Biocompatible Joint Implant with Rotatable Cutter for Graduated Tissue Preparation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current biocompatible constructions for joint or surgically created cavities require multiple instruments and complex procedures, leading to increased risk of errors and complications during surgeries like cervical and sacroiliac fusions, as they are not adaptable for both posterior and lateral approaches.

Innovation Solution

A biocompatible construction with a rotatable cutter featuring curvilinear sections, a stub axle, connector, and windows, allowing for graduated cutting and distraction, which can be used for both posterior and lateral approaches, reducing the number of surgical tools and steps required.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If multiple instruments and complex procedures are used for joint implantation, then cutting precision and tissue preparation can be improved, but device complexity and risk of errors increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting precisionVSAvoidnumber of instruments
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate instruments (cutter, distraction device, fixation elements) into a single integrated biocompatible construction. The rotatable cutter is integrated directly into the implant body, allowing cutting and fixation functions to be performed by one instrument rather than multiple separate tools, thereby reducing surgical complexity while maintaining cutting precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The biocompatible construction serves multiple functions simultaneously: the rotatable cutter prepares the bone interface, the distraction mechanism creates appropriate spacing, and the fixation elements secure the implant. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for sequential use of multiple specialized instruments during the surgical procedure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple surgical steps are performed, then fusion outcomes can be improved, but loss of surgical time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefusion outcomesVSAvoidsurgical time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cutter and distraction mechanism are pre-integrated into the implant structure, allowing bone preparation and spacing to be performed in advance as part of the implantation process itself, rather than requiring separate preparatory steps. The rotatable cutter pre-shapes the interface, and the distraction mechanism is already positioned to create appropriate spacing before final fixation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple surgical steps (cutting, distraction, fixation) are merged into a single implantation action. The surgeon inserts one integrated instrument that performs all necessary functions sequentially or simultaneously, eliminating the time required to remove and replace multiple separate instruments during the procedure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a single biocompatible construction is used for both posterior and lateral approaches, then adaptability is improved, but device design complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapproach adaptabilityVSAvoiddesign complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The biocompatible construction is designed with universal applicability to accommodate both posterior and lateral surgical approaches. The rotatable cutter can be oriented differently depending on the approach, and the distraction mechanism can function regardless of the insertion direction, allowing a single device design to serve multiple surgical indications and approaches

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotatable cutter incorporates rotational freedom, allowing it to be oriented and positioned dynamically according to the specific surgical approach being used. This dynamic adaptability enables the same basic construction to function effectively whether inserted through a posterior or lateral approach, without requiring separate specialized designs for each approach

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12036135B2Biocompatible construction for implantation into a joint
Publication Date: 2024.07.16 BLUE SKY TECHNOLOGIES LLC
  • US12036135B2 patent drawing
  • US12036135B2 patent drawing
  • US12036135B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A biocompatible construction adapted for use in joint surgeries. Among other things, the joint implant has an anterior cutting edge and a rotatable cutter distinct from the cutting edge. The rotatable cutter allows for graduated cutting of biological tissue or structure.