Robotic Disc Space Distractor for Intervertebral Prosthesis Placement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current intervertebral disc prosthesis implantation techniques lack precision and efficiency, often resulting in improperly placed prostheses, restricted range of motion, and insufficient pain relief due to insufficient resistance to wear and tear, restricted range of motion, and mismatched disc height.

Innovation Solution

A robotic system for precise distraction of the disc space using 3D modeling and computer-controlled distractors to accurately open the space for optimal placement of an intervertebral disc prosthesis, reducing the risk of over or under distraction and improving surgical precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual distraction techniques are used for disc space opening, then surgical flexibility is maintained, but manufacturing precision and measurement precision deteriorate due to inability to achieve accurate disc space height matching

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisc space height matching precisionVSAvoidrobotic system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A robotic distractor system acts as an intermediary between the surgeon's intent and the actual disc space distraction process. The system includes a robotic arm with distractor elements that can be controlled to apply precise distraction forces, mediating between manual control and automated precision to achieve accurate disc space height matching while maintaining surgical flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The robotic distractor system enables precise control of distraction parameters including distraction distance, force magnitude, and application rate. By programmatically controlling these parameters, the system achieves precise disc space height matching that cannot be obtained through manual techniques alone

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If traditional surgical techniques are used for prosthesis implantation, then surgical simplicity is maintained, but productivity and time efficiency deteriorate due to extended surgery time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgery time efficiencyVSAvoidrobotic system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic system performs preliminary actions including pre-programmed distraction sequences, pre-positioning of distractor elements, and pre-planned prosthesis implantation trajectories. This preliminary preparation and automation of routine steps reduces overall surgery time while maintaining surgical flexibility for unexpected conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Traditional manual mechanical manipulation by the surgeon is partially replaced with robotic mechanical systems that can perform distraction and prosthesis insertion with programmed precision. This substitution automates time-consuming manual operations while the surgeon maintains overall control and decision-making authority

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If conventional distraction methods are used, then procedural simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to over or under distraction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisc space distraction accuracyVSAvoiddistraction control difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic distractor system incorporates feedback mechanisms including sensors that monitor distraction distance, force application, and disc space opening in real-time. This feedback is fed back to the control system to automatically adjust distraction parameters, ensuring accurate disc space height matching and preventing over or under distraction while simplifying surgeon control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Manual estimation and tactile feedback used in conventional distraction methods are replaced with electronic sensing and automated control systems. The robotic system uses sensors, encoders, and control algorithms to precisely measure and control distraction parameters, eliminating the difficulty of manual judgment while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive surgeon control interfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20240050241A1Robotic systems and methods for distraction in intervertebral disc prosthesis implantation

Publication Date: 2024.02.15 SIMPLIFY MEDICAL PTY LTD

AI summary

Systems and methods for robotically distracting a disc space are provided for implantation of an intervertebral prosthetic disc. The system includes a 3D modeling system for creating a 3D model of first and second vertebra adjacent the disc space and identifying positions of the first and second vertebrae and generating and storing position data for the positions of the first and second vertebrae. A robotic distractor determines a size of an intervertebral disc prosthesis to be implanted between the first and second vertebrae and precisely opens the disc space just large enough to receive a selected intervertebral disc. A computing system stores and processes the 3D model and the positions of the first and second vertebrae before and after distraction.