Spinal Implant Delivery With Integrated Disc-Space Distraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical methods for spinal fusion, particularly for complex spinal curvatures and maladies, are invasive, lengthy, and complex, often requiring multiple approaches and tools, leading to increased recovery time and discomfort for patients, and are inadequate for minimally invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
The development of an implant delivery apparatus with a distraction member and implant track that allows for minimally invasive vertebral alignment correction and implant delivery, featuring a non-detachable or detachable distraction mechanism to adjust vertebral alignment and deliver implants to the distracted disc space, with options for vertical and lateral movement of plates to correct spondylolisthesis and other spinal deformities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional surgical methods are used for spinal fusion, then vertebral alignment can be corrected, but the surgical procedure becomes invasive, lengthy, and complex with increased recovery time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple surgical functions (distraction, alignment correction, and implant delivery) into a single integrated apparatus. The delivery apparatus includes a distraction member that can distract the disc space and an implant track that delivers the implant in one continuous motion, eliminating the need for separate surgical steps and reducing overall procedure complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery apparatus is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform distraction, alignment correction, and implant delivery simultaneously. The distraction member can be configured for vertical and lateral movement to address various types of spinal deformities, making the apparatus versatile for different surgical needs.
2Reliability
If conventional surgical methods are used for spinal fusion, then vertebral alignment can be corrected, but patient recovery time increases due to invasive procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus allows for preliminary distraction of the disc space to be performed before implant delivery. The distraction member can be inserted and configured to achieve the desired disc space height and vertebral alignment prior to inserting the final implant, preparing the surgical site in advance and streamlining the overall procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
By combining distraction and implant delivery into a single apparatus and procedure, the patent reduces the number of surgical steps and minimizes tissue disruption, leading to reduced patient trauma and faster recovery times compared to conventional multi-step procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple approaches and tools are used for spinal fusion, then complex spinal conditions can be treated, but surgical complexity and procedure duration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery apparatus is designed with universal capabilities to treat various spinal conditions including spondylolisthesis, scoliosis, and other deformities. The distraction member can be configured for vertical and lateral movement, and the apparatus can deliver different types of implants, making it adaptable to complex spinal conditions without requiring multiple specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The distraction member is designed with dynamic movement capabilities, allowing it to be adjusted during the procedure for vertical and lateral positioning. This dynamic adaptability enables the single apparatus to address various anatomical variations and complex spinal deformities that would traditionally require multiple fixed-function tools.
4Reliability
If traditional implantation systems are used, then spinal fusion can be achieved, but the procedure requires extensive surgical intervention and multiple tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges distraction and implant delivery functions into a single apparatus, simplifying the surgical workflow. The surgeon inserts the delivery apparatus, performs distraction with the integrated distraction member, and delivers the implant through the same apparatus in one continuous procedure, eliminating the need to switch between multiple tools and simplifying the overall surgical process.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for providing correction of one or more maladies or conditions of the spinal column of a living being. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an implant delivery instrument and an implant for use therewith. In one variant, the implant delivery instrument includes a non-detachable distraction member for distraction of the disc space and a track for slidable delivery of an implant to the distracted disc space. In another variant, the implant delivery instrument includes a detachable distraction member for distraction of the disc space and a track for slidable delivery of an implant to the distracted disc space. In the latter variant, the distraction member is co-implanted in the disc space with the implant.