Spinal Reamer With Track-Mounted Cutter Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal reamer technologies are inadequate for efficiently preparing the space for spinal prosthesis insertion, particularly due to the large cross-section of disc replacement units, which necessitates risky surgical approaches and poses challenges in ease of manufacture and performance.
Innovation Solution
The development of spinal reamer apparatus with reaming cutter elements that can move along a track, featuring various configurations such as single or multiple cutter elements, band saw blades, abrasive surfaces, and spiral designs, to effectively ream, cut, and remove disc material, while minimizing tissue damage and improving surgical access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mostly anterior retroperitoneal approach is used to accommodate large disc replacement units, then the prosthesis can be installed, but surgical risks increase including vascular injury and retrograde ejaculation
Solution Approach 1:
The reaming process is segmented into multiple passes with progressively larger reamers, allowing the surgical space to be prepared in controlled stages rather than requiring a single large incision, thereby reducing surgical risks while achieving the necessary preparation space
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from an anterior retroperitoneal approach to a posterior approach, changing the surgical dimension and access route to avoid critical anterior structures while still achieving adequate preparation space for disc replacement
2Ease of operation
If traditional reaming methods are used, then surgical procedures can be performed, but tissue damage increases and surgical efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical reaming with a combination of ultrasonic vibration and abrasive water jet technology, substituting high-contact mechanical force with a non-contact or low-contact material removal process that reduces tissue damage while improving surgical efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasonic vibration component operates in periodic cycles, creating oscillating motion that enhances material removal efficiency while allowing periodic pauses that reduce continuous tissue exposure to mechanical stress, thereby minimizing tissue damage
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 spinal reamer apparatus enhances the ease of surgical procedures by efficiently preparing the spinal space for prosthesis insertion, reducing risks associated with large disc replacement units and improving surgical outcomes by preserving mobility and delaying arthritic changes in adjacent vertebrae.
Implementation Method 1
The reaming cutter elements may be arranged to move along a track... to effectively ream, cut, and remove disc material
Implementation Method 2
The reaming cutter elements may be arranged to move along a track... to effectively ream, cut, and remove disc material
Data Source
AI summary
Spinal reamer apparatus including a reference base with mounting provisions for mounting in a region of posterior lumbar spinal structure, a non-straight track fixed to the reference base, and at least one reaming cutter element arranged to move along the track.