Pivotable Interbody Implant Instrument

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current spinal disorder treatments, such as fusion and fixation procedures, often require invasive methods and lack efficient tools for precise implant positioning and pivoting in the vertebral column, which can complicate surgical procedures and recovery.

Innovation Solution

An interbody implant system with a smooth arcuate configuration and an instrument featuring movable members that engage the implant in an interference fit, allowing for precise positioning and pivoting of the implant within the vertebral column using a capture and locking mechanism, facilitating minimally invasive techniques.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional invasive surgical methods are used for implant positioning, then implant placement can be achieved, but surgical invasiveness and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurgical invasivenessVSAvoidimplant positioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a specialized positioning instrument as an intermediary tool between the surgeon and the interbody implant. This instrument includes a holder with a cavity that receives the implant, and a pivoting member that enables controlled rotation of the implant within the holder. The instrument mediates the implantation process by providing a minimally invasive access path while maintaining precise control over implant orientation and placement through the pivoting mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed orientation implants are used, then manufacturing and insertion are simplified, but adaptability to different vertebral configurations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplant orientation adjustmentVSAvoidinstrument mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic positioning system where the implant can be rotated within the holder during the implantation process. The pivoting member allows the implant to be adjusted to different orientations and angles to match the specific anatomical configuration of the patient's vertebrae. This dynamic capability enables the same implant design to be adapted to various vertebral geometries without requiring multiple specialized implant types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If complex positioning instruments are used, then implant positioning precision improves, but device complexity and surgical time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplant placement precisionVSAvoidsurgical procedure time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning instrument is segmented into distinct functional components: a holder with a cavity for receiving the implant, and a pivoting member for adjusting orientation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently - the holder provides stable retention while the pivoting member enables precise angular adjustment. The modular design facilitates ease of use and reduces the time required for complex positioning maneuvers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3381411B1Pivotable interbody implant system
Publication Date: 2021.12.01 WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC INC
  • EP3381411B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3381411B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3381411B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An interbody implant system is provided. The interbody implant system includes an implant (1030) having an engagement surface and an instrument (1130) including a first member (1132) and a second member (1134) that is movable relative to the first member (1132). The first member (1132) is configured to capture the implant (1030) and the second member (1134) includes an interface configured to engage the engagement surface to releasably lock the implant (1030) in at least one orientation relative to the second member (1132). The at least one of the engagement surface and the interface include at least one planar face. Methods of use are disclosed.