Spinal Guide Tool Set for Minimally Invasive Rod Implantation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional spinal surgery tools are often bulky and invasive, making them unsuitable for minimally invasive procedures, and elongate rods require long incisions and open wounds for implantation, complicating the insertion and alignment of spinal screws and rods.
Innovation Solution
A tool set comprising end and intermediate guide tools with lateral openings and snap-on/snap-off mechanisms, along with a driving tool and rod pusher, allows for the percutaneous implantation of bone screws and rods with minimal surgical invasion, using a compact assembly that guides and secures the rod between screws.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional spinal surgery tools are used, then spinal screws and rods can be implanted, but the tools are bulky and cause significant tissue trauma and require long incisions
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is divided into multiple functional segments: a driver component for implanting screws, a rod holder for securing the rod, and a guide component for alignment. These segmented tools can be inserted through smaller incisions and manipulated independently within the surgical site, reducing tissue trauma while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool design incorporates articulated joints and flexible components that allow movement in multiple dimensions (articulation). This enables the tool to navigate around anatomical structures and reach implantation sites through minimally invasive paths, reducing the need for large incisions while maintaining access to deep spinal structures.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If elongate rods are implanted using traditional methods, then spinal support is provided, but long incisions and open wounds are required
Solution Approach 1:
The rod implantation process is segmented into controlled stages: first implanting spinal screws through small incisions, then inserting the rod through a separate small incision, and finally securing it with set screws. This segmentation eliminates the need for long incisions required for traditional rod manipulation while maintaining proper rod placement and spinal support.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool assembly acts as an intermediary device that bridges the gap between the small incision and the deep spinal implantation site. The articulated tool with its modular components (driver, rod holder, guide) enables precise rod manipulation through a minimally invasive path, eliminating the need for direct hand access through large open wounds.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If percutaneous techniques are used, then tissue invasion is minimized, but traditional tools cannot be used due to insufficient clearance
Solution Approach 1:
The tool assembly incorporates articulated joints and flexible components that allow dynamic adjustment of the tool's configuration. This adaptability enables the same tool to perform multiple functions (driving screws, holding rods, guiding alignment) through a small incision, making percutaneous techniques compatible with traditional spinal implantation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular tool assembly is designed with universal functionality: the driver can implant screws, the rod holder can secure rods, and the guide component can align both. This multi-functional design allows a single minimally invasive tool system to replace multiple traditional specialized tools, achieving tissue minimization without sacrificing operational versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool set for implanting a rod in a human spine in conjunction with bone screws includes a pair of end guide tools that receive opposite ends of the rod in channels and under manipulation by a surgeon facilitate transport of the rod toward the bone screws attached to the guide tools. Each end guide tool includes a laterally extending, rigid, rod holding structure located near a bottom surface thereof. Intermediate guide tools having pass-through slots are utilized to guide the rod to the bone screws at intermediate locations.