Spinal Screw Tab Removal Tool with Retention Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing and retaining bone screw rod reduction tabs in spinal surgeries require significant manual force and result in contamination risks due to frequent tool removal and complex, hard-to-sterilize devices.
Innovation Solution
A surgical tool with an elongate shaft and channel design that allows for the removal and retention of multiple bone screw rod reduction tabs without tool removal from the body, featuring a deflectable retaining member and release actuator for efficient tab detachment and storage, with a simpler, lighter geometry and reduced parts for improved cleaning and sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a traditional tab removal device is used, then the tab can be broken off, but the device is complex and difficult to sterilize
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional components: a handle portion, a shaft portion with channel, a deflectable retaining member, and a release actuator. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies sterilization processes compared to integrated complex devices
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed as a disposable single-use instrument that can be sterilized and discarded, eliminating the need for complex re-sterilization processes. The simple geometry and reduced parts make it cost-effective to manufacture as a single-use item
2Reliability
If the tool is removed from the body after each tab removal, then the tab can be retained, but the procedure time increases and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple tab retention functions are merged into a single device that remains in the body throughout the procedure. The channel can accommodate multiple tabs sequentially, and the deflectable retaining member provides continuous retention without requiring tool removal, eliminating contamination risk and saving time
Solution Approach 2:
The device maintains continuous presence in the body throughout the tab removal procedure. The channel provides continuous retention of tabs as they are broken off, and the release actuator allows continuous operation without interruption, maintaining the useful action of tab removal and retention throughout the procedure
3Ease of operation
If manual force is applied to break off the tab, then the tab can be removed, but the required force exceeds what can be imposed by hand
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft portion acts as an intermediary lever arm between the user's manual force applied at the handle and the tab at the distal end. This mechanical intermediary amplifies the user's hand force to generate sufficient breaking force on the tab without requiring excessive manual strength
Solution Approach 2:
The deflectable retaining member provides dynamic adaptation during the breaking process. It can deflect to accommodate the tab during insertion, then provides frictional engagement to retain the tab after breaking, adjusting its mechanical properties during the operation to facilitate ease of use
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
Enables the safe and efficient removal and retention of multiple bone screw rod reduction tabs in situ, reducing contamination risks and procedure length by minimizing tool reinsertion and facilitating easier sterilization.
Implementation Method 1
a deflectable retaining member disposed within the channel that can be configured to frictionally engage a rod reduction tab received within the channel
Data Source
AI summary
Various exemplary methods and devices are provided for the removal and retention of bone screw rod reduction tabs extending from one or more bone screws implanted in a spinal column during a surgical procedure. In one embodiment, a removal and retention tool is provided having an elongated shaft with a channel formed therein that is configured to receive a rod reduction tab. The elongate shaft can be advanced over a rod reduction tab on a screw, and moved laterally to detach the reduction tab from the screw. The tool can include features to engage and retain the detached tab within the channel. Moreover, the tool can be configured to receive and retain multiple tabs, thus eliminating the need to remove the tool from a surgical site. The tool can also include a release actuator for releasing any tabs stored within the elongate shaft as may be needed.