Spinal Implant Extender with Rotating Actuator for Efficient Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical systems for treating spinal disorders lack efficient mechanisms for delivering and securing implants, such as bone fasteners, which can be cumbersome and require complex procedures, especially in providing stability and alignment during spinal surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A surgical system featuring an extender with a rotating knob for axial movement and a quick release mechanism, allowing for the capture, retention, and ejection of implants like multi-axial screws, along with a design that includes tapered assemblies for smooth transitions and angular cuts for instrument clearance, facilitating the delivery and placement of spinal rods and bone fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional surgical systems are used for implant delivery, then implant delivery can be performed, but the procedure is cumbersome and lacks efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The extender assembly features a nested structure where the inner assembly is received within the outer assembly. The inner assembly includes an inner sleeve that can be inserted into and removed from the outer sleeve, allowing for compact storage and efficient deployment of implant components during surgical procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The extender assembly incorporates dynamic elements including a rotatable knob that converts rotational motion to axial movement for capturing and ejecting implants. The biasing member provides dynamic force to automatically eject the implant from the inner assembly when the inner and outer assemblies are separated.
2Reliability
If complex mechanisms are used for implant capture and retention, then implant stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extender assembly is divided into distinct functional segments: the outer assembly for structural support, the inner assembly for implant capture, the biasing member for ejection force, and the knob for actuation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member is pre-loaded within the inner assembly and automatically activates to eject the implant when the inner assembly is removed from the outer assembly. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional actuators or complex control systems, maintaining reliability while reducing overall device complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If tapered assemblies are used for smooth transitions, then manufacturing precision is improved, but manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outer assembly incorporates a tapered configuration where the diameter gradually changes along the length of the outer sleeve. This parameter change creates smooth transitions between components, improving assembly precision and reducing stress concentrations, while the taper angle is optimized to balance manufacturing feasibility with functional performance.
Data Source
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AI summary
An extender comprises an inner member including a wall defining a thread form and at least one extension defining a first axial cavity and a second axial cavity, each cavity including first, second and third portions. An outer member includes an actuator and at least one arm having projections disposable with the portions of the axial cavities. The actuator is rotatable to axially translate the inner member such that the projections are disposable between a first position, a second position and a third position. Methods of use are disclosed.