Fixation Member Inserter With Simultaneous Vertebral Fastener Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current interbody fusion procedures require a secondary action to install spinal plates, which is time-consuming and cumbersome, especially in time-sensitive surgical environments.
Innovation Solution
A fixation member inserter instrument with a modular fixation member guide that simultaneously delivers multiple fixation members to attach a spinal plate to vertebrae, using an impaction rod to force the fixation members into the vertebral body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a secondary action is used to install the spinal plate with multiple fasteners, then the fixation is secure and reliable, but the surgical procedure becomes time-consuming and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the spinal plate installation and multiple fastener insertion operations into a single integrated action. The delivery instrument simultaneously delivers the spinal plate and multiple fixation members (screws or bolts) through a unified mechanism, allowing all fasteners to be inserted and secured in one continuous motion rather than requiring separate sequential steps for each fastener.
Solution Approach 2:
The spinal plate and fixation members are pre-assembled into a integrated delivery unit before insertion. The fixation members are pre-positioned relative to the spinal plate in the correct configuration, allowing the entire assembly to be delivered and secured in a single surgical action without requiring multiple separate insertion steps during the procedure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple fasteners are used to attach the spinal plate to vertebrae, then the fixation stability is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fastener delivery functions into a single integrated delivery instrument. Rather than requiring separate instruments for each fastener, the design combines all fastener delivery mechanisms into one unified device that can insert multiple fixation members simultaneously through a single operational sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery instrument is designed with multi-functionality to perform multiple tasks: it delivers the spinal plate, positions multiple fixation members, and secures them to the vertebrae all through a single instrument system. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple specialized instruments, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining fixation stability.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple fasteners are inserted sequentially, then each fastener can be properly positioned, but the surgical efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument merges the positioning and insertion of multiple fasteners into a single simultaneous operation. All fixation members are delivered and positioned in one coordinated action rather than being inserted sequentially, maintaining precise positioning through the integrated design while dramatically improving surgical efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The precise positioning of multiple fasteners is prepared in advance through the pre-assembled delivery mechanism. The fixation members are pre-configured in the correct positions and orientations within the delivery instrument, allowing them to be simultaneously deposited with precision during a single surgical action rather than requiring multiple sequential positioning steps.
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
Facilitates efficient and secure attachment of interbody spacers to vertebrae, reducing procedural time and enhancing surgical efficiency by allowing simultaneous insertion of multiple fixation members.
Implementation Method 1
When the impaction rod is impacted on a proximal and, the distal end contacts the fixation members and forces them into the vertebral body
Data Source
AI summary
A fixation member inserter instrument attaches to an interbody spacer and assists in the insertion of the interbody spacer into the intravertebral spacer. The distal end of the fixation member inserter instrument includes a fixation member guide with two or more fixation members that is configured to simultaneously deliver the two or more fixation members during the fixation member impaction process. The interbody spacer is attached to the inserter instrument by a threaded rod adjacent to the main body of the fixation member inserter instrument. There is an impaction rod extending through the device which connects to the two or more fixation members in the fixation member guide. When the impaction rod is impacted on a proximal end, the distal end contacts the two or more fixation members simultaneously and forces them into the vertebral body at the same time.