Surgical Retainer for Minimally Invasive Cement Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally invasive surgical procedures for vertebral compression fractures face challenges in maintaining the positional stability of bone filler devices within the cannula, leading to potential movement and inefficiency due to the nature of traditional instruments, which complicates the delivery of bone cement and increases procedural time.
Innovation Solution
A releasable retainer mechanism is introduced to securely couple the bone filler material delivery nozzle to the cannula, ensuring proper positioning during the procedure while allowing for easy disengagement, utilizing gripping mechanisms such as o-rings, gaskets, or clamping elements to maintain the nozzle's position within the cannula.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If traditional minimally invasive instruments are used to deliver bone filler material, then the procedure can be performed through small incisions, but the delivery nozzle lacks positional stability within the cannula and may move during high-pressure delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer mechanism is pre-configured on the cannula before the delivery nozzle is inserted. The retainer includes pre-positioned gripping elements that automatically engage with the nozzle upon insertion, establishing positional stability before the delivery process begins. This preliminary setup prevents movement during high-pressure bone filler delivery while maintaining minimal incision access.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer acts as an intermediary component between the cannula and the delivery nozzle. It provides a stable mechanical connection that transfers and maintains the positional relationship between these two elements, preventing direct movement of the nozzle within the cannula during bone filler delivery while allowing easy removal when needed.
2Measurement precision
If the delivery nozzle is manually held during the procedure, then positional control can be maintained, but the surgeon must remain within the fluoroscopic radiation field increasing exposure time
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer mechanism enables the delivery nozzle to self-maintain its position within the cannula without requiring continuous manual holding by the surgeon. The gripping elements automatically secure the nozzle, allowing the surgeon to step out of the fluoroscopic field while the system maintains precise positional control on its own, thereby reducing radiation exposure.
3Manufacturing precision
If the delivery nozzle is securely fixed to prevent movement, then delivery precision is improved, but removal and repositioning becomes difficult if adjustment is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer mechanism incorporates dynamic elements such as spring-loaded gripping arms or snap-fit components that provide secure fixation during delivery but allow for controlled release. The gripping force can be overcome by applying sufficient removal force, enabling easy detachment and repositioning of the nozzle if adjustment is needed, while maintaining firm security during the delivery process.
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
The retainer system stabilizes the delivery nozzle, allowing for consistent and reliable bone filler material delivery, even under high pressures, while enabling the surgeon to operate outside the fluoroscopic radiation field, thus reducing procedural duration and enhancing the precision of minimally invasive procedures like kyphoplasty.
Implementation Method 1
a retainer for securing the delivery nozzle with respect to the cannula during the surgical procedure
Implementation Method 2
grip the delivery nozzle to hold the delivery nozzle in place
Data Source
AI summary
A system for performing a minimally invasive surgical procedure comprises a cannula, a bone filler material delivery nozzle for performing the procedure through the cannula, and a retainer for securing the delivery nozzle relative to the cannula. The retainer eliminates the need to manually stabilize and position the delivery nozzle during the procedure, thereby allowing the physician to perform the procedure outside of the fluoroscopic radiation field used to visualize the procedure location. The retainer can be attached to the cannula, and can provide either selective or constant clamping force onto the delivery nozzle.