Spinal Fusion Implant Jacket with Radiopaque Markers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal fusion implants, particularly those made of polymeric materials like PEEK, pose challenges in intraoperative and postoperative visualization due to their radiolucency, requiring costly and time-consuming manufacturing processes for radiopaque markers that may compromise structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
A spinal implant design featuring a metallic jacket with radiopaque extensions that allow for proper placement verification through imaging techniques, where the orientation of these extensions indicates correct alignment, enhancing visualization without additional manufacturing complexities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If polymeric implants like PEEK are used, then structural integrity and biocompatibility are improved, but radiopacity deteriorates making visualization difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure combining PEEK polymeric body with metallic jacket and radiopaque extensions. This allows the implant to maintain the structural benefits of PEEK while incorporating radiopaque elements for visualization, resolving the contradiction between material strength and detectability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the entire implant radiopaque, the patent applies radiopaque properties locally to specific extensions and jacket portions. This maintains the overall structural integrity of the polymeric body while providing sufficient radiopacity for visualization at critical locations.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If radiopaque markers are imbedded in polymeric bodies, then visualization is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the radiopaque visualization function with the structural jacket and extensions components. Rather than adding separate markers, the radiopaque elements are integrated into the jacket and extension structures themselves, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining visualization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The metallic jacket and radiopaque extensions serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, enable visualization, and guide implant placement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate radiopaque markers, reducing manufacturing complexity.
3Measurement precision
If radiopaque markers are added to implants, then placement verification is improved, but structural integrity may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The radiopaque extensions are designed as localized structural elements rather than embedded markers throughout the body. This localized approach maintains structural integrity of the polymeric body while providing sufficient radiopacity for placement verification through the extensions' orientation.
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
Facilitates accurate implant placement verification during and after surgery, reducing costs and maintaining structural integrity by using radiopaque markers integrated within the implant's design, ensuring proper positioning without additional markers.
Implementation Method 1
at least two radiopaque markers extending from the jacket to enable identification of an orientation of the implant
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal fusion implant including a body and a jacket is disclosed. The jacket includes at least two radiopaque markers extending therefrom for use in determining the position of the implant after placement between intervertebral bodies. Methods of implanting and evaluating positioning of the implant are also disclosed.