Spinal Distraction Instrument for Vertebral Spacing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current spinal implantation techniques face challenges in effectively maintaining or reestablishing proper spacing between bone fragments, particularly in spinal surgeries, where existing instruments lack efficiency in inserting and securing vertebral body replacement devices.

Innovation Solution

A spinal implant replacement instrument kit is provided, including a distraction instrument with a distraction system, inserter members, and a method for inserting a vertebral body replacement device, which allows for precise separation and spacing of bone fragments using a spacer inserter and expander mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If current spinal implantation techniques are used, then spinal surgery can be performed, but the efficiency of inserting and securing vertebral body replacement devices is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of inserting and securing vertebral body replacement devicesVSAvoidease of inserting and securing vertebral body replacement devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The implant system is divided into separate components including the vertebral body replacement device, spacer, and distraction instrument. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and inserted through a staged process, improving both efficiency and ease of operation during spinal surgery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The distraction instrument is used to pre-separate the bone fragments before inserting the vertebral body replacement device and spacer. This preliminary action creates the necessary space and alignment, making the subsequent insertion and securing processes more efficient and easier to perform.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If proper spacing between bone fragments is to be maintained or reestablished, then spinal alignment is improved, but existing instruments lack the capability for precise separation and spacing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of spacing between bone fragmentsVSAvoidcomplexity of instruments for separation and spacing

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A dedicated distraction instrument serves as an intermediary tool between the surgeon and the bone fragments. This instrument provides controlled separation and precise spacing capabilities without requiring complex multiple tools, achieving precision while managing device complexity through functional integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The distraction instrument replaces manual mechanical manipulation with a controlled mechanical system that provides precise, measurable separation of bone fragments. This substitution enables accurate spacing control through the instrument's designed range of motion and locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If vertebral body replacement devices are to be securely inserted, then spinal stabilization is achieved, but the process of inserting and securing these devices is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of vertebral body replacement devicesVSAvoidtime required for inserting and securing vertebral body replacement devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The distraction instrument performs preliminary separation and positioning of bone fragments before the vertebral body replacement device is inserted. This pre-positioning ensures proper alignment and spacing are established in advance, allowing the device to be secured more quickly and reliably without time-consuming adjustments during the fixation phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11744706B2Spinal spacing implant, spinal spacer assembly, expander and insertion instrument, kit and methods of assembly and use

Publication Date: 2023.09.05 MEDIVEST

AI summary

Spinal spacing implants, spinal spacer assembly, expander and insertion instruments, kits and methods of assembly and use are disclosed. The spinal implant replacement instrument kit including a distraction instrument, a spacer inserter, and a spinal implant. A distraction instrument includes a first inserter member, a second inserter member, a first arm coupled to the first inserter member, a second arm coupled to the second inserter member, a distraction system coupled to the first arm and second arm, a first handle coupled to the first arm and the distraction system, and a second handle coupled to the second arm and the distraction system. Spinal spacing implants, spinal spacer assemblies, and methods of assembling and using the implants assemblies, and instruments are also disclosed.