Powered Surgical Instrument Interchangeable Working Ends
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical methods for treating spinal disorders, such as scoliosis and degenerative disc disease, face challenges in efficiently preparing the intervertebral disc space due to repetitive and fatiguing procedures, which can lead to inadequate tissue removal and increased risk to sensitive anatomy.
Innovation Solution
A powered surgical instrument with interchangeable working ends, such as a wire brush and drum rasp, is designed to efficiently remove spinal disc tissue, reducing surgeon fatigue and minimizing movement near sensitive anatomy, while allowing for complete and effective preparation of the intervertebral disc space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual surgical methods are used to prepare the intervertebral disc space, then the surgeon has direct control over the procedure, but the procedure becomes repetitive and fatiguing, leading to inadequate tissue removal and increased risk to sensitive anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical surgical methods with a powered surgical instrument that uses motorized actuators to perform disc space preparation. The instrument includes a powered actuator connected to a working end (such as a drill bit or rasp) that automatically removes disc tissue through powered rotation or reciprocating motion, eliminating the repetitive manual labor that causes surgeon fatigue while maintaining reliable tissue removal through controlled mechanical action.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical instrument is designed to perform the tissue removal function autonomously once activated. The powered actuator self-generates the mechanical motion required for disc space preparation without requiring continuous manual manipulation by the surgeon. The instrument includes self-contained components (power source, actuator mechanism, working end) that work together to automatically complete the preparation task, reducing the surgeon's physical burden while ensuring consistent tissue removal.
2Manufacturing precision
If extensive manual preparation is performed to ensure complete tissue removal, then thorough preparation is achieved, but the surgical time increases and exposure to sensitive anatomy is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The powered surgical instrument uses motorized actuators to rapidly remove disc tissue through controlled mechanical action. The actuator drives a working end (drill bit, rasp, or other cutting element) that efficiently prepares the disc space in less time than manual methods, reducing surgical time and exposure to sensitive anatomy while maintaining preparation quality through precise mechanical control.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument allows for controlled variation of operational parameters such as rotation speed, feed rate, and cutting depth through the powered actuator system. These parameter adjustments enable optimized tissue removal rates that achieve complete disc space preparation more quickly than manual methods, balancing preparation thoroughness with reduced surgical time. The actuator can be programmed or adjusted to maintain optimal parameters throughout the procedure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different surgical instruments are used for various disc space preparation tasks, then specific functions are optimized, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument is designed as a multi-functional platform where a single powered actuator can accommodate various working ends (drill bits, rasps, reamers, etc.) through a standardized interface. This allows the instrument to perform multiple disc space preparation functions using different cutting or shaping elements, providing functional versatility comparable to having multiple specialized instruments while reducing overall device complexity through consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument is divided into modular components: a powered actuator unit, a connection interface, and interchangeable working ends. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system versatility. The working ends can be changed during the procedure to address different preparation needs, providing adaptability without requiring a completely different instrument for each task.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument includes an actuator. A member is connected with the actuator and includes a mating part releasably engageable with a tissue engaging element such that the member is interchangeable with a plurality of alternate tissue engaging elements. Systems, implants and methods are described.