Segmented Surgical Instrument for Minimally Invasive Spinal Wrapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tension band insertion mechanisms for interspinous spacer insertion in spinal surgery cannot pass through incision holes due to their bent shape, limiting their applicability in minimally invasive endoscopic procedures.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus for operation comprising a rod, a rotating part, and a bending part with a plurality of links and wires, allowing the apparatus to be inserted through an incision hole and then deformed to wrap around a spinous process, facilitating minimally invasive spinal surgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tension band insertion mechanism is designed with a bent shape to wrap around the spinous process, then it can perform the wrapping function effectively, but it cannot pass through the incision hole
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into multiple segments including a rod, a rotating part, and a bending part with links. These segmented components can be inserted through the incision hole in a linear configuration and then assembled/transformed inside the body to achieve the wrapping function, resolving the contradiction between insertability and wrapping capability
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus transitions from a static linear insertion configuration to a dynamic wrapped configuration around the spinous process. The rotating part and bending part enable this transformation, allowing the device to adapt its shape from a straight insertion form to a curved wrapping form after insertion
2Ease of operation
If a large incision is made to insert the tension band insertion mechanism, then the device can be inserted easily, but tissue damage increases and recovery time extends
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the apparatus into compact components (rod, rotating part, bending part with links), the device can be inserted through a small incision hole rather than requiring a large incision, thereby reducing tissue damage while maintaining insertion feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The bending part with its links can be collapsed or nested into a compact form that fits through the small incision hole, similar to a nested doll structure, allowing easy insertion through minimal incisions while providing sufficient functionality once deployed
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
Enables the insertion of surgical instruments through small incision holes, allowing for minimally invasive spinal surgery without the need for extensive incisions, thereby reducing tissue damage and promoting faster recovery.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of links being in rolling contact with each other
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an apparatus for operation that can be inserted into an incision hole in spinal endoscopic surgery. An apparatus for operation includes a rod, a rotating part rotatably connected to the rod, and a bending part connected to the rotating part and bendable, in which the bending part includes a plurality of links being in rolling contact with each other, and a plurality of wires connecting the plurality of links.