Pliable Spinal Lead for Safe Lamina Passage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical methods for correcting spinal disorders, such as scoliosis and kyphosis, face challenges in safely and efficiently passing implants under the lamina and above the dura without adhering to sensitive spinal anatomy, leading to potential harm and increased procedural time.
Innovation Solution
A spinal construct featuring a pliable lead made of silicone with a paddle-shaped end for safe passage under the lamina, combined with a flexible tether made of materials like polyester, allowing for minimal friction and adherence, facilitating the correction of spinal deformities while protecting sensitive anatomy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional rigid implants are used for spinal correction, then structural strength and stability are improved, but the risk of adhering to and harming sensitive spinal anatomy (dura and lamina) increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible lead constructed from elongated strands or filaments that can conform to the curved surfaces of the lamina and dura. This flexible structure allows the implant to follow the natural contours of the spinal anatomy without rigid contact, thereby maintaining structural integrity while minimizing adherence and potential harm to sensitive tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The lead is designed with a curved or arcuate configuration that matches the natural curvature of the spinal column. This curvature allows the implant to follow the anatomical path of the lamina and dura, reducing sharp edges or angles that could cause adherence or damage to surrounding tissues while maintaining adequate structural strength.
2Reliability
If traditional surgical methods are used to pass implants under the lamina and above the dura, then spinal correction can be achieved, but procedural time increases and risk of harm to sensitive anatomy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible lead is pre-formed with a configuration that anticipates the required path under the lamina and above the dura. This preliminary shaping allows the implant to be more easily guided through the surgical pathway during the procedure, reducing the time and complexity of passing the implant through the delicate spinal anatomy while maintaining reliable correction effectiveness.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid implants are used for spinal stabilization, then fusion and fixation are achieved, but the ability to adapt to different spinal regions and surgical approaches is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lead is designed with dynamic flexibility, allowing it to be bent, shaped, and positioned to match different spinal regions (cervical, thoracic, lumbar) and various surgical approaches. The flexible construction enables the implant to adapt to the specific anatomical requirements of each patient while maintaining adequate stabilization through its ability to conform closely to the spinal structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal construct comprises a pliable lead. A longitudinal member is flexible relative to the lead. The longitudinal member extends between a first end connected to the lead and a second end defining an opening configured for movement of the lead therethrough and disposal of the longitudinal member such that the longitudinal member is disposed about spinal tissue. Systems and methods are disclosed.