Surgical Screwdriver System with Integrated Guide Pin and Depth Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical screwdriver systems require multiple steps and devices for placing pedicular screws, increasing procedural complexity and time, particularly in spinal surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical screwdriver system comprising a ratchet handle assembly, a carrier assembly, and a guide pin assembly that allows for a single device to engage a screw with a guide pin, enabling adjustable depth penetration and simplified insertion of pedicular screws into bone tissue, reducing the need for separate guide pins and stylets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate guide pins and stylets are used for screw placement, then guidance accuracy is improved, but device complexity and procedural time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the guide pin and stylet functions into a single integrated device. The guide pin assembly includes a guide pin with a distal end that can be positioned through the screw, and a carrier assembly that houses the guide pin and provides depth control features. This integration eliminates the need for separate guide pins and stylets, reducing device complexity while maintaining guidance accuracy through the unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated guide pin assembly serves multiple functions: it provides guidance for screw placement, controls insertion depth through the carrier assembly with depth markings and stop mechanisms, and eliminates the need for separate stylet devices. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components and procedural steps while maintaining the necessary guidance and depth control capabilities.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple separate devices are used for screw placement, then functional precision is improved, but procedural time and steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the guide pin and stylet into a single integrated assembly, the patent reduces the number of procedural steps from multiple device changes to a single device operation. The guide pin remains in place throughout the screw insertion process, eliminating the time required to remove and replace separate devices while maintaining functional precision through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide pin is pre-positioned and secured in the carrier assembly before screw insertion begins. The carrier assembly is pre-configured with depth control features including depth markings and stop mechanisms. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for adjustments and device changes during the procedure, reducing procedural time while maintaining precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If adjustable depth control is implemented, then insertion precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier assembly incorporates adjustable depth control mechanisms that allow the guide pin to be positioned at specific depths relative to the screw. The stop knob and depth markings provide dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the surgeon to set the desired penetration depth before screw insertion. This dynamic adjustment is integrated into the carrier assembly design, adding depth control functionality without requiring separate devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical screwdriver system can include a ratchet handle assembly, a carrier assembly (either left handed or right handed), and a guide pin assembly. A screwdriver forward end can be joined to the handle assembly. A screw can be engaged with the distal end of the screwdriver over a guide pin of the guide pin assembly. A stop knob of the carrier assembly can be adjusted to set the desired depth penetration for the guide pin into the patient's bone or tissue when an impact force, such as from a mallet, is applied to the strike knob of the carrier assembly.