Spinal Implant Revision Instruments with Clamping Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical methods lack effective instruments and techniques for revising and extracting spinal implants from the space between vertebrae, particularly in cases of disc replacement or vertebral body replacement procedures, where access and repositioning are challenging due to various anatomical approaches.
Innovation Solution
A kit of instruments including a rotater instrument with a concave distal end member, a hook instrument with a hooked end, and an extractor instrument with a clamping mechanism, designed to facilitate repositioning and extraction of spinal implants by applying rotational, translational, and clamping forces, adaptable to different approaches and implant configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional surgical methods are used for implant revision, then the surgical procedure can be performed, but the complexity of the procedure increases and control over the implant is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instruments are designed with multiple functional capabilities. The rotater instrument can both rotate the implant for repositioning and engage with it for extraction. The extractor instrument features a clamping mechanism that can securely grasp the implant while allowing controlled removal. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized tools, thereby simplifying the overall surgical procedure while maintaining ease of operation for implant revision
Solution Approach 2:
The instruments introduce intermediary structures between the surgeon and the implant. The rotater's distal end member with feet and concave wall acts as an intermediary that engages with the implant's convex wall. The extractor's clamping mechanism serves as an intermediary that secures the implant during removal. These intermediaries provide mechanical advantage and precise control, reducing procedural complexity while improving ease of operation
2Measurement precision
If specialized instruments are designed for each specific approach, then the precision for that approach is improved, but the overall adaptability of the instrument set is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rotater instrument is designed with a distal end member featuring a concave wall with feet that can engage with the convex wall of the implant regardless of the approach used. The extractor instrument's clamping mechanism can secure the implant from different angles. This universal design allows the same instruments to be used across anterior, posterior, lateral, and oblique approaches while maintaining surgical precision for each specific approach
Solution Approach 2:
The rotater's distal end member features an asymmetric design with a concave wall having feet of different widths (first foot with greater width, second foot with lesser width). This asymmetric geometry allows the instrument to engage with the implant's convex wall from multiple orientations and approaches, providing both precision for specific approaches and adaptability for different surgical routes
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the implant is extracted using conventional methods, then the implant can be removed, but tissue intrusion is maximized and control is minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The extractor instrument introduces a clamping mechanism as an intermediary between the surgeon and the implant. This clamping mechanism securely grasps the implant, providing controlled force application during extraction. The intermediary structure distributes the extraction force evenly, minimizing localized tissue intrusion while maintaining maximum control over the implant's removal trajectory and speed
Solution Approach 2:
The extractor's clamping mechanism is segmented into multiple contact points that engage with different portions of the implant. This segmentation allows for distributed force application, reducing peak stresses on surrounding tissues while maintaining firm control over the implant. The segmented design enables gradual, controlled extraction with minimal tissue disruption
Data Source
AI summary
Instruments and methods are provided for re-positioning and extracting spinal implants in a space between vertebrae. The instruments can include rotater instruments, hook instruments, and extractor instruments engageable to the implant. The extractor instruments can include a shaft assembly, an actuator assembly at a proximal end of said shaft assembly, and an engaging assembly at a distal end of the shaft assembly. The engaging assembly includes a support member fixedly coupled with and extending distally from the shaft assembly and a clamping member coupled with at least one of the shaft assembly and the support member. The actuator assembly is operably linked to the clamping member with the shaft assembly to move the clamping member toward the support member with the actuator assembly.