2Productivity
If conventional rod cutter applies large force to shear rod, then rod is cut, but burr is created on cut edge
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting elements first score the surgical rod surface to create a weakened path before any separation occurs. This preliminary scoring action prepares the rod material for subsequent clean separation, ensuring that the final cut edge is smooth and free of burrs by removing material in a controlled manner rather than shearing it abruptly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the high-force shearing mechanism with a low-force oscillating scoring mechanism that creates a clean cut edge through controlled material removal rather than forceful separation, eliminating burr formation while maintaining efficient cutting.
3Force
If bolt cutter type device is used, then rod cutting is achieved, but surrounding tissue and vasculature are at risk due to excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the high-force bolt cutter system with a low-force oscillating scoring system that minimizes mechanical stress on surrounding tissues and vasculature during the cutting process, reducing the risk of accidental damage to adjacent anatomical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The oscillating motion of the cutting elements applies force intermittently with minimal peak force, allowing surrounding tissues to remain undisturbed between oscillation cycles, thereby reducing the risk of tissue damage compared to continuous high-force application.
4Ease of operation
If surgical rod is cut with conventional device, then rod is separated, but cut edge is rough and may damage tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting elements score the rod surface first to create a clean separation path, ensuring that when the rod is subsequently separated, the cut edge is smooth and ready for implantation without requiring additional finishing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The oscillating scoring action creates a smooth cut edge through controlled periodic material removal, maintaining ease of operation while producing high-quality cut edges that are safe for tissue contact.
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
The surgical rod scorer reduces shear forces needed for cutting, provides a clean cut, and minimizes the risk of the cut rod becoming a projectile, while ensuring a smooth edge to prevent tissue damage.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second cutting assemblies each include one or more cutting elements thereon configured and dimensioned to score surgical rod when the jaw members are in the approximated configuration and rotated about the surgical rod
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical rod scorer is provided. The surgical rod scorer includes a pair of elongated shaft members that are pivotably coupled to one another and movable from a spaced-apart configuration to an approximated configuration. Each of the shaft members includes a handle member that is configured for gripping by a user and jaw member that is configured to support respective first and second cutting assemblies thereon. The first and second cutting assemblies each include one or more cutting elements thereon configured and dimensioned to score surgical rod when the jaw members are in the approximated configuration and rotated about the surgical rod.