Surgical Instrument for Minimally Invasive Spinal Rod Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical methods for treating spinal disorders, such as scoliosis and degenerative disc disease, often require multiple incisions and complex procedures to insert spinal rods, which can be invasive and increase recovery time.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument system that includes a rod inserter with a flexible shaft and T-shaped beads, allowing for the insertion of spinal rods through a single stab incision using a T-slot cross-section outer sleeve and a tension adjustment mechanism, enabling the rod to be rotated and positioned relative to pedicle screws without additional incisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional surgical methods are used to insert spinal rods, then the rods can be securely implanted, but multiple incisions are required which increases tissue trauma and recovery time
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument is divided into multiple functional segments including an outer sleeve, inner shaft, T-shaped beads, and latch mechanism. This segmentation allows the rod to be inserted through a single incision while maintaining secure implantation, as each segment performs a specific function in the insertion and retention process
Solution Approach 2:
The inner shaft with T-shaped beads is nested within the outer sleeve, creating a compact structure that can pass through a single stab incision. The nested configuration allows the components to be delivered together minimally invasively while still enabling secure rod implantation at the surgical site
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple incisions are made to insert spinal rods, then the rods can be positioned accurately, but the surgical procedure becomes more complex and recovery time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inner shaft is designed to be rotatable relative to the outer sleeve, allowing dynamic adjustment of the T-shaped beads' orientation. This dynamic capability enables precise rod positioning through a single incision without requiring multiple incisions or complex surgical maneuvers
Solution Approach 2:
The T-shaped beads act as intermediaries between the insertion instrument and the spinal rod. They engage with the rod and transmit positioning forces, enabling accurate rod placement through the single incision while simplifying the overall surgical procedure
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a single stab incision is used for rod insertion, then tissue trauma is reduced and recovery is faster, but precise rod positioning and tension adjustment become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The outer sleeve and inner shaft are designed with homogeneous cylindrical geometries that facilitate smooth relative rotation and movement. This homogeneous design enables easy manipulation and precise positioning of the rod through the single incision without increasing operational difficulty
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism replaces complex mechanical adjustment systems by using a simple engagement/disengagement principle. This substitution maintains ease of operation while enabling secure rod fixation and tension adjustment through the minimally invasive single incision approach
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical instrument comprises a body. A first member extends between a first end and a second end. A second member extends between a first end connected with the body and a second end. A third member is connected to the first end of the first member and the body to relatively axially translate the second ends. The third member includes a latch and a lock engageable with the latch. The latch is disposable in a locking orientation and a non-locking orientation. Systems and methods of use are disclosed.