Posterior Modular Disc Replacement Guide Wire
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for replacing damaged or diseased fibrocartilage in skeletal joints are invasive, leading to discomfort, complications, and prolonged recovery, with existing disc replacement devices being less than satisfactory for long-term benefits.
Innovation Solution
A minimally invasive posterior modular disc replacement system using a guide wire, insertion cannula, end plates, and a spreader bearing, allowing for quick and safe positioning and secure fixation of replacement discs between vertebrae with minimal invasive procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If anterior access and exposure methods are used for disc replacement, then disc replacement can be achieved, but patient discomfort, complications, and recovery time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by switching from the conventional anterior approach to a posterior approach for disc replacement. The guide wire is inserted through the posterior aspect of the vertebral column, and the end plate is delivered from posterior to anterior, fundamentally reversing the traditional surgical pathway while achieving the same therapeutic goal with reduced morbidity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses several intermediary devices to facilitate the minimally invasive procedure. The guide wire acts as an intermediary to establish the surgical pathway, the insertion cannula serves as an intermediary channel for delivering the end plate, and the spreader bearing acts as an intermediary to position and secure the end plate between vertebral bodies without direct anterior exposure
2Loss of time
If minimally invasive procedures are used for disc replacement, then patient recovery is improved, but device placement precision and security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by first inserting the guide wire into the desired final position through the posterior approach before delivering the end plate. The guide wire pre-establishes the precise anatomical pathway and target location, ensuring that when the end plate is delivered through the insertion cannula, it is accurately positioned without requiring complex real-time adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with a simplified guide wire-cannula-end plate sequence. Instead of using elaborate mechanical fixtures or frames to ensure precision, the system relies on the guide wire to define the pathway and the self-expanding or pre-formed end plate to automatically position itself securely between the vertebral bodies
3Reliability
If complex insertion procedures are used, then device security is improved, but surgical time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the disc replacement procedure into distinct modular components: guide wire insertion, insertion cannula delivery, end plate placement, and spreader bearing positioning. Each component performs a specific function and can be independently manipulated, allowing the surgeon to proceed through a standardized sequence of simple steps rather than performing a single complex maneuver
Solution Approach 2:
The end plate is designed to be self-positioning and self-securing. Once delivered through the insertion cannula to the target location, the end plate automatically assumes its final position between the vertebral bodies and secures itself without requiring additional fixation elements or complex locking mechanisms, thereby ensuring device security while minimizing procedural complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a system and devices for use in the treatment and repair of moveable skeletal joints in the body of a subject. In particular, the present invention relates to the complete or partial posterior modular disc replacement of damaged or diseased fibrocartilage intervertebral discs in a subject wherein the replacement disc is capable of rotation and translation articulation.