Surgical Driver Sleeve Mechanism for Fixation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices and methods for engaging and inserting fixation devices, such as spinal implants, have limitations in securely attaching and positioning these devices during surgical procedures, particularly in limiting rotational and axial movements.
Innovation Solution
A surgical driver with a movable sleeve and actuator system that allows for threaded engagement and release of fixation devices, enabling precise control and secure attachment by limiting rotational and axial movements through a combination of ball threads and thrust bearings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed engagement mechanism is used to attach the fixation device to the driver, then the attachment is simple and quick, but the device cannot securely limit both rotational and axial movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic engagement mechanism where the sleeve can move between engaged and disengaged positions relative to the fixation device. The sleeve's ability to translate along the longitudinal axis allows it to dynamically adjust its engagement state, providing secure attachment when needed and easy release when required. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by enabling reliable fixation during insertion while maintaining operational simplicity through the movable sleeve design.
Solution Approach 2:
The driver is segmented into distinct functional components: the main shaft for rotational engagement, the sleeve for axial positioning, and the actuator for controlling sleeve movement. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in a specific function - the distal portion limits rotation while the sleeve limits axial movement - thereby achieving secure attachment without requiring a monolithic complex mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If a simple engagement mechanism is used, then the device is easy to operate, but it cannot provide precise control over rotational and axial movements
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve acts as an intermediary component between the actuator and the fixation device. It translates the linear motion generated by the actuator into precise axial positioning of the fixation device on the driver. This intermediary mechanism enables precise control of axial movement while maintaining ease of operation, as the surgeon simply needs to activate the actuator rather than manually control multiple degrees of freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable sleeve provides dynamic control over the engagement state, allowing precise adjustment of axial positioning. When the sleeve is in the engaged position, it precisely limits axial movement; when disengaged, it allows easy release. This dynamic capability achieves precise movement control without complicating the operation, as the transition between states is controlled by a single actuator.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual handling is required for fixation device insertion, then the procedure is flexible and adaptable, but errors and imprecision increase
Solution Approach 1:
The driver is divided into specialized segments: the distal portion of the main shaft that engages the fixation device head to prevent rotation, and the sleeve that engages the fixation device body to prevent axial movement. This segmentation allows each component to control a specific degree of freedom, achieving precise insertion control without requiring the entire device to be complex. Each segment performs a dedicated function that contributes to overall precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve serves as an intermediary mechanism between the surgeon's manual input and the fixation device positioning. It mediates the translation of the actuator's motion into precise axial control of the fixation device, reducing manual handling errors while maintaining procedural flexibility. The intermediary sleeve ensures that small variations in manual operation do not translate into large positioning errors.
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
Facilitates efficient and secure insertion and attachment of fixation devices, reducing manual handling errors and enhancing procedural precision and safety during surgical implantation.
Implementation Method 1
The sleeve is movably connected to a series of ball threads attached to the main shaft such that the sleeve rotates about the longitudinal axis of the main shaft as it translates along the longitudinal axis
Implementation Method 2
A thrust bearing is positioned between the sleeve and the bushing to facilitate rotation of the sleeve relative to the bushing
Implementation Method 3
A spring biases the actuator towards the first position
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, methods, systems, and kits related to surgical procedures and instruments are disclosed. In one aspect, a method for securing a fixation device to a driver for use in a surgical procedure is disclosed. The method comprises engaging a first portion of the driver with the fixation device to limit rotational movement of the fixation device relative to the driver; and engaging a second portion of the driver with the fixation device to limit axial movement of the fixation device relative to the driver; wherein engaging the second portion of the driver with the fixation device comprises actuating an actuator of the driver to cause the second portion of the driver to move relative to the first portion of the driver. In other aspects, surgical drivers, surgical kits, and surgical procedures are disclosed.