Spinal Implant Insertion Blade Assembly Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
The insertion of spinal implants, such as artificial discs, into intervertebral spaces is challenging due to vertebral body collapse and the risk of premature engagement of bone-engaging protrusions with vertebral endplates, leading to potential further injury and improper positioning.
Innovation Solution
A device with an elongate shaft and insertion blade assembly that shields the implant from vertebral endplates during positioning, using a grasper element to hold and release the implant, and sliding blades to securely position and lock the implant within the intervertebral space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the vertebral bodies are separated to enable placement of the prosthesis, then the implant can be positioned in the intervertebral space, but further injury can occur to the vertebral bodies
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion blade assembly serves as an intermediary tool between the surgeon and the vertebral bodies. It provides controlled separation of the vertebral bodies to the precise degree needed for implant placement, preventing over-separation and subsequent injury. The blade's controlled motion and positioning capabilities allow the surgeon to achieve the necessary distraction without exceeding safe limits.
2Reliability
If the protrusions are designed to engage the vertebral endplates for secure fixation, then the implant stability is improved, but premature engagement during delivery complicates the insertion process
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion blade assembly performs preliminary action by guiding the implant into the intervertebral space and separating the vertebral bodies before the protrusions are intended to engage the endplates. This preliminary positioning and distraction ensures that when the implant is released, the protrusions engage the endplates at the correct moment and position, preventing premature engagement and simplifying the delivery process.
3Reliability
If the prosthesis is precisely positioned to avoid pain and mobility issues, then the long-term patient outcome is improved, but the risk of over-insertion or under-insertion remains during the insertion process
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion blade assembly replaces rough manual positioning with a controlled mechanical system. The blade provides precise, controlled motion and positioning capabilities, allowing the implant to be inserted to the exact desired depth and position. This mechanical control system eliminates the uncertainty of manual insertion, ensuring the prosthesis is positioned precisely to avoid pain and mobility issues while preventing over-insertion or under-insertion.
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal implant insertion device is hereby provided. The device includes an insertion blade assembly having a set of opposed insertion blades wherein the assembly is adapted to slide from a retracted position to an extended position relative to an elongate shaft. In the extended position, a blades are adapted to be positioned above and below a portion of a spinal implant so as to shield the portion of the implant during delivery to an intervertebral space. The insertion blades assembly can also be modular so as to utilize a wide range of distinct insertion blades. Additionally, a method for delivering a spinal implant to an intervertebral space is herein provided. Like above, the method utilizes an insertion blade assembly adapted to slide along a shaft of a spinal implant insertion device.