Shape-Memory Bone Nail for Percutaneous Vertebral Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical methods for vertebral fusion, such as connecting human vertebral bodies, are invasive and require large operations with significant recovery time, posing risks and limitations for patients.
Innovation Solution
A percutaneous, minimally invasive approach using a specially designed nail that can be inserted through the bone wall, changing shape to facilitate a curved path through vertebral bodies for fusion, potentially combined with expandable or self-expanding spacers for stabilization, allowing for a less invasive procedure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional open surgical approach is used for vertebral fusion, then reliable bone connection is achieved, but patient trauma and recovery time are significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical procedure is segmented into percutaneous insertion phase and intraosseous expansion phase. The nail is inserted through a small incision in segments (insertion tube + nail), then expanded inside the bone to achieve full stabilization effect, minimizing external trauma while ensuring reliable internal connection
Solution Approach 2:
The nail system uses a nested structure where the insertion tube contains the compressed nail, which in turn may contain expandable spacers or cement. This nested configuration allows delivery of the full treatment system through a minimal access path, reducing patient trauma while maintaining connection reliability
2Object-affected harmful factors
If percutaneous minimally invasive approach is used, then patient trauma is reduced, but insertion of curved nail through straight tube becomes technically difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The nail transitions from a static compressed state during insertion to a dynamic expanded state after insertion. The nail is inserted in a compressed, space-efficient configuration, then expanded in-situ to achieve the required curved shape and stabilization function, solving the geometric constraint of straight tube insertion
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameters of the nail are changed from compressed to expanded state, and from linear to curved configuration, after insertion. This parameter transformation allows the nail to achieve its functional curved shape within the constrained geometry of percutaneous access
3Ease of operation
If straight nail is used for percutaneous insertion, then insertion is simple, but curved path through vertebral bodies cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The nail is designed as a dynamic structure that changes shape after insertion. It is inserted in a simple straight compressed configuration, then transforms to a curved expanded configuration to follow the anatomical path through vertebral bodies, combining insertion simplicity with functional curvature
4Reliability
If extensive open surgery is performed, then complete vertebral fusion is achieved, but operation time and rehabilitation duration are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The fusion procedure is segmented into minimal access insertion and internal stabilization phases, avoiding extensive open dissection. The nail system delivers complete fusion capability through percutaneous access, reducing surgical time while maintaining fusion completeness and enabling earlier rehabilitation
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable nail and associated spacers or cement provide self-stabilizing function after insertion, eliminating the need for extensive external fixation or prolonged postoperative bracing. This self-service stabilization reduces rehabilitation time while ensuring complete fusion
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 a minimally invasive vertebral body fusion with reduced risk and recovery time, providing stable anchoring and potential for improved patient outcomes by minimizing tissue disruption and complications.
Implementation Method 1
The internal stress can be elastic or superelastic bending stress.
Implementation Method 2
The internal stress can be elastic or superelastic bending stress.
Implementation Method 3
The internal stress can also be temperature-dependent, in particular when using a metal with so-called shape memory.
Implementation Method 4
it can be driven into a first vertebral body via a side wall of the vertebral body in a direction approximately perpendicular to the local axis of the spine (e.g. with a hammer)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a nail for connecting bony structures, which is designed for percutaneous insertion into at least one bone. The nail (4) is configured to assume a first shape, in which said nail can be positioned substantially straight in an insertion tube (3), and a second shape, in which said nail assumes a curved shape outside the insertion tube (3). The nail is pointed at the distal end thereof.