Percutaneous Spinal Fixation Element Delivery via Sidewall Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current minimally invasive spinal surgery techniques for introducing spinal fixation elements often cause tissue damage and prolong surgical procedures due to the need for multiple access sites and transverse rod introduction.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using percutaneous access devices with sidewall openings to introduce a spinal fixation element in a lengthwise orientation between adjacent access devices, allowing it to be advanced distally to seat within receiver heads of spinal anchors, reducing tissue trauma and shortening the surgical procedure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a transverse rod introduction method is used through multiple percutaneous access sites, then spinal fixation elements can be implanted, but significant tissue damage and prolonged surgical procedures occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespinal fixation element implantationVSAvoidtissue damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the introduction dimension of the spinal fixation element from transverse (across the body) to longitudinal (along the spine). The rod is introduced through the distal end of the access device and advanced distally along the spinal column, rather than being inserted transversely through multiple separate incisions. This dimensional change allows the rod to be delivered through a single access site while still reaching the receiver heads at multiple vertebral levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The percutaneous access device serves as an intermediary tool that facilitates the introduction of the spinal fixation element. The access device includes a distal end that can be positioned at the target site and a proximal end that provides access from outside the body. The rod is introduced through the distal end and advanced along the spinal column, with the access device acting as a guide and delivery mechanism. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for multiple separate incisions and reduces tissue damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If three separate access sites are used for implanting spinal fixation devices, then fixation elements can be introduced, but surgical procedure length and patient trauma increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespinal fixation element implantationVSAvoidsurgical procedure length

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of multiple access sites into a single percutaneous access device. Instead of making three separate incisions and inserting rods through each site, the invention uses one access device that can introduce the spinal fixation element through a single incision. The access device is designed with a distal end that can be positioned at the target site and a proximal end that provides external access, combining what would have been multiple separate access points into one unified approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The percutaneous access device is designed as a multi-functional tool that can introduce spinal fixation elements at multiple vertebral levels through a single access site. The device includes a distal end that can be positioned at various locations along the spinal column and a proximal end that provides consistent external access. This universal design allows the same access device to be used for implanting fixation elements at different levels, eliminating the need for multiple specialized access sites and reducing overall surgical time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If transverse rod introduction is used, then fixation elements can be implanted, but recovery time is prolonged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespinal fixation element implantationVSAvoidrecovery time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the introduction dimension of the spinal fixation element from transverse (across the body) to longitudinal (along the spine). The rod is introduced through the distal end of the access device and advanced distally along the spinal column, rather than being inserted transversely through multiple incisions. This dimensional change allows the rod to be delivered through a single access site while still reaching the receiver heads at multiple vertebral levels, reducing tissue trauma and accelerating recovery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS7666188B2Methods and devices for spinal fixation element placement

Publication Date: 2010.02.23 DEPUY SYNTHES PROD INC

AI summary

Minimally invasive methods and devices are provided for positioning a spinal fixation element in relation to adjacent spinal anchors. In an exemplary embodiment, the device is a percutaneous access device that can be coupled to a spinal anchor, and the method includes the step of positioning a spinal fixation element through at least one sidewall opening of at least two percutaneous access devices such that the spinal fixation element extends in a lengthwise orientation that is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of each percutaneous access device. The spinal fixation element can then be advanced in the lengthwise orientation to seat the spinal fixation element in or adjacent to the receiver heads of at least two adjacent spinal anchors. A fastening element or other closure mechanism can then be applied to each spinal anchor to engage the spinal fixation element within the receiver heads of the adjacent anchors.