Spinal Tunneling System for Anterior Guide Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current minimally invasive spinal surgery techniques face challenges in achieving precise positioning of devices anterior to the spinal cord and are limited by unreliable anchoring methods and tissue morbidity, particularly when using a posterior approach.
Innovation Solution
A tunneling system comprising a delivery conduit and a tunneling device with interconnected rigid elements that deflect to form an arcuate tunnel, allowing for precise placement of guide elements and implants through biological tissue, facilitating minimally invasive spinal surgery procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a posterior approach is used for minimally invasive spinal surgery, then iatrogenic soft-tissue morbidity is minimized, but precise positioning of devices anterior to the spinal cord becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a guide element as an intermediary tool that spans from the posterior approach to the anterior spinal column. This guide element serves as a mediator that allows precise device positioning anterior to the spinal cord while maintaining the benefits of the posterior surgical approach, thereby resolving the contradiction between minimizing tissue morbidity and achieving precise positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a three-dimensional curved guide element that extends from the posterior approach through the spinal column to the anterior position. By utilizing spatial dimensionality and curvature, the guide element enables precise anterior device placement while maintaining the posterior surgical approach, thus resolving the positioning precision issue without increasing soft-tissue morbidity.
2Reliability
If traditional anchoring methods are used in spinal surgery, then implants can be secured in position, but reliability is limited and problematic local debris is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the anchoring parameters by using a guide element with specific geometric features including curved portions and engagement structures. These parameter changes in the guide element's design enable more reliable anchoring of implants while minimizing the generation of local debris compared to traditional anchoring methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide element appears to incorporate composite structural features combining rigid and flexible portions, as well as multiple material properties to achieve both reliable anchoring and minimal debris generation. The composite design allows the guide element to function as both a positioning tool and an anchoring mechanism.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If minimally invasive techniques are used, then tissue morbidity is reduced, but available anchoring techniques become limited in reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The guide element serves multiple functions: it acts as a positioning guide, an anchoring mechanism, and a reference structure. This multi-functionality allows the minimally invasive technique to achieve both reduced tissue morbidity and reliable anchoring, as the single guide element structure provides all necessary functions without requiring separate complex anchoring devices.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and method for minimally invasive spinal surgery employs an elongated flexible guide element inserted so as to pass in through a first lateral posterior incision, through the spinal column anterior to the spinal cord, and out through a second lateral posterior incision contralateral to said first incision. The guide element is used to guide various elements to a desired position within the spinal column as part of the surgical procedure. Preferably, two hollow rigid tubes rigidly coupled outside the body in converging relation are used to define a working gap within the spinal column through which the guide element passes. This provides a platform for manipulation of tissues and introduction of implants anterior to the spinal cord. Procedures described include reinforcement of a degenerative intervertebral disc and restoration of a damaged vertebral body.