Posterior-to-Lateral Spinal Fusion Trajectory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal interbody fusion techniques, such as anterior, posterior, and lateral approaches, pose risks to vascular structures, nerve roots, and bone tissues, and are invasive, leading to potential complications and prolonged recovery times.
Innovation Solution
The posterior to lateral approach method, which initially begins as a posterior approach and deviates to a lateral access as the disc is reached, minimizing trauma to these structures by passing primarily through muscle tissue, using a guide wire and cutting device with a retractable blade for disc space clearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional anterior, posterior, or lateral approaches are used to access the disc space, then the disc can be accessed for fusion, but there is increased risk of damage to vascular structures, nerve roots, and bone tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new surgical dimension by combining posterior and lateral approaches into a hybrid posterior-to-lateral trajectory. The reaming device transitions from an initial posterior entry point to a final lateral disc space access, utilizing a three-dimensional curved path that avoids traditional surgical corridors and their associated risks to neural and vascular structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a guide wire as an intermediary element that establishes the desired curved trajectory before the reaming device is introduced. The guide wire acts as a mediator that defines the safe path through tissue, allowing subsequent instruments to follow the same trajectory and minimize damage to surrounding structures
2Productivity
If traditional surgical approaches are used to access the disc space, then the fusion procedure can be performed, but the procedure is invasive and requires prolonged recovery time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the surgical procedure into distinct phases: initial posterior entry, curved trajectory formation through tissue, and final lateral disc space access. This segmentation allows each phase to be optimized independently, with the curved path minimizing tissue disruption and enabling less invasive access compared to traditional straight-line approaches
3Reliability
If a posterior approach is used to access the disc, then nerve roots and bone tissues are protected, but the approach is less direct to the lateral disc space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a curved, arc-like trajectory instead of a straight line to access the disc space. The reaming device follows a curved path that initially proceeds posteriorly to protect neural structures, then gradually transitions laterally to reach the disc space, optimizing both safety and efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for accessing a disc space of a patient as a part of an interbody fusion, as well as the tools employed therewith. An exemplary method may include inserting a leading end of a tool into the patient's back at a location on the posterior surface that is laterally offset from a patient's spinous process and disc. The tool's initial entry into the patient may be from a posterior approach. As the tool is advanced along its designated path, it begins to deviate from the posterior approach towards a lateral approach. When the leading end reaches the disc, it may access the disc from a lateral or substantially lateral location. The tool may be used to access the disc location, to remove disc material, to deliver a cutting tool for removing the disc material, and other steps associated with the spinal interbody fusion procedure.