Protective Pad with Fluid Pocket for Spinal Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
In revision spinal surgeries, the path to the surgical site is often compromised by scarring and adhesions from previous surgeries, increasing the risk of anterior dislocation of prostheses and injury to major blood vessels like the aorta and vena cava, which existing technologies do not adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A protective system comprising a biocompatible protective pad with a fluid pocket and bone anchors is placed between vulnerable anatomical parts and the surgical site, facilitating access and reducing adhesion formation by creating a clear path during both initial and revision surgeries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If anterior spinal surgical procedures are performed, then access to the surgical site is achieved, but scarring and adhesions form that complicate revision surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The protective pad is implanted during the initial surgical procedure to prevent adhesion formation before revision surgery is needed. This preliminary protective measure creates a barrier that maintains tissue separation and prevents the scarring that would otherwise complicate future revision surgeries.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective pad serves as an intermediary barrier between the surgical site and vulnerable anatomical structures. This mediator prevents direct contact and adhesion formation between tissues that would otherwise stick together, thereby facilitating safer revision surgery while maintaining access to the target area.
2Ease of operation
If anterior spinal surgical procedures are performed, then the surgical site is accessed, but major blood vessels are at risk of injury
Solution Approach 1:
The protective pad acts as an intermediary barrier positioned between the surgical site and major blood vessels such as the aorta and vena cava. This mediator protects the vessels from direct injury during surgical procedures while still allowing the surgeon to access and operate on the spinal structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective pad provides beforehand cushioning and protection to vulnerable blood vessels before any surgical manipulation occurs. By pre-positioning this protective barrier, the system cushiones against potential surgical instruments or dislocation forces that could otherwise injure the vessels.
3Reliability
If anterior dislocation protection is increased, then vessel safety improves, but surgical access may be restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The protective pad utilizes a thin, flexible membrane structure that provides substantial protection against anterior dislocation and vessel injury while remaining sufficiently compliant to allow surgical instruments to pass through and access the target spinal structures. The thin film design ensures protection without creating a rigid barrier that would restrict surgical access.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of performing at least one surgical procedure is disclosed. The method includes: preparing a patient for a first surgical procedure; making a first incision through the skin of the patient in accordance with the first surgical procedure; exposing a target area for the first surgical procedure through the first incision; performing a step of the first surgical procedure on the target area for the first surgical procedure; placing a protective pad with a fluid pocket between a vulnerable anatomical part and the target area for the first surgical procedure; and closing the first incision in accordance with the first surgical procedure with the protective pad between the vulnerable anatomical part and the target area. A protective system for facilitating revision surgery is also disclosed.