Rotating Surgical Cutting Element for Spinal Tissue Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical technologies for treating spinal disorders, such as degenerative disc disease and disc herniation, lack effective instruments for precise and controlled tissue removal and facet separation, particularly in sensitive anatomical areas.

Innovation Solution

A surgical instrument comprising a first member with an axis, a second member axially translatable relative to the first member, and a cutting element connected to the second member. The cutting element is rotatable and has a cutting surface, allowing for transverse movement of cut tissue, and includes features such as a slap-hammer interface, positive stop, built-in awl, and self-retracting blade for enhanced control and precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional surgical instruments are used for tissue removal and facet separation, then surgical procedures can be performed, but precision and control are insufficient, increasing risk to nerve roots and vascular anatomy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of tissue removalVSAvoidrisk to nerve roots and vascular anatomy

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The surgical instrument is divided into multiple members (first member, second member) with distinct functions - the first member provides structural support while the second member carries the cutting element, allowing independent control of each component for enhanced precision and safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting element is designed to be rotatable relative to the second member, enabling dynamic adjustment of cutting direction and tissue removal patterns to precisely target pathological tissue while avoiding critical structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If a rotatable cutting element is added to enable transverse movement of cut tissue, then tissue removal precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol of tissue removalVSAvoidinstrument structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functions (cutting, tissue removal, transverse movement) are merged into a single integrated instrument with a rotatable cutting element that performs multiple operations through rotational motion, reducing the need for multiple separate instruments while maintaining precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The surgical instrument enables precise and controlled removal of tissue and separation of facets from vertebral tissue, minimizing risk to nerve roots and vascular anatomy, thereby improving surgical outcomes for spinal disorders.

Implementation Method 1

A cutting element is connected with the second member and has a cutting surface. The cutting element is rotatable relative to the second member to transversely move cut tissue.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical cutting: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS12336721B2Surgical instrument and method

Publication Date: 2025.06.24 WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC INC

AI summary

A surgical instrument includes a first member defining an axis. A second member is axially translatable relative to the first member. A cutting element is connected with the second member and has a cutting surface. The cutting element is rotatable relative to the second member to transversely move cut tissue. Systems, implants and methods are disclosed.