Spinal Implant Installation Tool with Threaded Drive and Lever Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal surgery tools for inserting prostheses, such as artificial discs, face challenges in precisely positioning the prosthesis between vertebral bodies without causing further injury, as separate distractors can lead to over-distraction and cumbersome procedures.
Innovation Solution
A medical device installation tool with a body, drive rod, and opposed levers, featuring a female threaded member that allows for selective engagement and disengagement to facilitate precise longitudinal translation and rotation, enabling controlled distraction and insertion of the prosthesis between vertebral bodies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate distractors are used to distract vertebral bodies, then distraction can be achieved, but the procedure becomes cumbersome and over-distraction can occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the distraction function and prosthesis insertion function into a single integrated tool. The insertion tool includes distraction members that can distract vertebral bodies while simultaneously holding and inserting the prosthesis, eliminating the need for separate distractor devices and reducing procedural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion tool is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a distractor and as a prosthesis inserter. The tool can distract vertebral bodies to create space and then insert the prosthesis through the same device, making it a universal tool that performs multiple functions in one device
2Adaptability or versatility
If vertebral bodies are distracted to separate them sufficiently for prosthesis placement, then prosthesis insertion is enabled, but further injury can occur from over-distraction
Solution Approach 1:
The distraction members are configured with stop surfaces that provide mechanical feedback to limit the distraction distance. When the distraction members contact the stop surfaces on the vertebral bodies, further distraction is prevented, providing automatic feedback control to avoid over-distraction and potential injury
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion tool is designed to distract vertebral bodies to the precise extent needed for prosthesis placement before insertion occurs. The tool performs the necessary distraction action in advance, controlling the separation to exactly what is required, preventing any excessive distraction that could cause injury
3Manufacturing precision
If the prosthesis is properly positioned between adjacent vertebral bodies, then correct implantation is achieved, but precise positioning control is difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion tool acts as an intermediary device that holds the prosthesis and guides it into the correct position between vertebral bodies. The tool includes features like guide surfaces and positioning mechanisms that ensure the prosthesis is inserted at the correct depth and orientation, making precise positioning easier to achieve
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The tool allows for the proper and convenient insertion of prostheses while minimizing the risk of injury by enabling controlled distraction and precise positioning, ensuring only the necessary separation of vertebral bodies for implantation.
Implementation Method 1
a female threaded member selectively engageable in a drive rod rotation configuration in which the female threaded member is engaged with the threads on the drive rod to permit longitudinal translation of the rod upon rotation of the rod
Implementation Method 2
a pair of opposed levers having proximal and distal ends, the proximal ends being pivotally coupled to a fulcrum on the body
Data Source
AI summary
Devices for implanting a prosthetic device, such as an artificial spinal implant, are provided. The installation tool can include a body, a pair of opposed levers, an optional implant holder disposed between the levers, a drive rod at least partially disposed within the body and able to be coupled to the implant holder and/or implant, and a female threaded member associated with the body and selectively engageable with the drive rod. As the drive rod translates along a longitudinal axis of the installation tool, the implant holder and/or implant separates the levers and distracts adjacent vertebral bodies to position a prosthetic device therebetween. The implant holder and/or implant can be longitudinally advanced in rotation and/or translation modes.