Spinal Rod Coupling via Rotating Top Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a coupling device that allows broken or weakened medical support rods to be coupled together without requiring replacement or complex procedures like bending or torquing, while minimizing tissue damage during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
An implantable system comprising a bottom member with slots for receiving rod members, a top member that can be attached to the bottom member in an open or closed orientation, and a set screw that secures the system by being insertable through both members, with features like protrusions and a central opening to facilitate secure locking and minimize tissue disruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If traditional coupling devices are used to join broken rods, then the rods can be coupled together, but the procedure becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into two separate members: a bottom member with slots for receiving rod ends and a top member that rotates into place to secure the rods. This segmentation allows for simpler individual components that are easier to implant and manipulate during surgery, reducing overall procedural complexity while maintaining coupling functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The top member is designed to rotate from an open orientation (allowing rod insertion) to a closed orientation (securing the rods). This dynamic transformation enables the device to adapt its configuration during the surgical procedure, simplifying the repair process by eliminating the need for complex pre-adjustments or multiple components
2Ease of repair
If rods are forced to conform to coupling device configuration through bending or torquing, then the rods can be joined, but the procedure becomes more difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of forcing the rods to conform to a fixed coupling device configuration through bending or torquing, the coupling device is designed to adapt to the rods' existing configuration. The bottom member's slots and the top member's rotating closure allow the device to accommodate various rod positions and orientations, eliminating the need for difficult rod manipulation during surgery
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device allows for changes in its own configuration parameters (orientation of the top member, position of the bottom member) to accommodate the rods as they are implanted. This flexibility in device parameters enables easy joining of rods without requiring the rods themselves to be bent or torqued into specific shapes
3Reliability
If larger coupling devices are used to ensure secure locking, then the locking mechanism is more reliable, but tissue damage adjacent to the surgical site increases
Solution Approach 1:
The top member nests over the bottom member in a compact configuration, with the set screw penetrating both members to create a secure locked state. This nested arrangement achieves reliable locking through precise mechanical engagement of the components rather than through large device size, minimizing the overall footprint and reducing tissue damage at the surgical site
Data Source
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AI summary
In one embodiment, a medical device includes an elongate member, a first coupler, and a second coupler. The elongate member has a first end portion, a second end portion, and a side portion. The side portion of the elongate member has a first receiving portion and a second receiving portion. The first receiving portion is configured to receive a first support member. The second receiving portion is configured to receive a second support member. The first coupler is coupled to the elongate member and is configured to engage the first support member to help retain the first support member within the first receiving portion. The second coupler is coupled to the elongate member and is configured to engage the second support member to help retain the second support member within the second receiving portion.