Pivotable Expandable Spinal Insert for Minimally Invasive Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal implant technologies face challenges in achieving minimally invasive insertion and expansion between vertebrae while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues and ensuring accurate placement, with a need for a pivotable and expandable implant and associated surgical tool.
Innovation Solution
A pivotable expandable insert with a centrally located pivot post and curved end portions, accompanied by a surgical instrument that allows for nonlinear insertion and expansion, enabling precise placement and stabilization between vertebrae using a minimally invasive technique.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a traditional linear insertion path is used for spinal implants, then the insertion path is simple and direct, but the risk of damage to surrounding tissues (spinal cord, nerves, organs) increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is designed with a curved configuration that enables it to follow a nonlinear, curved insertion path through the vertebral body. This curved geometry allows the insert to navigate around critical structures such as the spinal cord and nerves, reducing the risk of damage to surrounding tissues while maintaining a direct insertion route.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion path transitions from a traditional linear (one-dimensional) approach to a curved three-dimensional path. This dimensional change allows the insert to bypass critical structures by utilizing the spatial complexity of the vertebral body, enabling minimally invasive insertion while avoiding harmful interactions with surrounding tissues.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the insert is made fixed in size, then the manufacturing and insertion process is simpler, but the adaptability to various anatomical needs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The insert incorporates an expandable structure that transitions from a compressed insertion configuration to an expanded functional configuration. This dynamic capability allows the same insert to adapt to various vertebral body sizes and anatomical requirements, providing versatility while maintaining a relatively simple insertion profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert's physical parameters (size, volume, shape) are designed to change after insertion. The expandable mechanism allows the insert to transition from a compact insertion state to a larger functional state, enabling adaptation to different anatomical needs without requiring multiple insert sizes or complex pre-planning.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a minimally invasive technique is used, then the trauma to surrounding tissues is reduced, but the precision of implant placement becomes more difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
A delivery instrument is introduced as an intermediary device that facilitates the insertion of the curved, expandable insert through a minimally invasive approach. The delivery instrument provides control and guidance during insertion, ensuring precise placement of the insert within the vertebral body while maintaining the benefits of minimal tissue trauma.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert is pre-configured in a compressed state within the delivery instrument, allowing it to be inserted through a small incision with minimal tissue disruption. The preliminary compression and guidance setup enables subsequent expansion to the final functional configuration at the precise target location, achieving both minimally invasive insertion and accurate placement.
Data Source
AI summary
An intervertebral insert member and an instrument for positioning the insert in a space between vertebral bodies in vivo. The insert member is advanced by the instrument into a prepared site located between adjacent vertebral bodies. Upon reaching the appropriate insertion point, the sleeve is retracted and a pivotal motion is imparted to the insert. The insert member is pivotally attached to the distal end of the delivery instrument such that it can be articulated about a pivot point that is located on the insert member until it is properly positioned. The positioning instrument is then released from the insert member and removed from the space between the vertebral bodies. An adjustment screw is available to expand the surfaces of the insert member by displacement of a wedge member within the insert.