One-Piece Spinal Screw Driver for Robotic Trajectory Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical instruments for spinal treatments face challenges in accurately and securely inserting bone fasteners, particularly in navigating complex spinal anatomies and preventing disengagement during robotic-assisted surgeries.

Innovation Solution

A surgical system featuring a screw driver with a one-piece outer shaft and drive tip configuration, including a Torx design and internal retention mechanisms, which allows for precise trajectory control and secure engagement with bone fasteners, and is compatible with robotic surgery, enabling guide-wireless screw insertion and use with various types of screws.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional surgical instruments are used for bone fastener insertion, then the procedure can be performed, but accuracy and security of insertion are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrajectory control accuracyVSAvoidengagement security
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the outer shaft and drive tip into a one-piece integrated structure. This merging eliminates potential misalignment between separate components, ensuring precise trajectory control while maintaining secure engagement with the bone fastener throughout the insertion process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The surgical instrument is designed with a universal drive tip configuration that can engage with various types of bone fasteners and screws. This multi-functionality allows the same instrument to maintain accurate trajectory control and secure engagement across different implant types and complex spinal anatomies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex spinal anatomies are treated, then diverse anatomical conditions can be accommodated, but insertion accuracy and stability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanatomical condition accommodationVSAvoidinsertion accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The instrument design incorporates a universal engagement interface that works with various bone fastener types and configurations, enabling treatment of diverse spinal anatomies while maintaining consistent insertion accuracy through the robust one-piece construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Extent of automation

If robotic-assisted surgery is used, then automation is improved, but risk of disengagement during procedure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverobotic surgery compatibilityVSAvoiddisengagement prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The one-piece outer shaft and drive tip configuration creates a rigid, unified structure that maintains secure engagement with the bone fastener during robotic manipulation. This integrated design eliminates potential failure points where disengagement could occur during automated insertion procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3612114B1Spinal implant system and method
Publication Date: 2023.10.04 WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC INC
  • EP3612114B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3612114B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3612114B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A surgical instrument comprises a first member including a drive engageable with a first mating surface of a bone fastener. A second member is rotatable relative to the first member and includes an engagement element connectable with a second mating surface of the bone fastener. Systems, spinal implants and methods are disclosed.