Split Cannula Endoscopic Access for Minimally Invasive Spine Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical techniques for treating spinal issues such as nerve compression and spinal disc damage are invasive, causing trauma and prolonged recovery, and lack effective visualization methods for precise tissue removal and implantation.
Innovation Solution
A multi-portal surgical system using split cannulas and endoscopic visualization instruments allows for minimally invasive access to spinal areas, enabling precise tissue manipulation and implantation of interbody spacers with reduced trauma and improved visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional surgical techniques are used for spinal procedures, then complete access to the surgical site is achieved, but significant tissue trauma and prolonged recovery occur
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula is divided into multiple segments including a proximal portion, a distal portion, and an intermediate portion with a hinge joint. This segmentation allows the distal portion to be flexed at an angle relative to the proximal portion, enabling access to spinal sites through smaller incisions while reducing tissue trauma compared to rigid single-piece designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge joint in the intermediate portion provides dynamic flexibility, allowing the distal portion to be positioned at various angles during insertion and surgical procedures. This dynamic capability enables the cannula to navigate complex anatomical paths with minimal tissue disruption while maintaining adequate access to the surgical site.
2Measurement precision
If conventional visualization methods are used during spinal surgery, then surgical procedures can be performed, but precise tissue removal and implantation are difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the cannula with an integrated endoscopic visualization system, combining surgical access and visualization functions into a unified platform. This integration provides precise intraoperative visualization of spinal tissues, nerves, and implants while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through the use of standard endoscopic components coupled with the custom cannula design.
3Reliability
If fixed dimension cages are used as interbody spacers, then spinal stability is restored, but difficult implantation at the intended site occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible cannula design enables dynamic positioning and angling during the implantation process, allowing fixed dimension cages to be delivered to precise locations even in difficult-to-access spinal sites. The hinge joint facilitates navigation around anatomical obstacles, making implantation of stability-providing cages more straightforward while maintaining their structural integrity and stabilizing function.
4Manufacturing precision
If multi-portal endoscopic techniques are used, then precise tissue manipulation is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula system is designed with universal multi-functionality, where the same flexible cannula platform can accommodate various surgical instruments including tissue removal tools, implant delivery devices, and visualization instruments. This multi-functional design enables precise tissue manipulation across different surgical tasks while avoiding the need for multiple specialized device systems, thereby controlling overall complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-portal method for treating a subject’s spine includes distracting adjacent vertebrae using a distraction instrument positioned at a first entrance along the subject to enlarge an intervertebral space between the adjacent vertebrae. An interbody fusion implant can be delivered into the enlarged intervertebral space. The interbody fusion implant can be positioned directly between vertebral bodies of the adjacent vertebrae while endoscopically viewing the interbody fusion implant using an endoscopic instrument. The patient’s spine can be visualized using endoscopic techniques to view, for example, the spine, tissue, instruments and implants before, during, and after implantation, or the like. The visualization can help a physician throughout the surgical procedure to improve patient outcome.