Powered Shaving Instrument for Intervertebral Disc Material Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current manual instruments for removing intervertebral disc material are time-consuming and risk damaging sensitive structures due to their reliance on multiple instruments and lack of effective preparation of end plates for bone growth and fusion material adhesion.
Innovation Solution
A surgical shaving instrument with an elongated outer and inner tubular member, featuring a cutting window and cutting tip with teeth, powered by a handpiece for efficient material removal, and a manual decorticating implement for end plate preparation, allowing for simultaneous aspiration and irrigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual instruments are used to remove intervertebral disc material, then the procedure can be performed with simple devices, but the procedure becomes overly time consuming and requires multiple instruments to be passed in and out of the surgical site
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple manual instruments into a single integrated powered instrument that can perform cutting, decorticating, and material removal functions. The instrument integrates a cutting blade, decorticating implement, and aspiration capability into one device that can be inserted once and used for multiple tasks, eliminating the need to repeatedly pass multiple separate instruments in and out of the surgical site.
Solution Approach 2:
The powered instrument is designed with multi-functionality to perform various surgical tasks including cutting disc material, decorticating end plates, and aspirating debris. The instrument can be configured with different implements (cutting blade, decorticating implement) and can switch between functions during the procedure, making it a universal tool that replaces multiple specialized manual instruments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple manual instruments are used for disc material removal, then various functions can be performed, but the chance of damage to sensitive structures adjacent to the spine increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple functions into a single instrument, the number of times instruments are passed near sensitive structures is reduced. The single powered instrument can perform cutting, decorticating, and aspiration functions without needing to be removed and replaced, thereby minimizing exposure of nerves and arteries to potential instrument-related damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The powered instrument acts as an intermediary that reduces direct manual manipulation near sensitive structures. The instrument can be controlled with precision and includes features like irrigation and aspiration that help maintain a clear surgical field and reduce the risk of accidental contact with nerves and arteries during the procedure.
3Ease of operation
If manual instruments are used for disc material removal, then tactile feedback can be maintained, but separate irrigation and suction devices are required to clean the surgical site
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates irrigation and aspiration capabilities directly into the powered instrument. The instrument includes channels for delivering irrigation fluid and for aspirating debris, eliminating the need for separate irrigation and suction devices. This consolidation reduces the total number of devices required while maintaining the ability to clean the surgical site effectively.
4Ease of operation
If manual instruments are used for nucleotomy, then the surgeon can rely on tactile feel, but the annulus may be violated without precise control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical instruments with a powered instrument that provides more precise control. The powered drive mechanism allows for controlled rotation and cutting action, reducing the risk of uncontrolled movements that could violate the annulus. The instrument maintains tactile feedback capabilities while adding mechanical precision through the powered system.
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
The instrument enables efficient and controlled removal of intervertebral disc material, reducing the risk of injury to surrounding structures and effectively preparing end plates for fusion procedures.
Implementation Method 1
Contacted bodily material is, as a result, sheared between the edge of the cutting window and the teeth of the cutting tip
Implementation Method 2
the sheared and removed material is aspirated through the inner tubular member's lumen via the mouth
Data Source
AI summary
Instrument and method for removing material from an intervertebral disc. The instrument includes outer and inner tubular members. The outer tubular member defines a passage and a cutting window. The inner tubular member is coaxially disposed within the passage, and defines a central lumen and a cutting tip. The cutting tip forms an open mouth having a plurality of teeth. Upon assembly, the cutting tip is exposed within the cutting window combining to define a shaving head. A manual decorticating implement is coupled to the outer tubular member and defining a scraping surface. A powered handpiece is coupled to the inner tubular member, and the shaving head is inserted into an intervertebral disc and positioned such that the cutting tip contacts targeted material (e.g., nucleus, annulus and/or end plate). The handpiece is activated to rotate the cutting tip relative to the cutting window. Contacted material is sheared between an edge of the cutting window and the teeth of the cutting tip. The manual decorticating implement is used to remove intervertebral disc material from an end plate.