Spinal Inserter Device with Articulating Piston and C-Ring Stabilizer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inserter devices used in spinal fusion surgeries lack maneuverability and control over implant orientation and impact forces, leading to potential complications and failures during the insertion of implants between vertebrae.
Innovation Solution
A surgical tool with a shaft thread, a piston, an actuator, and an annular structure (C-ring) that allows for controlled adjustment of the implant's position from a linear to a curvilinear configuration, enhancing stability and ease of insertion, and a lock mechanism for secure positioning and disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional inserter devices are used, then the implant insertion can be performed, but the control over implant orientation and impact forces is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is designed with multiple articulation segments that can dynamically change orientation relative to each other. The inserter device includes actuators that enable controlled movement of the implant from an initial linear configuration to intermediate and final curvilinear configurations, allowing real-time adjustment of implant orientation during insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant is pre-configured in a linear arrangement where all segments are aligned, and the inserter device maintains this initial configuration until insertion. After the implant is positioned between vertebrae, the actuators then articulate the segments to the desired curvilinear orientation, separating the insertion phase from the orientation adjustment phase.
2Ease of operation
If conventional inserter devices are used, then implant insertion can be performed, but the impact forces are not controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The inserter device includes a piston mechanism that can be adjusted to control the impact force applied to the implant during insertion. The piston can be positioned at different depths and released in a controlled manner, allowing the surgeon to regulate the force transmitted to the implant while maintaining ease of insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The piston acts as an intermediary between the surgeon's manual force and the implant. By adjusting the piston's position and release mechanism, the surgeon can modulate the impact force, preventing direct transmission of excessive forces that could damage the implant while still achieving effective insertion.
3Ease of operation
If the implant is articulated to curvilinear position, then the implant orientation is improved, but the implant stability during insertion may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The implant segments are pre-aligned in a linear configuration that maintains maximum structural stability during the insertion phase. Only after the implant is securely positioned between the vertebrae do the actuators articulate the segments to the desired curvilinear orientation, ensuring stability is maintained when most critical.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant transitions from a static linear configuration during insertion to a dynamic curvilinear configuration after positioning. The articulation mechanism allows the implant to change shape only when supported by the vertebral structures, maintaining stability during insertion while achieving orientation control after placement.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical tool for inserting an implant in a vertebral body. The surgical tool includes a shaft with a shaft thread adapted to engage the implant, a piston coupled to the shaft thread to articulate the implant from a starting linear position to a final curvilinear position, an actuator coupled to the piston to adjust a position of the implant, and an annular structure surrounding the shaft to increase a stability of an end part of the implant on an impact of insertion. A screw attached to the piston may lock the end part of the implant. A lock lever may lock the position of the piston in at least one position, and a knob may disengage the implant from the surgical tool.