Steerable Expandable Implant Assembly for Precise Spinal Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal implants, particularly expandable interbody and intravertebral devices, face challenges in positioning and orientation due to their static nature, making them difficult to maneuver into precise positions, especially in minimally invasive surgeries like microsurgery or arthroscopic surgery.
Innovation Solution
The development of steerable and expandable implants with adjustable members and control mechanisms that allow for orientation adjustment and expansion after initial insertion, enabling precise positioning and alignment with minimal manual manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a static spinal implant is used, then the implant structure is simple, but the positioning precision and maneuverability are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the implant steerable and expandable. The implant includes a body with a longitudinal axis that can be rotated relative to a control element, and an adjustable member that can be expanded from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration. This dynamic capability allows the implant to be maneuvered into precise positions and oriented at specific angles after insertion, transforming a static structure into a dynamically adjustable one that achieves high positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the implant into distinct functional components: a base member, an adjustable member, a pivot member, and control members. The adjustable member is separable from the base member and can be independently manipulated. The pivot member is separable from the control members. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall system complexity at an acceptable level.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the implant is made expandable, then the adaptability to patient needs is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements expandability through the adjustable member that transitions from a collapsed to an expanded configuration. This dynamic feature allows the implant to adapt to different patient anatomical requirements and provide customized support. The controlled expansion mechanism enables the surgeon to adjust the implant dimensions to match specific patient needs while maintaining a manageable control structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses control members as intermediaries between the surgeon and the implant's expansion mechanism. The control members are coupled to the adjustable member and allow the surgeon to manipulate the expansion without directly interacting with the complex internal mechanisms. This intermediary approach simplifies the user interface while enabling sophisticated adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If the implant is steerable, then the ease of operation during minimally invasive surgery is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the implant steerable by allowing the body to be rotated relative to the control element between a first position and a second position. This dynamic steering capability enables the implant to be maneuvered into precise orientations during minimally invasive surgery. The controlled rotation mechanism provides ease of operation while maintaining the ability to achieve accurate alignment through precise control of the steering mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates alignment features that are pre-configured to guide the implant into the correct position and orientation. The alignment features work in conjunction with the steerable mechanism to ensure that the implant achieves precise alignment without requiring extremely high manufacturing precision for all components, as the alignment is achieved through a combination of pre-configured features and post-insertion steering.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the adjustable member is made movable between collapsed and expanded positions, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustability through the movable adjustable member that can transition between collapsed and expanded positions. This dynamic feature allows the implant to adapt to different patient requirements and provide customized support. The controlled movement mechanism enables expansion and contraction while maintaining a manageable level of complexity through proper mechanical design and integration with the control members.
Data Source
AI summary
A steerable expandable implant having a lower support member and an upper support member, the upper support member movable relative to the lower support member between a collapsed position and an expanded position. The implant also includes a first control member coupled to the lower support member, where manipulation of the first control member causes the lower support member to move relative to the upper support member. The implant further includes a second control member coupled to the first control member, where an axis of the second control member is aligned with an axis of the lower support and an axis of the upper support, and where an axis of the second control member is angularly offset relative to an axis of the first control member.