Expandable Spinal Interbody Inserter Feedback Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interbody fusion devices face challenges in determining when full expansion is achieved, making it difficult for surgeons to know when to stop inserting inserts and ensure proper stabilization of the spine.
Innovation Solution
An expandable spinal interbody fusion device and inserter system that allows for incremental expansion and insertion of inserts, with a mechanism to determine when maximum expansion is reached, preventing further inserts from being improperly introduced.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If inserts are incrementally introduced to expand the device, then spinal height correction and stabilization are improved, but it becomes difficult to determine when full expansion is achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the inserter system provides real-time information to the surgeon about the expansion status of the interbody fusion device. Through visual indicators, tactile feedback, or mechanical stops in the inserter system, the surgeon can determine when the device has reached its maximum expansion capacity, preventing over-expansion while ensuring adequate spinal height correction is achieved through incremental insert insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The inserter acts as an intermediary tool that mediates between the surgeon's intent and the actual expansion process. It provides a controlled interface for inserting expands sequentially while monitoring the expansion status, translating the surgeon's commands into precise incremental expansions and providing feedback about the current state of device expansion.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the device is expanded incrementally with multiple inserts, then spinal stabilization is improved, but the complexity of the insertion process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the inserter system: it serves as both the insertion tool for expands and the monitoring device for tracking expansion status. The inserter integrates the mechanical delivery system with the feedback mechanism, allowing the surgeon to perform both insertion and status assessment through a single unified tool, thereby reducing overall procedural complexity despite the incremental nature of the expansion process.
Solution Approach 2:
The inserter system is pre-configured with knowledge of the device's maximum expansion capacity and the appropriate sequence for insert insertion. Before the surgical procedure begins, the inserter is prepared with all necessary expands and the feedback mechanisms are calibrated, allowing the surgeon to follow a predetermined protocol that simplifies the incremental expansion process while ensuring optimal spinal stabilization.
3Reliability
If the inserter provides real-time feedback on expansion status, then surgical safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inserter system is designed to be self-monitoring and self-reporting regarding the expansion status. The device automatically tracks how many expands have been inserted and calculates the current expansion level without requiring external measurement tools or complex imaging systems. This self-service capability provides reliable real-time feedback to the surgeon through simple indicators built into the inserter itself, enhancing surgical safety without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An expandable device for expanding and supporting body tissue comprises an inferior endplate having an outer surface configured to contact one body tissue surface and a superior endplate having an outer surface configured to contact an opposing body tissue surface. The inferior endplate and the superior endplate are movable relative to each other in a direction of expansion. The device includes an elevator captively supported between the inferior endplate and the superior endplate for independent movement along the direction of expansion. In the first direction the elevator is moved toward said superior endplate to lift the superior endplate and expand the device. In the second direction the elevator moves away from said superior endplate toward said inferior endplate to create a space for insertion of an insert into the expanded device.