Sacroiliac Joint Implant Delivery via Integrated Cannula Stylet System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sacroiliac (SI) joint implantation procedures require multiple instruments, tools, and steps, particularly for dorsal, down-the-joint, deliveries, which increases complexity and risk.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for positioning a sacroiliac (SI) joint implant using a cannula and stylet in a dorsal approach, where the stylet is advanced down the SI joint to disrupt it and prepare for implantation, reducing the number of components and steps required.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple instruments and tools are used for SI joint implantation, then the implantation can be performed with comprehensive functionality, but the procedure complexity and risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomprehensive functionalityVSAvoidprocedure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple previously separate instruments into a single integrated delivery system that includes a cannula, stylet, and implant delivery mechanism. This merging maintains comprehensive functionality for SI joint implantation while reducing procedural complexity by eliminating the need to handle multiple separate instruments during the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The delivery system is designed as a universal instrument that performs multiple functions: the cannula provides access and guidance, the stylet prepares the joint space, and the integrated mechanism delivers the implant. This multi-functionality replaces what previously required multiple specialized instruments, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining comprehensive capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple instruments and steps are used for SI joint implantation, then thorough preparation and placement can be achieved, but the procedure time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplant placement precisionVSAvoidprocedure time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The stylet is pre-positioned within the cannula before the implant is loaded, and the entire assembly is prepared in advance. This preliminary arrangement of components allows for seamless execution of the procedure steps without time-consuming transitions between instruments, thereby maintaining precise implant placement while reducing overall procedure time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated delivery system allows continuous action from joint preparation through implant delivery without interruption. The stylet prepares the joint space, then the implant is delivered through the same cannula pathway in a continuous motion, eliminating the time loss associated with removing and replacing separate instruments while maintaining placement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If multiple instruments are used for SI joint implantation, then comprehensive joint preparation can be performed, but the number of components and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint preparation qualityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the cannula, stylet, and implant delivery function into a single integrated component system. This reduces the quantity of separate components from multiple discrete instruments to one unified delivery system, thereby lowering material costs and simplifying inventory management while maintaining comprehensive joint preparation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single delivery system performs multiple functions that previously required separate instruments: access guidance, joint space preparation, and implant delivery. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed while ensuring reliable and thorough joint preparation, thereby maintaining preparation quality while reducing component quantity and associated costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This approach simplifies the SI joint implantation procedure by reducing the number of instruments and steps, thereby shortening procedure time, minimizing risk, and lowering costs while ensuring effective implant placement.

Implementation Method 1

advancing the sharp distal end of the stylet down and into the SI joint... to disrupt the SI joint and prepares the SI joint to receive an SI joint implant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS20250161070A1Sacroiliac joint stabilization, including implants, systems and methods of delivering implants

Publication Date: 2025.05.22 SI BONE INC

AI summary

Methods of and instruments for positioning a sacroiliac joint implant in a dorsal trajectory down the joint. The methods may include positioning an integrated stylet and cannula adjacent the joint, removing the stylet from a cannula lumen, and advancing the implant through the cannula lumen with tamp and into the joint.