Spinal Implant Detection Device Tension Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical treatments for spinal disorders often require invasive procedures and can lead to over-correction or excessive tension in implanted correction systems, which may result in undesirable tissue damage and cosmetic or functional impairments.

Innovation Solution

A spinal implant detection device with a detectable marker and tether release system that allows for minimally invasive manipulation and tension adjustment of implanted longitudinal elements, such as tethers, using a posterior surgical approach and image guidance to avoid excessive correction and tissue disruption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional surgical treatments are used for spinal disorders, then correction and stabilization can be achieved, but invasive procedures and tissue damage increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrection effectivenessVSAvoidtissue damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional open surgical mechanical manipulation with image-guided percutaneous instrumentation. The surgical system uses fluoroscopic or CT imaging guidance to navigate and position implants through small incisions, substituting direct visual mechanical exploration with imaging-based mechanical placement, thereby reducing tissue disruption while maintaining correction effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces image guidance systems as an intermediary between the surgeon and the surgical field. Imaging technology serves as a mediator that provides real-time visualization of implant positioning and spinal anatomy, enabling precise placement without extensive tissue dissection, thus reducing harmful mechanical trauma while achieving reliable correction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If traditional correction systems are implanted, then spinal stabilization is achieved, but over-correction and excessive tension may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespinal stabilizationVSAvoidover-correction
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs image guidance systems that provide real-time feedback during implant placement and tether tensioning. The imaging system allows surgeons to monitor spinal alignment and implant positioning continuously, enabling adjustments to prevent over-correction while achieving adequate stabilization, thus eliminating the harmful effect of excessive tension

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces adjustable tether tensioning mechanisms that allow dynamic modification of correction forces after initial implantation. The system enables progressive tensioning and adjustment based on observed spinal alignment, transitioning from static to dynamic control to prevent over-correction while maintaining necessary stabilization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If detectable markers are added to implants, then manipulation and detection precision improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplant detection precisionVSAvoidimplant structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates radiopaque markers on implant components that appear as distinct radiographic signatures on fluoroscopic or CT images. These markers provide high-contrast visual indicators that enhance detection precision and positioning accuracy without adding mechanical complexity to the implant structure, as the markers are integrated into existing components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentUS9693809B2Spinal correction implant system and method
Publication Date: 2017.07.04 WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC INC
  • US9693809B2 patent drawing
  • US9693809B2 patent drawing
  • US9693809B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A spinal implant detection device comprises at least one detectable marker connected to an implantable longitudinal element and including a capture element configured to facilitate manipulation of the longitudinal element. Systems and methods are disclosed.