Subcutaneous Spinal Alignment Device Using Inflatable Anchor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical methods for correcting scoliosis are invasive, expensive, and often fail to achieve perfect spinal alignment, with risks including bone fracture, nerve damage, and infection, due to the need for large incisions and complex force applicators.
Innovation Solution
A subcutaneous implantable device with a stabilizing plate assembly, rods, and an inflatable balloon anchor, which applies gradual tension to align the spine using a minimally invasive approach, reducing the risk of complications and allowing for endoscopic techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional surgical methods with large incisions and complex force applicators are used to correct scoliosis, then spinal alignment can be achieved, but the risk of complications such as bone fracture, nerve damage, and infection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the correction function into multiple components: an inflatable anchor for secure attachment, a rod for force transmission, and a tensioning mechanism for gradual correction. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while minimizing overall trauma to the spine and surrounding tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The correction system employs dynamic, adjustable tensioning mechanisms that allow gradual application of corrective forces over time. The inflatable anchor can be adjusted to provide progressive stabilization, and the tensioning system enables controlled, incremental realignment rather than sudden rigid fixation, reducing the risk of bone fracture and nerve damage.
2Reliability
If traditional surgical methods are used to correct scoliosis, then spinal alignment can be achieved, but the invasiveness and complexity of the procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device extracts the essential correction function from complex traditional surgical procedures by using a simplified system: an inflatable anchor inserted through minimal incisions, a rod for force application, and a tensioning mechanism. This extraction eliminates the need for large incisions and complex multi-component force applicators while maintaining effective correction capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable anchor utilizes a flexible membrane structure that can be inserted through small incisions and then expanded to provide secure anchoring. This thin-film approach replaces rigid, bulky surgical implants, reducing surgical complexity and invasiveness while maintaining effective attachment for spinal correction.
3Force
If traditional surgical methods with large incisions are used, then proper force application for spinal correction is achieved, but the risk of infection and tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable anchor acts as an intermediary element that transmits corrective forces from the external tensioning system to the vertebrae through minimal tissue disruption. This mediator allows proper force application while requiring only small incisions for insertion, significantly reducing the risk of infection and tissue damage compared to traditional open surgical approaches.
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
The device enables gradual spinal alignment with reduced risk of complications, such as bone fracture and nerve damage, while minimizing infections and the need for large incisions, facilitating a more effective and safer correction of spinal curvature.
Implementation Method 1
an inflatable balloon anchor, which applies gradual tension to align the spine
Data Source
AI summary
A subcutaneous implantable device for aligning a spine having a plurality of vertebrae, including a stabilizing plate assembly, a first rod, including a first end, and a second end coupled to the stabilizing plate assembly, a second rod, including a third end, and a fourth end coupled to the stabilizing plate assembly, a winding assembly, and a tensioning member including a line, the line having a first end, and a second end secured to the winding assembly, wherein the line is connected to the stabilizing plate assembly.