Spinal Artificial Disc Extraction Tool for Controlled Keel Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a reliable and minimally invasive method to remove an installed artificial spinal disc during surgery, as the unpredictability of surgical conditions may necessitate its removal, such as due to continued bleeding from vertebrae.

Innovation Solution

A tool comprising separable upper and lower extraction tool members with distally extending arms and tines, featuring expansion pins and angled ramps to engage and dislodge artificial disc keels from vertebrae, allowing for the extraction of the disc while minimizing bone damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual removal methods are used for artificial spinal discs, then the surgical procedure can be performed, but the risk of bone damage and surgical site trauma increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of removal procedureVSAvoidbone damage and surgical site trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary extraction tool that mediates between the artificial disc and the vertebrae. The tool includes upper and lower members with tines that engage the keels of the artificial disc, providing controlled engagement and extraction while minimizing direct contact and damage to the bone surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The extraction tool is segmented into separate upper and lower members that can be independently positioned and engaged. Each member has its own tines for engaging the keels, allowing for distributed contact points and more controlled force application during extraction, reducing concentrated stress on the bone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If extraction tools are designed to securely engage artificial disc keels, then extraction effectiveness improves, but the complexity of the tool increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextraction effectivenessVSAvoidtool structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tool employs dynamic elements including spring-loaded tines that can flex and adapt to the geometry of the keels, and expandable members that can adjust their engagement force. This dynamic design allows secure engagement without requiring overly complex rigid structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The upper and lower members are designed to nest together during the extraction process. The tines of one member can be positioned within or adjacent to the tines of the other member, creating a compact integrated structure when engaged, which reduces overall complexity while maintaining effective engagement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

Enables safe and efficient removal of artificial spinal discs by securing and pulling them from the vertebrae, reducing the risk of further damage to the surgical site.

Implementation Method 1

expansion pins and angled ramps to engage and dislodge artificial disc keels from vertebrae

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP4034049B1Spinal artificial disc removal tool

Publication Date: 2025.10.29 DIAMICRON INC

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AI summary

An extraction tool useful for removing an installed artificial disc from a spine is provided. The extraction tool is inserted between the installed artificial disc and an upper vertebra and a lower vertebrae and engages the artificial disc to allow a surgeon to remove the artificial disc from the spine.