Pre-assembled Surgical Construct Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical constructs with multiple small components are difficult to handle and assemble during procedures due to their size and the constrained working area, often leading to detachment issues during implantation.

Innovation Solution

A pre-assembled construct with an elongated member and connectors, where retaining rings and a fastener with an interrupt thread prevent detachment, allowing for easier handling and secure attachment before implantation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple small components are used to form the construct, then the construct can be customized and adapted to different patient needs, but the components become difficult to handle and assemble during the surgical procedure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconstruct customizationVSAvoidcomponent handling

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assembling the multiple small components into a unified construct before the surgical procedure. The construct is prepared in advance with all necessary components (elongated member, connectors, fasteners, retaining rings) already attached and secured, eliminating the need for the surgeon to assemble separate components during the procedure. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining construct customization while dramatically improving ease of operation during surgery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple small components are used to form the construct, then the construct can be customized and adapted to different patient needs, but the components become difficult to attach together during the surgical procedure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconstruct customizationVSAvoidcomponent assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If the working area is kept small to match patient anatomy and construct requirements, then the construct can be precisely fitted, but the surgeon's ability to implant the construct is constrained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconstruct fit precisionVSAvoidimplantation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assembling the construct off-site before surgery. This allows the construct to be precisely fitted to the patient's anatomy during manufacturing, while the complete assembled construct is then easily implanted during surgery without requiring the surgeon to work with separate small components in a constrained space. The pre-assembly eliminates the implantation constraint while preserving fit precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If components are assembled during the surgical procedure, then the construct can be adapted to specific patient needs, but the surgical procedure becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient-specific adaptationVSAvoidsurgical efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assembling the construct off-site before surgery. This allows the construct to be customized and adapted to specific patient needs during the manufacturing process, while the complete assembled construct is then ready for immediate implantation during surgery. This eliminates the time-consuming assembly step during the surgical procedure, dramatically improving surgical efficiency while maintaining patient-specific adaptation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2528524B1Pre-assembled construct for insertion into a patient

Publication Date: 2015.11.11 WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC INC

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AI summary

Surgical constructs pre-assembled for insertion as a unit into a patient. The pre-assembled construct may include an elongated member with opposing first and second ends. The construct may also include a connector with a body, a first receptacle that extends through the body and receives the elongated member, a threaded aperture that extends from an exterior of the body into the first receptacle, a fastener threaded into the threaded aperture, and a second receptacle that receives a structural member in the patient. The first receptacle may be larger than the elongated member for the connector to be movable along the elongated member. The construct may also include retaining members permanently attached to each of the first and second ends of the elongated member. The retaining members may include a central opening with an inner radial surface that contacts the elongated member and an outer radial surface that extends outward beyond the elongated member. The retaining members may be larger than the first receptacle to prevent the connector from detaching from the elongated member.