Percutaneous Spinal Interbody Fusion Retractor System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spinal fusion procedures in the lumbar region face challenges such as lengthy recovery times, less than optimal interbody fusion, large incisions, and risks associated with accessing the disc space, leading to complications like collateral damage and suboptimal results.
Innovation Solution
A percutaneous spinal interbody fusion (PSIF) or percutaneous posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PePLIF) procedure is developed, allowing surgeons to perform the operation without microscopes or endoscopes, using dilator/retractor systems and expandable interbody devices, enabling indirect visualization and minimizing tissue disruption, with adjustable retractor systems for patient-specific access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional spinal fusion procedures are performed with large incisions and direct access to the disc space, then the surgeon can directly view and access the surgical area, but the procedure results in larger tissue disruption, longer recovery time, and increased risk of collateral damage to organs, veins, arteries, and nerves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses fluoroscopic imaging as an intermediary tool to provide real-time visualization of the disc space and surrounding structures without requiring direct line-of-sight exposure. This mediator allows the surgeon to perform percutaneous procedures with precise guidance while avoiding the need for large incisions that would expose and risk damage to adjacent organs and vessels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of direct visual inspection through large incisions with a fluoroscopic imaging system. Instead of mechanically exposing the surgical field to view it directly, the system uses X-ray fluoroscopy to provide real-time imaging guidance, substituting mechanical exposure with radiographic visualization
2Ease of operation
If anterior or lateral access methods are used to reach the disc space, then the surgeon can access the disc space more easily, but the procedure requires moving numerous organs, veins, arteries, and nerves out of the way, leading to larger incisions and slower recovery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the visualization and access function from the traditional anterior or lateral surgical approaches. Instead of physically moving organs and tissues to access the disc space, the system extracts only the necessary access pathway through percutaneous needle insertion while using fluoroscopy to guide the procedure, eliminating the need to displace surrounding anatomical structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating a focused, minimal access pathway directly to the target disc space through the posterior approach, rather than making large incisions that affect broad anatomical regions. The fluoroscopic guidance ensures that only the specific local area requiring intervention is accessed, leaving surrounding organs and vessels undisturbed
3Ease of operation
If posterior access with microscopes or endoscopes is used to view the disc space, then the surgeon can access the disc space through the posterior, but the lack of direct vision leads to lengthy surgeries and increased risks of nerve or dural element damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs fluoroscopic imaging as an intermediary visualization tool that provides real-time, high-contrast images of bony landmarks, the disc space, and implanted devices. This mediator enables the surgeon to perform posterior percutaneous procedures with reliable visualization without the need for microscopes or endoscopes, reducing surgical time and the risk of accidental nerve or dural damage through precise fluoroscopic guidance
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes a novel procedure and corresponding medical devices for a Purcutaneous Spinal Interbody Fusion (PSIF). In PSIF, the surgeon performs the entire operation percutaneously without the use of a microscope, endoscope, or magnifying loupes. An adjustable retractor system is disclosed that enables the surgeon to percutaneously perform the surgery through accessing the facet joint (and later disc space) that was created by said retractor system. This retractor system provides the surgeon a safe area to work and operate without fear of damaging nerves, blood vessels, or other tissue. An expanding trial may be inserted into and removed from the disc space through the interior of the retractor system to determine the proper size for the expandable cage. The retractor system also enables the expandable cage to be inserted into the disc space.