Minimally Invasive Spinal Instrumentation with Modular Anchor Extensions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for stabilizing bone structures often require cutting and repositioning skin and tissue, leading to trauma, scarring, infection risks, and prolonged recovery times, highlighting the need for minimally invasive techniques that minimize tissue disruption.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising an installation instrument with anchor extensions and an inserter that allows for the minimally invasive positioning of a connecting element adjacent to the spinal column, featuring a quick-release mechanism, toggle mechanism for anchor engagement, and a securing member for easy cleaning and repair, enabling remote engagement and disengagement of the connecting element.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If conventional stabilization devices (plates, rods) are used to stabilize bone structures, then the bone components can be stabilized relative to one another, but the skin and tissue surrounding the surgical site must be cut, removed, and/or repositioned causing trauma, damage, and scarring

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebone structure stabilizationVSAvoidtissue trauma and scarring

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilization system is divided into separate modular components: anchors that engage with bone, extensions that connect anchors to the inserter, and the inserter itself that delivers the connecting element. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables minimally invasive delivery through small incisions without requiring extensive soft tissue dissection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The anchor extensions serve as intermediaries between the anchors engaged in the bone and the inserter instrument. These extensions provide a mechanical bridge that allows the inserter to be positioned and operated remotely from the bone engagement site, enabling minimally invasive access while maintaining stable bone fixation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If conventional stabilization devices are installed through open surgery, then adequate access can be obtained for device placement, but recovery time is prolonged due to tissue healing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical accessVSAvoidrecovery time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The inserter instrument is designed to be inserted through a small incision and nested within the anchor extensions, which themselves are inserted through the skin. This nested configuration allows the complex stabilization system to be delivered through minimal access points, avoiding the need for large open incisions and reducing post-operative recovery time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The anchors are engaged with the bone components before the final connecting element is inserted. This preliminary engagement establishes stable bone fixation in advance, allowing the remaining steps to be completed through minimally invasive techniques without requiring extensive surgical exposure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If a connecting element is permanently secured to the inserter, then stable engagement is achieved, but the instrument cannot be easily cleaned or repaired

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnecting element engagementVSAvoidinstrument maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling between the connecting element and inserter is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed. The quick-release mechanism allows the connecting element to be securely engaged during surgery for reliable bone stabilization, then easily released for cleaning and maintenance of the inserter instrument

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If a complex locking mechanism is used to secure the connecting element, then reliable fixation is achieved, but the mechanism becomes difficult to operate and disassemble

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnecting element fixationVSAvoidengagement and disengagement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is extracted from the main body of the inserter and integrated into the quick-release mechanism at the connecting element interface. This allows the locking function to be separated from the complex internal mechanisms, providing simple manual operation through external actuation while maintaining reliable internal fixation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS7695475B2Instruments for minimally invasive stabilization of bony structures

Publication Date: 2010.04.13 WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC INC

AI summary

Systems for positioning a connecting element adjacent the spinal column in minimally invasive procedures include installation instruments that guide the connecting element from a location remote from one or more anchors to a location proximate to the one or more anchors. The installation instruments include extensions mountable to anchors engageable to the spinal column or other bony structure, and inserters mountable to the anchor extensions for positioning the connecting element adjacent the anchors.