Integrated Spinal Access Assembly for Single-Portal Procedures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing minimally invasive spinal procedures face challenges in accessing the spinal canal due to the small size of the canal and require multiple separate devices, leading to procedural complexity and longer recovery times.
Innovation Solution
An integrated assembly of a portal cannula, trocar, and depth guide, along with a stabilization component, is used to percutaneously access the spinal canal, allowing for minimally invasive procedures to be performed with reduced complexity and faster recovery by integrating these devices into a single assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional open surgery is used to access the spinal canal, then adequate exposure and access are achieved, but patient trauma, recovery time, and procedural complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs nested components where the trocar is inserted through the portal cannula, and the depth guide is inserted through the trocar. This nesting arrangement allows multiple functions to be achieved through a single access point while maintaining procedural simplicity and reducing patient trauma compared to traditional open surgery.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate devices are used for spinal access, then adequate functionality is achieved, but procedural complexity and operation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the portal cannula, trocar, and depth guide into an integrated assembly that can be inserted as a single unit. This merging of components maintains the necessary functionality for spinal access while significantly reducing the time required for device insertion and assembly compared to using multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated assembly serves multiple functions: the portal cannula provides access and structural support, the trocar creates the initial puncture, and the depth guide ensures proper insertion depth. This multi-functionality within a single assembly reduces procedural steps and time while maintaining adequate adaptability for various spinal access requirements.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If minimally invasive techniques are used, then patient trauma and recovery time are reduced, but access to the spinal canal becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated assembly acts as an intermediary tool that facilitates access to the spinal canal through a small percutaneous incision. The combination of the portal cannula, trocar, and depth guide enables surgeons to navigate and access the spinal canal with precision while minimizing soft tissue disruption and patient trauma compared to traditional open approaches.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods for performing minimally invasive spinal procedures are described herein. The systems, devices, and methods may be used to percutaneously access the spinal canal and perform a spinal procedure in multiple locations along the canal, e.g., bilaterally and/or at multiple levels from a single access point. The systems and devices may integrate various instruments for performing the procedures, thus improving their ease of use, reducing procedural complexity, and minimizing procedure time.