Spinal Fixing Element with Integrated Hold-Down for Minimally Invasive Implantation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing spinal column stabilization systems require multiple steps for implantation, including pressing the connecting element into the receptacle and inserting the fixing element, which can lengthen surgical time and require larger skin incisions, especially in minimally invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
The surgical fastening element features a fixing element with a predetermined breaking point, allowing it to press and hold the connecting element into the receptacle during insertion, eliminating the need for a separate step and simplifying the implantation process by integrating the holding function into the fixing element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the connecting element is pressed into the connecting element receptacle using external sleeves or extended holding sections, then the connecting element can be securely held in the receptacle, but the skin incision must be significantly enlarged or the surgical effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the holding function and fixing function into a single integrated fixing element. The fixing element includes a hold-down element that presses the connecting element into the receptacle and a fixing section that engages with the holding section, eliminating the need for separate external sleeves or extended holding sections. This integration reduces surgical complexity and incision size while maintaining secure holding.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a hold-down element to press the connecting element into the receptacle, provides a fixing section to engage with the holding section, and eliminates the need for separate external tools. This multi-functionality reduces the number of surgical steps and tools required.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate steps are used for inserting fasteners and fixing elements, then each step can be performed with standard tools, but the surgical time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fastening and fixing operations into a single integrated step. The fixing element is designed to be inserted and fixed in one action, combining the functions of holding down the connecting element and securing it to the holding section, thereby reducing surgical time without requiring multiple specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing element is pre-designed with an integrated hold-down element and fixing section that work together in a predetermined sequence. The hold-down element automatically engages with the connecting element during insertion, and the fixing section subsequently engages with the holding section, eliminating the need for separate preliminary steps.
3Reliability
If external sleeves are used to press the connecting element into the receptacle, then the connecting element can be held securely, but the skin incision must be significantly enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for external sleeves by integrating the hold-down function directly into the fixing element. The fixing element is inserted through a smaller incision and automatically performs both the holding down and fixing functions, significantly reducing the required skin incision area while maintaining secure holding of the connecting element.
Data Source
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AI summary
In order to improve a surgical fastening element (16) for a vertebral column-stabilizing system comprising at least two fastening elements and at least one connecting element (26), which surgical fastening element comprises a fastening section (20), a holding section (22) that has a connecting element receptacle (24) and a securing element (42; 42'), which can be secured to the holding section, for securing the connecting element in the connecting element receptacle, in such a way that implantation of the vertebral column system is simplified, it is proposed that the securing element carries a retaining element (46; 46') for retaining the connecting element in the connecting element receptacle.