Segmented TLIF Implant with Draw Wire Arcuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intervertebral disc implants face challenges such as requiring multiple devices, lack of in-plane stabilization during placement, and increased surgical access due to their predetermined C-shaped profile, which complicates insertion and may not effectively restore disc height.
Innovation Solution
A plurality of interconnected trapezoidal segments with a flexible wire and locking mechanism that can be drawn into a generally arcuate shape within the disc space, providing stability and maintaining disc height, and a breakaway section for easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a predetermined C-shaped implant is used to restore disc height, then disc height restoration is achieved, but surgical access opening size increases and manipulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into multiple individual segments (typically 3-5 segments) that can be inserted separately through a smaller surgical access opening. These segments are then connected using a draw wire mechanism to form the final C-shaped or arcuate configuration within the disc space, eliminating the need to manipulate a large predetermined C-shaped implant through a large opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant transitions from a linear segmented configuration during insertion to a dynamic C-shaped or arcuate configuration after deployment. The draw wire mechanism allows the segments to be pulled into the desired curved shape within the disc space, providing adaptability and reducing the need for complex pre-shaping manipulation during surgery.
2Reliability
If multiple implants are used to form a curved implant, then disc height restoration is achieved, but device complexity and in-plane stabilization increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual segments are combined into a single functional unit through the draw wire mechanism. The segments are connected to each other and to the draw wire, allowing them to be manipulated as a coordinated group rather than separate implants. This merging reduces the complexity of managing multiple independent implants while maintaining the ability to form the desired curved configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The draw wire acts as an intermediary mechanism that connects and coordinates the multiple segments. By pulling on the draw wire, the surgeon can simultaneously control the positioning and configuration of all segments, eliminating the need for complex in-plane stabilization mechanisms that would be required if each segment were manipulated independently.
3Ease of operation
If a flexible wire is used to draw segments into arcuate shape, then implant configuration is improved, but wire removal complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible wire is designed as a temporary element that is discarded after serving its purpose of configuring the segments. The wire includes a breakaway section that allows it to be easily snapped off and removed from the implant after the segments have been drawn into the desired arcuate shape, eliminating complex removal procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible wire is designed as a disposable component with a breakaway section that is intended to be broken and discarded after use. This approach simplifies removal by making the wire easily disposable rather than requiring retrieval of a permanent wire, reducing surgical complexity while maintaining the benefits of flexible wire-driven configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A segmented intervertebral body fusion support includes a plurality of segments, the segments including an initial segment, a final segment and at least one intermediate segment. The intermediate segment has a generally trapezoidal configuration and the initial and final segments include tapered side walls providing triangular gaps between adjacent segments. A draw wire is fixed to the first segment and passes through the remaining segments. By pulling the draw wire relative to the segments, the segments are drawn together in a generally arcuate configuration. The draw wire includes an enlargement that passes through the final segment and engages a plurality of fingers on the final segment, which prevents the draw wire from retracting, maintaining the arcuate configuration. The segmented device can be inserted through a laparoscopic device into the intervertebral space and can be subsequently drawn into the arcuate configuration to establish the desired intervertebral spacing.