Retractable A-Frame Tool for Vertebral Space Preparation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for preparing intervertebral spaces for spinal fusion implants are inefficient, particularly in minimally invasive procedures, as they lack precision and visibility, leading to longer operation times and potential complications due to tissue and bone intrusion.

Innovation Solution

A retractable surgical site preparation device with A-frame members and a cannula system that allows for precise sizing, surface preparation, and distraction of the intervertebral space, featuring a locking mechanism and adjustable configuration to ensure accurate fit and deployment of spinal fusion implants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional methods are used for preparing intervertebral spaces, then the procedure can be completed with simpler devices, but the operation time increases and precision decreases leading to potential complications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesizing precisionVSAvoidoperation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs preliminary sizing and preparation of the intervertebral space before implant insertion. The A-frame members are pre-configured with specific dimensions and geometries that match the desired implant fit, allowing the surgeon to rapidly size the space without time-consuming manual measurements or adjustments during the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The A-frame members are designed with movable and adjustable components that allow dynamic adaptation to different intervertebral space geometries. The members can be extended, retracted, or repositioned during the procedure to achieve precise sizing, combining speed with adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If conventional preparation methods are used, then fewer specialized components are needed, but surface preparation quality deteriorates and tissue damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface preparation precisionVSAvoidtissue damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The A-frame members incorporate specialized surface structures at specific locations to perform localized functions. For example, certain surfaces may have rasping or grinding features for bone preparation, while other areas have smooth surfaces for tissue protection. This localized functional differentiation enables precise surface preparation without causing unnecessary tissue damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed configuration device is used, then the device structure is simpler, but adaptability to different intervertebral spaces is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice adaptabilityVSAvoiddevice structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into multiple A-frame members that can be independently adjusted or configured. Each member can be customized for specific functions (sizing, preparation, distraction) and can be adapted to different intervertebral space geometries. This segmentation allows the device to handle various anatomical variations while maintaining a manageable overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The A-frame members are designed to perform multiple functions: sizing the intervertebral space, preparing the vertebral surfaces, and facilitating implant insertion. The same basic structure can be adapted for different surgical needs through configuration changes, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If rapid preparation is achieved through simpler methods, then the procedure is faster, but geometric precision of implant fit is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepreparation speedVSAvoidgeometric precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The device replaces manual, time-consuming mechanical preparation methods with a pre-engineered mechanical system that automatically achieves precise geometry. The A-frame members are manufactured with precise dimensions and angles, and their deployment mechanism automatically transfers this precision to the intervertebral space preparation, eliminating the need for slow manual adjustments while maintaining high geometric accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11013618B2Devices and methods for preparation of vertebral members

Publication Date: 2021.05.25 JMEA CORP

AI summary

Devices and methods for preparing a surgical site, and in particular vertebral members, which may include a retractable tool and an actuator. The tool may include distal and proximal members. A distal side of the distal member may be fixed in a longitudinal direction and pivotable at a point of rotation. A proximal side of the proximal member may be pivotably connected to the actuator. In a retracted position, the distal member may be pivotably connected to the proximal member longitudinally in between the point of rotation and the proximal side of the proximal member. Moving the actuator in a distal direction may push the proximal member and the distal member such that the proximal member pivots with respect to the actuator and distal member, the distal member pivots with respect to the proximal member and point of rotation, and the proximal member and distal member move laterally outward.