Percutaneous Spinal Registration Apparatus for Minimally Invasive Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dynamic reference devices for surgical navigation in spinal surgery are large, high-profile, and inadequately attached, leading to imprecision and increased risk of unintentional contact, especially in minimally invasive procedures where bone pins may loosen due to low-density bone conditions like osteoporosis.
Innovation Solution
A registration apparatus with a holding member and movable clamping members, featuring gripping members with pointed spikes for secure fixation to the vertebrae, allowing for minimally invasive attachment and adjustment to maintain precise positioning during surgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional dynamic reference devices are used for surgical navigation, then the registration device can be mounted to the spinal column, but the device size is large and requires a relatively large surgical incision
Solution Approach 1:
The registration device is divided into multiple components: a header portion, a body portion, and a pair of clamping members with gripping members. This segmentation allows the device to be inserted through a small incision while maintaining its functional integrity for surgical navigation registration.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping members are configured to collapse around the spinous process, with gripping members that can be retracted or nested within the device structure during insertion, allowing passage through a small percutaneous incision before deployment at the target site.
2Reliability
If conventional dynamic reference devices are used, then the registration device can be attached to the spinous process, but the high-profile design poses an increased risk of unintentional contact or bumping
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping members are designed to be movable and adaptable, allowing the device to conform to the anatomical contours of the spinous process rather than imposing a rigid high-profile structure. This dynamic adaptation reduces the risk of unintentional contact while maintaining secure attachment.
3Reliability
If conventional dynamic reference devices are used, then the registration device can be mounted to the spinal column, but the methods of anatomical fixation are prone to failure, especially in low-density bone such as osteoporosis
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping members are designed with localized engagement features that concentrate force on specific anatomical landmarks of the spinous process, such as the superior and inferior borders. This localized quality of attachment provides secure fixation even in low-density bone by engaging dense cortical bone regions rather than relying on overall bone density.
4Length of moving object
If a small bone pin is inserted through a small incision for minimally invasive registration, then the surgical incision size is reduced, but the bone pin is vulnerable to loosening from low-density bone
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines multiple fixation mechanisms into a single integrated structure: the clamping members provide mechanical clamping force while the gripping members provide localized anchoring points. This merging of fixation methods maintains security in low-density bone without requiring a large incision for separate fixation components.
Data Source
AI summary
A percutaneous registration apparatus and method for use in minimally invasive spinal surgery. The apparatus including a holding member, first and second clamping members, first and second gripping members, and an adjustment mechanism for closing and opening the first and second gripping members.