Pivotable Interbody Spacer Single-Step Insertion Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) procedures are cumbersome due to the two-step insertion process of implants, requiring release and tamping, which is technically demanding and traumatic for patients.
Innovation Solution
A pivotable interbody implant system with a body featuring a distal end and a proximal end, including frictionally engaging features for rotation, and an insertion instrument with a controllable friction transmitter to facilitate single-step insertion and positioning without tamping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional two-step insertion process is used, then implant can be placed in anterior aspect of disc space, but insertion process becomes cumbersome requiring release and tamping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the release function and tamping function into a single integrated action. The manipulation tool allows the implant to be both released from the inserter and tamped into final position through one continuous motion, eliminating the need for separate release and tamping steps that characterize traditional two-step insertion processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The manipulation tool serves as an intermediary device between the inserter and the implant. It maintains engagement with the implant during the transition from inserter to final position, providing controlled manipulation that eliminates the need for direct surgeon manipulation and reduces the number of discrete steps required.
2Ease of operation
If implant is released from inserter before tamping, then implant can be manipulated, but surgical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulation tool acts as an intermediary that maintains continuous control over the implant throughout the insertion process. Rather than requiring the surgeon to release the implant from the inserter and then manually manipulate it, the manipulation tool provides ongoing engagement and control, simplifying the surgical procedure while maintaining manipulation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous engagement with the implant from insertion through manipulation to final positioning. The manipulation tool remains engaged with the implant throughout the entire process, eliminating interruptions and discrete manipulation steps that increase surgical complexity.
3Reliability
If traditional tamping method is used, then implant is secured in place, but patient trauma increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical tamping action with a controlled manipulation mechanism. Instead of using forceful tamping motions that transmit trauma to the patient's tissues, the manipulation tool provides controlled, gradual positioning of the implant through a mechanical advantage system that reduces impact forces while maintaining secure implant placement.
4Productivity
If single-step insertion is implemented, then surgical time is reduced, but control over implant positioning may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulation tool serves as an intermediary that provides controlled manipulation during the single-step insertion process. It maintains engagement with the implant throughout the entire insertion sequence, allowing for precise positioning control without requiring multiple discrete steps, thus achieving both speed and precision simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic manipulation capabilities that allow the implant to be adjusted and positioned precisely during the insertion process itself. The manipulation tool can accommodate movements and adjustments in real-time, enabling precise final positioning even when the implant is inserted in a single continuous action rather than through multiple discrete steps.
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
Enables efficient, single-step insertion and positioning of implants through a non-linear path, reducing surgical complexity and trauma, while maintaining stability and fusion mass space.
Implementation Method 1
a controllable friction transmitter operatively engaging said at least one frictionally engaging feature of said implant; and means for manipulating said controllable friction transmitter to rotate said at least one frictionally engaging feature of said implant causing said implant to rotate relative to said insertion instrument
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
According to another exemplary embodiment, a pivotable interbody implant system (100, 200) includes an implant (100) including a body (110) defining an inner cavity (122) and a plurality of teeth (120) formed on one end (114, 112) of the implant (100), and an insertion instrument (200) associated with the implant (100), wherein the insertion instrument (100) includes a retractable latching mechanism (220) and an internal gear (240) configured to pivotably mate with said teeth (120) formed on said implant (100).