Segmented Access Port for Spinal Surgery Instrument Angulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current minimally-invasive spinal surgery techniques face challenges in accessing and removing debris from the intervertebral disk space due to restricted mobility and limited angulation of surgical instruments through existing access ports, which hinder the proper insertion and placement of implants and grafting material.
Innovation Solution
An access port with an elongate, tubular main body and a slot extending through its length, allowing instruments to be angled relative to the port's longitudinal axis from zero to over 45 degrees, and the port can be rotated up to 90 degrees to enhance instrument mobility and visibility, combined with a light guide assembly for improved illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional enclosed access port is used, then the structural integrity and stability of the port is maintained, but the mobility and angulation of surgical instruments are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The access port is divided into a rigid main body portion and a flexible distal portion that can be segmented or separated. The rigid main body maintains structural integrity and stability, while the flexible distal portion allows instrument mobility and angulation up to 45 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the port.
Solution Approach 2:
The access port transitions from a static enclosed structure to a dynamic structure where the distal portion can flex and rotate. This allows the port to adapt its configuration during surgery, enabling instruments to reach different angles and positions while the proximal remains stable.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the access port is fixed in a predetermined orientation, then the installation simplicity is improved, but the versatility and range of instrument angulation are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The access port incorporates a rotatable main body portion that can be rotated up to 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis, allowing the port to be oriented in multiple directions after insertion. This dynamic orientation capability provides versatility for instrument angulation without requiring complex pre-planning or multiple ports.
Solution Approach 2:
The access port allows changes in orientation parameters (rotation up to 90 degrees and angulation up to 45 degrees) after insertion, transforming from a fixed-orientation device to an adjustable-orientation device, thereby increasing adaptability while maintaining relatively simple installation procedures.
3Ease of operation
If a slot extending through the main body portion is added, then the instrument mobility and visibility are improved, but the structural strength and rigidity of the port are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The slot is located specifically in the flexible distal portion rather than the rigid main body, segmenting the structural requirements. The rigid main body remains intact to maintain strength, while the slot in the flexible portion enables instrument manipulability without compromising overall structural integrity.
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 configuration enables greater mobility and visibility during minimally-invasive spinal surgery, allowing for more effective removal of debris and improved placement of implants and grafts by increasing the range of motion and reducing shadows in the surgical field.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide assembly for improved illumination
Data Source
AI summary
A method of performing minimally invasive surgery includes inserting an access port through the skin of a patient and positioning the access port so that a distal end of the access port enters or is in contact with an intervertebral disk. An instrument is inserted through the access port such that a distal end portion of the instrument extends into the intervertebral disk, and the instrument is manipulated to pass a shaft portion of the instrument through at least a portion of a slot of the port.