Spinal Implant Insertion Tool with Alignment Rails and Locking Blocker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for stabilizing spinal segments lack effective tools and techniques for inserting implants into intervertebral disc spaces, which can lead to improper placement and potential damage to implants.
Innovation Solution
A specialized insertion tool with a T-handle, alignment rails, and a blocker system that allows for precise placement of intervertebral spacers, featuring a shaft with a threaded portion and internal locking mechanism to secure implants, ensuring they are not contacted by the tool during insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current methods are used for stabilizing spinal segments, then stabilization can be achieved, but improper placement and potential damage to implants may occur due to lack of effective insertion tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized insertion tool as an intermediary device between the surgeon and the implant. This tool includes alignment rails that guide the implant into proper positioning, a blocker system that controls insertion depth, and a shaft with internal locking mechanism that secures the implant during insertion. These intermediary components enable precise and safe implant placement without direct manual manipulation that could cause improper positioning or damage.
2Manufacturing precision
If a specialized insertion tool with multiple components is used, then precise placement is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components into a single integrated insertion tool assembly. The alignment rails, blocker system, shaft with internal locking mechanism, and implant interface are merged into one cohesive device that can be inserted and operated as a unified system. This merging approach maintains manufacturing precision while reducing the number of separate tools and components that would otherwise be needed.
3Force
If the tool contacts the implant surfaces during insertion, then insertion force can be applied, but damage to the implant may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the blocker system and alignment rails as intermediary structures that transmit insertion force to the implant without the tool directly contacting vulnerable implant surfaces. The blocker controls the depth and direction of force application, while the alignment rails guide the force vector, ensuring that insertion force is applied safely without damaging the implant surface or structure.
Data Source
AI summary
An insertion tool for positioning intervertebral spacers into disc spaces. The insertion tool has a proximal end and a distal end, a T-handle secured to the proximal end and a pair of alignment rails extending to the distal end. The insertion tool includes a handle secured to the proximal end of the guide rails, and a shaft that extends through the handle, whereby the shaft has a threaded portion that extends to the T-handle. The insertion tool also includes a blocker that is secured to the distal end of the shaft. The blocker includes stop arms that guide the blocker through the guide rails and toward the distal end of the shaft. The blocker may be provided in a plurality of different sizes corresponding to the sizes of the implants to be inserted into a disc space. A lock is provided for locking the implant to the shaft.