Spinal Decompression Working Channel for Protected Instrument Guidance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical procedures for spinal stenosis, such as laminectomy, laminotomy, and foraminotomy, are invasive and carry risks of nerve or spinal cord damage, including dural tears, due to the complexity and delicacy of the spine.
Innovation Solution
A minimally invasive decompression system comprising an instrument shuttle and a working channel with a guard and multi-channel guide, allowing precise engagement and protection of anatomical structures during procedures like laminotomy, using instruments like a scalpel, dilators, and trephines to create space without destabilizing the spine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional invasive surgical procedures (laminectomy, laminotomy, foraminotomy) are used to decompress the spine, then the spinal stenosis can be treated, but the risk of nerve or spinal cord damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The decompression system is divided into separate functional modules: a guard component for protection, a working channel for instrument delivery, and an instrument shuttle for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, reducing the overall risk of damage while maintaining decompression capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The guard acts as an intermediary protective element between the surgical instruments and the neural structures. The working channel serves as a protected pathway that mediates the delivery of instruments to the target area while maintaining protection against accidental damage to nerves and spinal cord.
2Reliability
If traditional surgical procedures are used, then decompression can be achieved, but large incisions are required which increase surgical complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument shuttle is designed to receive and contain the working channel, which in turn contains the instruments. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional components to be housed within a compact structure that can be accessed through a smaller incision while maintaining all necessary decompression capabilities.
3Reliability
If traditional decompression procedures are performed, then spinal stenosis is treated, but spine stabilization is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The guard is designed with a specific local geometry that matches the anatomy of the lamina and neural structures. This localized adaptation allows the guard to provide precise protection and guidance at the target area while minimizing disruption to the overall spinal structure and maintaining stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A decompression surgery system includes an instrument shuttle configured to engage a first side of a target anatomical location, the instrument shuttle including a track. The system further includes a working channel configured to couple to and advance along the track of the instrument shuttle, the working channel having a distal end configured to engage a second side of the target anatomical location so that the target anatomical location is positioned between a portion of the instrument shuttle and the distal end of the working channel. The working channel is configured to receive one or more instruments therethrough.