Percutaneous Spinal Rod Insertion Tool with Rotating Retainer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spinal stabilization systems require large incisions and additional tissue trauma due to the need for extended tissue tunneling and additional incisions, which can lead to increased post-operative pain and longer recovery times.
Innovation Solution
A percutaneous spinal stabilization rod insertion tool with a rotatable rod retaining member and pivot shaft, allowing the rod to be inserted through a minimally invasive approach with reduced tissue disruption, using a channel in a sleeve to minimize incision size and tissue damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional stabilization systems use large incisions and extended tissue tunneling to insert spinal rods, then the rods can be properly positioned and secured, but tissue trauma increases and recovery time lengthens
Solution Approach 1:
The rod insertion tool is inserted through the channel of the stabilization sleeve, with the rod retaining member nested within the tool body. This nested configuration allows the entire assembly to pass through a small percutaneous incision while maintaining the capability to properly position and secure the spinal rod through the sleeve's channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod insertion tool serves as an intermediary device that bridges the gap between the small percutaneous incision and the spinal rod. The tool includes a rod retaining member that couples to the rod, allowing the rod to be guided through the stabilization sleeve's channel to the target vertebral level without requiring large incisions or extensive tissue tunneling.
2Ease of operation
If conventional systems require additional incisions some distance from the surgical site, then rod access is achieved, but the number of incisions increases and healing area expands
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization sleeve serves multiple functions: it provides structural support at the surgical site, creates a protective channel for tool and rod insertion, and guides the rod to the target vertebral level. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate incisions for rod access, as the same sleeve structure facilitates both stabilization and rod insertion through its integrated channel.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the rod insertion tool is designed to fit through the sleeve channel, then tissue disruption is minimized, but the tool structure becomes more constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The rod insertion tool is segmented into distinct functional components: an outer tool body that interfaces with the sleeve channel, and an inner rod retaining member that couples to the spinal rod. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall compactness to fit through the constrained sleeve channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod retaining member is designed with rotational capability relative to the tool body, allowing it to rotate about a transverse axis. This dynamic feature enables the rod to be oriented correctly as it is inserted through the sleeve channel and positioned at the target vertebral level, providing operational flexibility within the constrained tool structure.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein provide systems and methods for inserting a spinal stabilization rod. A rod insertion tool can include a body defining a passage, a pivot rod disposed in the passage and a rod retaining member. Movement of the pivot rod can cause the rod retaining member to rotate and consequently the spinal stabilization rod to rotate. The rod insertion tool can be sized to fit through channels in sleeves used during implantation of a spinal stabilization system.