Spinal Implant Inserter Locking Mechanism for Sterile Shaft Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments for delivering spinal implants lack effective mechanisms for preventing the inner shaft from falling out during use and compromising sterility, while also requiring costly integration with navigation systems that compromise functionality.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument with a safety catch mechanism and a ratchet lock system that ensures the inner shaft remains secured within the inserter, compatible with NAVLOCK⢠trackers, maintaining sterility and functionality without the need for integrated navigation systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing surgical instruments are used without safety catch mechanisms, then the device complexity is reduced, but the inner shaft may fall out during use compromising sterility and reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The safety catch mechanism is pre-configured in the surgical instrument before the procedure begins. The catch is initially positioned to allow shaft insertion but automatically engages to prevent accidental removal, ensuring sterility is maintained without requiring complex real-time control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety catch mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the operational state of the instrument. When the shaft is properly inserted, the catch self-activates to lock in place; when the implant is delivered, the catch self-releases, eliminating the need for additional control mechanisms or complex user intervention.
2Measurement precision
If surgical instruments integrate navigation systems, then measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation system is extracted from the surgical instrument itself and implemented as a separate, standalone system. The instrument includes only the essential mechanical components for implant delivery, while navigation functionality is provided by external tracking devices and software, reducing instrument complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary tracking system serves as the bridge between the surgical instrument and the navigation software. Passive trackers or fiducial markers attached to the instrument provide position data to external navigation systems, enabling precise measurement without integrating complex electronics into the instrument itself.
3Reliability
If surgical instruments lack ratchet lock systems, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of implant delivery is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The ratchet lock system provides dynamic control over the inner shaft, allowing free movement in the insertion direction while preventing reverse movement. The ratchet mechanism engages automatically when insertion force is applied and locks the shaft in place, providing reliable implant delivery control without requiring complex actuation systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
An instrument includes a sleeve extending between proximal and distal ends. The sleeve defines a passageway. The proximal end includes an aperture extending into an outer surface of the sleeve. The distal end includes an engagement surface and an opening extending through the engagement surface. The opening is in communication with the passageway. A member is movably disposed in the aperture. The member includes a spring and a body. The body defines a bore. A shaft extends between opposite proximal and distal ends. The proximal end of the shaft extends through the bore. The distal end of the shaft extends through the opening. Systems and methods of use are disclosed.