Spinal Instrument Inner Sleeve Visual Locking Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal implant systems face challenges in efficiently and accurately positioning and securing bone fasteners during surgical procedures for treating musculoskeletal disorders, particularly in minimally invasive surgeries, due to limitations in tool design and disengagement mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument comprising an outer sleeve, an inner shaft, and a rotatable inner sleeve with a visual indicia system for locking and non-locking configurations, allowing for precise engagement and disengagement of bone fasteners, and compatibility with robotic guidance for improved accuracy and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional bone fastener insertion tool is used, then the procedure is simpler in design, but the precision and control during fastener placement and removal is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument is divided into multiple independent components: an outer sleeve that receives the bone fastener, an inner shaft with a drive mechanism for engagement, and a separate inner sleeve with a retention mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function with high precision while maintaining overall system manageability despite the increased complexity.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent accidental disengagement, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inner sleeve acts as an intermediary retention mechanism between the outer sleeve and the bone fastener. It includes a retention element that can engage with a retention feature on the bone fastener, providing an additional layer of security against accidental disengagement while allowing controlled removal when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument includes a visual indicia system that changes appearance based on the engagement state of the retention mechanism. When the inner sleeve is in the retained position, the visual indicia displays one state; when in the non-retained position, it displays another state, providing clear visual feedback to the surgeon about the current status without adding mechanical complexity.
3Ease of operation
If visual indicia for locking configuration is implemented, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The visual indicia on the inner sleeve changes appearance based on the engagement state of the retention mechanism. When the inner sleeve is in the retained position, the visual indicia displays one state; when in the non-retained position, it displays another state, providing clear visual feedback to the surgeon about the current status without adding mechanical complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument comprises an outer sleeve including an inner surface that defines a cavity. An inner shaft is fixed with the outer sleeve and extending within the cavity. The inner shaft includes a drive engageable with a first mating surface of a bone fastener. An inner sleeve is disposed between the inner shaft and the outer sleeve. The inner sleeve is rotatable relative to the outer sleeve and includes an element connectable with a second mating surface of the bone fastener. Systems, spinal implants and methods are disclosed.